Born in 1846 to a family descended from ali‘i, Victoria Ward was a firm supporter and friend to Queen Lili‘uokalani. She was a champion of Hawai‘i, particularly after the overthrow of the Queen in the 1890s. Throughout this uncertain period of historic change, Victoria Ward sustained the islands’ host culture by opening her home to Hawaiian music, traditional gatherings, and the continued practice of Hawaiian arts and ʻŌlelo (language). She was active in politics, a life-long supporter and friend of kings and queens, and signed the Hui Aloha Aina petition against annexation.
Upon the death of her husband in 1882, Victoria Ward was left to raise their seven daughters as a single mother. Fortunately, the estate, located in lush Kukuluaeo, supported productive marshlands, salt ponds, fishponds, and farmland. Victoria Ward resourcefully used the abundant native landscape to support her family, and in doing so she honored her kuleana (responsibility, right, and stewardship). Victoria Ward was also a discerning businesswoman. Under her care, the estate’s land and sea resources produced abundantly. Victoria Ward oversaw the addition of thousands of coconut trees to the estate and the restoration of a large Hawaiian fishpond, laying the foundation for a comfortable, self-reliant, and self-sustaining home.
Source: https://www.wardvillage.com/about/legacy/
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