Mary Dillingham Frear, wife of former Territorial Governor Walter F. Frear, was one of Hawaii’s most influential civilian leaders during World War I. She served as the chair of the Women’s Committee of the Territorial Food Commission and led initiatives to increase local food production and reduce reliance on imports. Through educational campaigns and home gardening efforts, she helped mobilize women across the islands to contribute to food security during wartime. Mrs. Frear also had a major role in the Red Cross, promoting volunteerism and wartime service among Hawaii’s women and youth. Her leadership represented the strong civic response of Hawaii’s women to the national call for support.
