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The Friend, a monthly journal devoted to temperance, seamen, marine and general intelligence

Editor Samuel C Damon

Publisher Henry M Whitney

Date1869-1872

Object number00016961

NameJournal

MediumString, Ink on paper

DimensionsOverall: 325 mm, 0.95 kg

ClassificationsBooks and journals

Credit LineANMM Collection Purchased with USA Bicentennial Gift funds

Terms

DescriptionVarious issues of 'The Friend. A monthly journal devoted to temperance, seamen, marine and general intelligence' covering 1869, 1870, 1871. Published in Honolulu, Hawaiian Islands, 'The Friend' was a monthly newspaper for seamen which included news from both American and English newspapers as well as announcements of upcoming events, reprints of sermons, poetry, local news, editorials, ship arrivals and departures and a listing of marriages and deaths. The journal was the work of Reverend Samuel Chenery Damon who would go on to publish between a half million and a million copies of 'The Friend', most of which he distributed himself. HistorySamuel Chenery Damon was originally from Massachusetts and in 1842 took the post as chaplin for the Seaman’s Bethel in Honolulu. He would remain in this position for forty-two years experiencing the full force of Pacific whaling. It is estimated by records that Damon served approxoimately 120,000 seamen in a 20 year period during Honolulus busiest time. In addition to preaching to sailors at the church, Damon was incrediably active in his efforts to educate them, provide some basic nessecities and prevent them from drinking their wages away. Part of this was the printing and distrubution of 'The Friend' journal. Articles covered a wide range of practical and informative topics that related to the maritime industry in addition to Damon's sermons. SignificanceAs chaplain of the Seamen’s Bethel in Honolulu for over forty years, Samuel Chenery Damon saw himself as responsible for the wellbeing of around 6000 sailors a year who stopped there. Part of his efforts was the production of 'The Friend' which remains not only a record of maritime life during the Pacific whaling years but also as a testament to the dedication of a single man.