Thomas R. Foster
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Thomas R. Foster | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1835 Fisher's Grant, Nova Scotia, Canada |
| Died | August 20, 1889 (aged 53–54) |
| Occupations | Shipbuilder and founder of Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company |
| Spouse | Mary Robinson Foster |
| Children | 0 |
Thomas R. Foster (1835 – August 20, 1889) was the founder of the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company. Inter-Island became the largest passenger and cargo steamship operator in the Hawaiian Islands and the parent company of Inter-Island Airways, which later changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines. Foster's home and land were donated to the city of Honolulu, and is now the Foster Botanical Garden.
Foster was a shipbuilder in Canada who moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, in 1857.[1] He found employment with shipbuilder John Robinson and married his daughter Mary Robinson in 1861.[2]
Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company
On February 7, 1883, Captain Foster incorporated the Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company.[3][4] Some of the company's early ships included the SS James Makee, SS Planter, SS C.R. Bishop, SS Iwalani, and the SS Helene.[4] After the acquisition of the Wilder Steamship Company in 1905, Inter-Island became the largest steamship company in the Hawaiian Islands.[5] In 1929, Inter-Island Steam Navigation incorporated a subsidiary, Inter-Island Airways which changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines in 1941.
T.R. Foster Building
In 1891, shortly after Foster's death, Inter-Island erected the T.R. Foster building at the intersection of Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street in the heart of Honolulu's Merchant Square.[6] The T.R. Foster Building was originally used as a warehouse, but currently houses a bar and restaurant.[7]
