Have you really looked at the Exalted Ruler’s chair? It’s easy to miss, hidden behind the ER and podium during meetings. Our centennial brought the chair to the notice of Hawaiian furniture expert, Irving Jenkins who called the chair a fine example of ‘fantasy furniture.’ Crafted to create an impression, the chair was to be fit for an Exalted Ruler and to represent the lodge itself. The chair also tells a story of the connection between Hilo and Honolulu lodges, and of the craftsmanship of a patriot and veteran.
The handsome chair is made with 3 or 4 different Hawaiian woods making good use of grain and color. Koa pieces were carefully selected to show curls and whorls in the grain. Especially well placed is a piece of uncommon ‘oil spot’ koa. The chair back bears the word “Honolulu” and “BPOE 616.” Around the word “Honolulu,” stippling textures the wood. A 5-point star is on the back of the chair and the seat bears a 6-point star, both of delicate and intricately matched inlays. Together the 11 star-points may reference the Elks 11 o’clock toast in memory of departed members.
Further evidence of the chair’s craftsmanship: major pieces are linked by mortise and tenon, not dowel construction. On the underside of the chair is scrawled, “Made by A. Richley Aug 1914.”
Anthony Richley was a 1902 charter member of Hilo Lodge 759. He apparently came to Hawaii soon after Territorial status was conferred, to work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on lighthouses, and other public projects. He learned architecture and construction in Chicago, working on buildings like San Francisco’s Palace Hotel, San Diego’s Coronado Hotel, and the “Oregonian” printing plant, before coming to Hawaii. From 1902-1907 Richley worked in Hilo as a contractor and architect. He advertised his experience in building banks, warehouses, and office buildings, with cold storage facilities being “a Specialty.” 
In addition to his architecture work, starting in April 1905, Richley headed The Hawaiian Mahogany Lumber Company. The company operated a sawmill near the Volcano House. Hawaiian Mahogany’s operation began to fade in 1909, and ceased in 1917.
In 1907 Richley left Hilo and came to Honolulu. He continued his work as an architect and association with the Army Corps, but also worked with the Hawaii Department of Public Works. He attended lodge meetings at 616, but didn’t change his membership from 759 until 1917. Richley maintained his residence and business at 1411 S. Beretania [near Beretania and Keeaumoku streets, makai (ocean) side].
Richley’s interest in fine Hawaiian woods did not fade with the end of The Hawaiian Mahogany Lumber Company. Anthony Richley was a woodworker at heart. When and how Richley was trained in woodworking is unknown. The ER’s chair is advanced work, yet until his name was noticed on the chair, Richley was unknown as a woodworker. The ER’s chair is a finely crafted labor of love. Creation of a chair of this complexity would require a woodworking shop with the right equipment, tools, and space. The most likely location was the Honolulu Steam Planing Mill run by fellow Elk Jack Lucas. Several independent wood-workers used space at the Mill.
Anthony Richley was born in Fayette, New York, January 9, 1844. When he died April 28, 1921, he was buried with military honors. Why? As a teen he served in the 75th New York Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. After fighting in 42 engagements, he was wounded in the leg in 1863 at Pleasant Hill, Louisiana, bearing scars until his death.
So really look at that chair. When you do, you will see the history of our nation, of Hawaii, and of the Honolulu and Hilo lodges.
Anita Manning, Lodge Historian
References:
616 membership files [thanks toPER / Secretary Yasuda for his help]
Jenkins, Irving Hawaiian Furniture and Hawaii’s Cabinetmakers, 1983
[Thanks to Mr. Jenkins for his critique of the chair’s craftsmanship]
Men of Hawaii, 1921, Honolulu Star-Bulletin Printing
Polk-Husted City Directory, volumes 1902-1921
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