Hawaiian Delegate Victor S. K. Houston and his wife, Pinao Brickwood Houston, brought the Hawaiian holiday Lei Day to Washington, D.C., in 1929. They presented leis, which were handmade by Mrs. Houston, to Speaker Longworth, as well as the President, First Lady, Vice President, and Secretary of the Interior. A traditional, handmade lei was unique, requiring hours of meticulous work. The flowers and arrangement were chosen to fit the recipient.
