Ka Puana: A Ranching Legacy Honored

Richard Smart was the last of the Parker family to own and manage Parker Ranch. His legacy made its mark on not only today’s Parker Ranch, but the community of Waimea. Rather than ranching, he chose the career path of a Broadway theatrical performer. In a new book about his life, authors William C. Bergin, DVM, and Dexter Keawe‘ehu Vredenburg, both with personal and professional ties to Parker Ranch, explore the diverse character of Richard Smart and all of his passions. The following is excerpted from the book’s introduction, by the authors.

“Smart’s enjoyment of life was in singing, acting, and ranch managing, in that order. That imposition of Broadway on ranch economics was ultimately responsible for certain adjustments to the supporting cast at Parker Ranch – that is, firings, new job openings, periodic deposits of largesse on employees. Just as a director might post a star on an actor’s dressing room door halfway through a run, the director is equally empowered to remove that star four weeks later in favor of a newly hired actor whose performance brought the house down. In Richard Smart’s case, his perceptions and emotions as director (or ranch owner) had as much to do with cast changes as the producer’s or chief accountant’s cash bottom line. The happiness of employees, like the applause of the audience, was as important to him as the immediate economic outcome.”

Right: Richard Smart with actress Nanette Fabray – Photo from the book.

Richard Smart of the Legendary Parker Ranch, by William C. Bergin, DVM and Dexter Keawe‘ehu Vredenburg, is available at local vendors: Kona Stories, Basically Books, Parker Ranch Store, KTAs and Hilo Hattie’s.

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