Posts photos held by ipohWorld about which we have no information
January 2019
No ‘hanky-panky’ here….
“..Besides their intended use, they could be used for cleaning equipment, polishing shoes, cleaning hands and face, signalling for attention, as a sweat band, neckerchief, as protection from dust inhalation, to repair footwear, cut out pieces to patch clothes, cut up as emergency firearms cleaning patches, Molotov cocktail wick (fire-bomb), hot cooking utensil holder, a makeshift bandage, tourniquet, or arm sling...” – Wikipedia
Were you one of those ladies/gentlemen who used handkerchiefs? Do you still use them? Is your preferred handkerchief as fancy as the one in the picture (below)?
MORE school tales…
Special thanks to SK and Ooi Kean Chye for these photos. On the left is NTPS Pasir Puteh back in 1962, on the right is the same school today (2019).
SK also shared with us: “In the 1962 picture, in between the buildings in the middle was where we took our pictures. On the left of the picture was the School Lavatory, then School Tuck Shop. We used to hang around the Tuck Shop….The school field on the further left had gone & replaced by double storey classes. The Headmaster residents, the Day Teacher’s Centre, The Dental Clinic on the left all gone“.
Back to School!
Students from NTPS Jalan Pasir Puteh are probably grinning at the screen now. As for the former students…has the school changed much over the years? Maybe some of you have old photos of the building back then…do share them with us.
On that note, how many of you remember YOUR first day at school? Was it exciting? Scary? Did it end in tears? Did you make friends with everyone? Or…maybe you preferred to sit in the corner of the classroom with your head down? Do share some of your “First Day at School” stories with us 🙂
Its 2019!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2018’s come and gone within a few blinks of the eye. We may have experienced the good, the bad, and perhaps the ugly in the last 12 months but here we are heading into 2019 leaving 2018 behind.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year from all of us here at IpohWorld.
2019, here we come!
December 2018
The Sheriff Will See You Now…
It’s the day after Christmas or as its better known in the west, Boxing Day. After going through our presents this year, we found this interesting set which didn’t come with any figures. Part of the wild west set of toys, have you played with one of these before? Do let us know…
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year ahead!
May this Christmas bring a good end to the year 2018 and a fresh challenge ahead for the new year.
From all of us at
Three ‘friends’ at Old Town
If they ever came to life (like in those Disney cartoons), perhaps these vehicles would have been good friends 😉
Here we have a bicycle, a car and a van; all three of them ‘worked’ for Ho Yan Hor.
We’d like to hear from the car-lovers out there – can you identify the type of car shown in this picture?
Banking in Taiping
Believe it or not, Mercantile Bank existed in Taiping too 🙂
Does anyone know if this bank is still in business? Or…maybe it goes by another name now?
More puzzles for you
Many of you managed to ‘solve’ our Monday puzzle. Let’s see how many of your can guess THIS one.
Ruth, if you are reading this…don’t give up the answer too soon 😉
Another puzzle for YOU
Familiar area? Yes? No? Well, I don’t blame you if you can’t recognise this place. It is SO VERY DIFFERENT now. For those of you who know the answer, feel free to drop us a comment (or two). By the way, this place is in Ipoh…
A school at Canning Garden
Remember this school? It started out as a primary branch of ACS.
The building is still there today, in Canning Garden.
You may know it as SK Ho Seng Ong Methodist.
November 2018
Another ‘universe’…
It’s not Universal Studios…rather Universal Cars Ltd. Yes, I’m sure some of you remember this building. Last I heard, it functioned as a nightclub for a while. Now, it seems to have been abandoned. Unless…there is something going on behind the scenes, which we don’t know about; in which case, we’d like to hear from anyone who could tell us more 🙂
Perak Trading?
Take a good look at the building in the picture below. Looks familiar? They used to be at No. 84 Hugh Low Street. Anyone know what they traded? 😉
Cross-country run
Thanks to our donor, we have an interesting photograph here. These boys (and their Teacher perhaps?) are in the middle of a cross-country run. Any guesses as to what building that is in the background? 🙂
Spearheading Into The Weekend!
Said to have originally belonged to a Village Chief (Penghulu), this particular spear has a simple forged blade about 10 inches long with a wooden shaft. Overall it is around 56 inches long.
