Hugo Gebauer arrived in Samoa in 1884 at the age of 22 . He was born in Konigsberg , Prussia , and came to Samoa under contract to the DH & PG . This photo by John Davis , of Apia , looks to have been taken soon after Hugo ’ s arrival . Hugo and Emma married in about 1886 and were reportedly given a house by Emma ’ s parents as a wedding present .
Scan from Hugo Gebauer ’ s Almanac , Spemann Family collection
Spemann Family Collection , Photographer John Davis
The Gebauers spent some time managing a Savai ’ i post for the DH & PG , followed by Hugo ’ s appointment to several positions with the company in Apia . He then went into business on his own , establishing a general store on Beach Rd , at
Matafele , where the Chan Mow supermarket now stands . This image shows some pages from Hugo ’ s copy of the German Almanac for Samoa , published in 1905 . Hugo has signed the cover on the left . His advertisement on the right advises in German , “ Sale of goods of all kinds , wholesale or retail .”
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