Our family traditionally celebrates Christmas and opens presents on Christmas Eve, and this year was no exception. So last night found us all at my parents’ home in Kahala. My sister, Bonnie, and her cat, Mr. Purrkins, are also here this year, and this time I brought along a tripod so that I could put myself into the picture. A good time was had by all!

The Advertiser has a long story today on the closing, perhaps temporary, of the Crouching Lion in Kaaawa. Unfortunately, it repeats the same error as KHON regarding the year the restaurant opened in that location, although at least it sources it to the current owner, Michael Abreau.

According to Abreau and the Advertiser:

Abreu said the restaurant marked its 50th anniversary this year. The building was constructed in 1928 as the private home of a Honolulu contractor named George Larsen. It was sold several times over the years and converted to a restaurant in 1957.

It’s simply not true that the restaurant opened in 1957. Yesterday’s entry here noted some of the evidence, including the original 1952 business license issued by the city and this published photo of the new Crouching Lion dining room in 1952.

And yesterday also brought an informative email with a bit more of the Crouching Lion story from Lorna Larsen Jeyte, a granddaughter of the original owner and builder of the building.

George F. Larsen, originally from Oslo, Norway built the Crouching Lion home in the mid 1920’s. He was a successful mason contractor who arrived in Honolulu in 1912 to help with the construction of Schofield Barracks.

George, also known as Pop Larsen, was my Grandfather. I’m Lorna Larsen Jeyte, and my husband and I own Kilauea Lodge in Volcano.

George and Agnes had six children. All of them were educated at Punahou School. George Jr. became the first Chief of Police on Maui in 1939. Stanley R. rose to the ranks of 3 star general after attending West Point. He fought in the Pacific arena during World War II. Young Agnes was well known in the 1930’s and 40’s as a ceramacist and sculptor. I am George’s daughter.

My Grandfather used the finest European craftmen to build the Crouching Lion home. It was at first to be their weekend place. Later they lived there and the kids commuted over the Pali to Punahou each day.

The massive logs used in the framework were floated to Kahana Bay…a practise used to help dsicourage termite infestation. There was a huge kettle in the fireplace and I do believe my Grandmother cooked in it. My grandparents slept upstairs in a bedroom while everyone else used the Hawaiian style hikie’e placed around the Great Room.

In 1937, the Larsen children sold the home to Mr. Fathfull. My Grandfather’s business faltered after the Depression, my Grandmother died, and the family slowly moved away.

Lorna Larsen Jeyte
Volcano, Hawai’i

Editor Kawehi Haug was pau at Honolulu Weekly at the end of last week, and has accepted a position at the Honolulu Advertiser. Congratulations and good luck on the new job!

And so it goes on a blustery Christmas morning in Kaaawa.

Meanwhile, Meda had me trying for a “cats at Christmas” theme photo, but this year they didn’t seem to want to cooperate.

Here’s Leo busy ignoring the cat ornament and preparing to attack the Christmas catnip.

Why not? Merry Christmas.