In the Kellys' 1930s Black Point neighborhood, some of the people the family had the most interactions with were the local Hawaiian fishermen from the nearby fishing villages.
Their Hawaiian neighbors named the Kelly home Hale Aloha because of the pāʻina (feasts) they would host, and because of the Kellys' open-door policy. At their home, it was not uncommon to find someone pounding poi, or dancing hula in the backyard. When times were tough (the Kellys depended on intermittent art sales to eat), the fishermen would share their catch with the Kelly family, a generosity which was greatly appreciated and reciprocated. The fishermen Kate took photos of would be given fine art prints as gifts, and in turn, she was granted the opportunity to be a part of the daily lives of her native neighbors.
Amoka was a family friend and sometime model. Photo by Kate Kelly, circa 1930.
“Mapala” by Kate Kelly. Mapala was John Kelly Jr.'s kupuna, mentor, and adopted grandfather. Black Point was his main fishing area. He may have been one of the Hawaiians displaced from Waikiki.
This spear fisherman (name unknown) was a fishermen in the Black Point neighborhood who regularly shared his catch with the Kelly family.