This marks my second blog post regarding Duke Kahanamoku.
In my initial entry, I highlighted that my interest in him did not stem from the first account I presented, which focused on his childhood.
I have limited insights to share about him as a young boy, as I was not yet born during his lifetime — from the day he was born until his passing.
Instead, this blog will focus on what I have learned about him, my reflections on that information, and the various ephemera I have discovered, purchased, and am currently collecting.
The topics I cover will be diverse and will not necessarily focus on his early years but will reflect what I have previously shared on various social media platforms.
For instance, just yesterday I received an exciting package in the mail.
It all began a month ago when I stumbled upon a vintage sport magazine, which featured an article about Duke Kahanamoku.
Upon receiving the magazine, I carefully cut out the articles and placed them in a binder dedicated to Duke.
I subsequently purchased another copy, intending to cut out articles for resale, but I decided not to do it.
Last week, I contacted that publication to inquire if that issue was the only one featuring Duke.
The owner responded, indicating that they might have additional items in their archives but needed some time to compile them.
After a week, the owner informed me that he had located several vintage Photo Press items, including a page from their magazine that featured Duke alongside the owner’s friend, a pamphlet written by Malcolm Gault-Williams about Duke, and a vintage Hawaiian book authored by the same writer.
When the owner brought up the photo press, my curiosity deepened — I know there are so many photos of Duke listed online, but they are duplicates, or someone will take a snapshot of his picture and list them without even saying reproduced.
My mentality when I offered a price is based on trust — even if the photo press turned out to be a reproduction, I would be grateful, because I had already established myself as a repeat buyer with that now-closed magazine company.
I received the items yesterday and created a video showcasing my collection.
What is particularly fascinating is that the back of the Photo Press includes cutout information about the images.
These press releases originated from the Associated Press in 1999, making them true gems and unexpectedly delightful finds.
The written material comprises 44 pages, and despite being a printout, the paper exhibits signs of age, characterized by its slight discoloration.
The distinct aroma of vintage paper is subtly present as well.
What will I do with these items?
The Photo Press will be stored in moisture-free protector sleeves, while the rest will be safeguarded within Duke’s binder.
I emailed the owner of that now-closed company last night with inquiries about the Photo Press.
He explained that such items are sometimes sent to them by individuals, while the Associated Press occasionally provides them as well.
The fact that my items were sent to that company adds to their uniqueness. These items significantly elevated my energy — finds like these are rare.
The enjoyable experience of searching for them only added to that uplift.
Given my large collection of press photographs featuring movie actors and actresses, I plan to offer these images to that publication, provided their articles align with my press photos.
This initiative serves as a way to express my gratitude for the enjoyable journey I experienced with the owner of that now-closed magazine company.
Is it merely a matter of luck?
I would argue not.
I firmly believe in my inherent resourcefulness.
By reaching out to the company I suspected might have these items, I positioned myself on the winning side.
In essence, it underscores the POWER OF ASKING — I consistently receive positive responses when I do so.
After completing a few other tasks, I finally found the time to sit down and write this blog.
I hope you enjoy reading it.
Please return for my next entry!
