Kalei Montgomery (1872-1953) was for many years Kaua‘i’s jail keeper, first at the old Nawiliwili jail, once located atop the bluff overlooking Nawiliwili Bay, where the bulk sugar storage warehouse presently stands, and later, at the jail that replaced it
Kalei Montgomery (1872-1953) was for many years Kaua‘i’s jail keeper, first at the old Nawiliwili jail, once located atop the bluff overlooking Nawiliwili Bay, where the bulk sugar storage warehouse presently stands, and later, at the jail that replaced it in 1936, nicknamed the “Montgomery Hotel,” which was situated on the site of the present Kaua‘i Community Correctional Center and was demolished in 1978.
Prior to his taking on the job of Kaua‘i’s jailer, Montgomery -— who with his cordial smile and sparkling eyes was a most unlikely looking jail keeper — had played clarinet with the Royal Hawaiian Band that had toured the U. S. Mainland during 1895-1896.
Founded in 1836 by Kamehameha III, the Royal Hawaiian Band was led at that time by Prussian-born Henri Berger, a naturalized Hawaiian subject and close friend of Lydia Dominis, even before she became Queen Liliuokalani.
Berger and his 38 musicians sailed from Honolulu to San Francisco on June 15, 1895. Upon their arrival, they marched to the office of California business magnate John D. Spreckels, who’d paid their passage, and began playing in the street, which caused traffic to stop for blocks around, and office workers, charmed by hearing the music, to cease their work in nearby buildings.
In Dallas, Texas, the band alternated playing at a fair with the band of American composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. Sousa, renowned for his American military and patriotic marches, was impressed by the Hawaiian band’s ability to break off from playing their instruments, sing a chorus or two, and then continue playing.
While in Dallas, the band also played at a rally for politician William Jennings Bryan.
After touring several cities, the band worked their way back to San Francisco with Ringling Brothers Circus and returned to Honolulu on Dec. 22, 1896.
