"Doc's Story"
In 1925, Robert "Doc" Cooke of the Mutual Telephone Company of Honolulu was sent to Kalaupapa Leprosy Settlement to attempt to install radio receivers that would enable the residents to hear radio. Although all previous attempts had failed, Doc was successful, and consequently won the respect of the patients of Kalaupapa, who considered him "a 'Kahuna' of unusual power". So when a successor was needed to replace the out-going Superintendent, Doc was suggested and agreed upon.This the story of Doc's time there, from 1925 to 1939, told through newspaper articles, letters, and photographs.
Note: Although the term "leper" is used in the historic newspaper clippings on this website, this term is outdated. Leprosy is now called "Hansen's Disease" and those who have it are called "Patients". The people of Kalaupapa call themselves "residents".

"The Footprint Girl"
In the beginning, it had nothing to do with the footprint in the sidewalk - very few people even knew it existed. In the end, this miniscule piece of Kalaupapa's history would be the centerpiece of a celebration, and the little girl who's small feet were pressed into the wet cement on Sept. 10, 1932 would be welcomed back home, 70 years after leaving.

"Photo Archives"
Historic photographs of Doc Cooke, family, friends, and places of Kalaupapa.

"Chronologies"
Interesting facts, events, and people in the history of Kalaupapa, listed chronologically.

 

"Letters & Chapters"
Writings about Kalaupapa by the famous and not-so-famous; including Robert Louis Stevenson, Ernie Pyle, Jack London, and Doc Cooke.

"FAQ's & Resources"
Frequently asked questions about Hansen's disease, links to some informative Hansen's disease and Kalaupapa-related websites and articles; books I used while researching my own family history and the history of Kalaupapa; and organizations you can contact to obtain records and indexes vital to researching your own Hawaiian family roots.