Richard H. “Manduke” Baldwin
Year Inducted: 2003
Haleakala Ranch | Maui
“Manduke” took over as President of Haleakala Ranch in 1968. But it was in the 1930’s that he began his 50-year career there.
As a student, he spent his summers on the ranch, often heading over to Ulupalakua Ranch to rope wild cattle with legendary Hawaiian cowboy, Ikua Purdy.
Often referred to as “the Cattleman of the Century”, Manduke was renowned for his ability as a cowboy and for his understanding of genetics in cattle breeding. He was very knowledgeable about all the grasses and clovers growing on Maui, and was in the forefront of introducing new species to increase forage production for cattle. He was also the first rancher to bring the Santa Gertrudis breed to Maui. At Haleakala Ranch today you will still see evidence of this strong cattle breeding and the benefits reaped from Manduke’s soil and forage work.
Manduke loved adventure and sport, and was hailed for his skill as a polo player both at Cornell University and on the famous Maui team of the ‘50’s, where he played with Gordon Von Tempsky and Oskie Rice for many seasons. Manduke liked to relate his favorite polo stories, especially one from the 1930’s about Major George S. Patton, (later General in WWII), who, after a game on Maui, attended a big party at Ulupalakua Ranch and stood on his head while drinking a glass of whiskey.
An avid marlin fisherman as well as polo player and paniolo, Manduke lived life to the fullest and left behind more than an intriguing tale or two.