Have you seen one similar to the one we have? Or have you wielded one before? 😉
Famous Names (8)
Some of you may already recognise this person. For those who don’t, here are some fun facts about him:
- he was an architect and developer
- he once worked for the Ipoh Town Board as a draughtsman
- he also owned Caxton Press (along Belfield Street)
- he and his family lived at Dulcieville Lane
Yes, he is none other than C H Labrooy!
Fast cars and Pretty girls ?
Do you remember the year these Alfa Romeo cars came to Malaysia? Perhaps the car-lovers might be able to tell us more. Maybe someone out there was standing in the crowd watching this promotion.
And…if you were one of these pretty girls in the photograph, we’d love to hear from you too 😉
‘another one bites the dust’
No, we’re not being ‘bitter’ about it…but did anyone realise that this beautiful floral clock is no more? For those who’ve never had the chance to see it, here are two pictures for you; both are from Ann Kesselring Hamon. The lady in white (left image) is Ann’s mother Florence Kesselring. As for the right image, it was taken from a 35mm Kodachrome slide.
For those (like me) who have never seen this lovely clock, it was once part of the Japanese Garden along Tambun Road.
‘Remember me?’
Remember this memorial? Any idea where in Ipoh Town it stood? Or…maybe you might know WHO built it?
‘here today, gone tomorrow’
Ever wondered what was at the back of the Ipoh Railway Station? Well, here’s a late 1930s view (picture courtesy of Winson Saw):
Happy Diwali!!!
Wishing all our readers and followers a very Happy Deepavali!!!
From all of us at
P.s. Don’t forget to save us some murukku & achi murukku yea…hehe
Dirgahayu Tuanku
Merafak Sembah Setinggi-tinggi Tahniah
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Perak Darul Ridzuan
Sultan Nazrin Muizzuddin Shah
Ibni Almarhum Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Al-Maghfur-Lah
Sultan, Yang Di-Pertuan dan Raja Pemerintah
Negeri Perak Darul Ridzuan
Selamat Menyambut Ulang Tahun Keputeraan Tahun 2018
October 2018
A familiar Brewster Road landmark…
Remember the Times of Malaya? Well, here’s a photo of their second building; probably around the 1930s (we could be wrong though). Last we heard, this building was rented out to the Yayasan Perak company.
ACGS?
Anglo Chinese Girls School? Well, if you didn’t know what the ACGS building looked like here’s an old photo.
Looks like the Methodist Girls School building? That’s because it IS the MGS building 🙂 ACGS was named MGS back in 1959.
That VRI building…
Yes, the building in the background is none other than the Veterinary Research Institute at Tiger Lane. Our donor estimates that this photo was taken around 1955. Have you been to this place? If so, do share your thoughts with us 🙂
YMCA Building, Ipoh
Yes, folks…believe it or not, this is what the YMCA building looked like back in 1954. Pity the beautiful garden is no longer there today 🙁
The (not so) New Village…
How many of you out there lived / grew up in Simee? We’d love to hear some of your childhood adventures (or, misadventures…especially the funny ones 😉 ).
Maybe someone out there may also know HOW Simee got its name?
Abandoned building?
No, this was said to be the temporary building for the Anglo Chinese Girls’ School, back in the 1950s. For those of you who don’t know, Anglo Chinese Girls’ School (or ACGS Ipoh) later became Methodist Girls’ School (MGS). Of course, the MGS building now looks nothing like this one pictured above.
MGS Alumni, we’d love to hear from you! 🙂
All in a day’s work…
Perhaps this was once a familiar sight in Ipoh town – dulang washers walking through the town, either going towards or coming back from the river. Anyone wants to guess which part of town these ladies are passing through?
Mystery Mansion
We know you lot are good at puzzles 🙂 So here’s one for you –
We believe this building is somewhere in Ipoh, since our donor was a former British serviceman who served here from 1958-59. Well, put those thinking caps on, folks!
Scenes from a parade
Many of you may have seen the Kuomintang Parade photos on our database. Here’s another one, from Ann Kesselring Hamon’s collection.
What’s so special about this, you ask? Well, it’s in colour!
ps: Recognise the street?
Sneak peek – inside the Kinta Kellas Estate bungalow
Hypothetical scenario: Imagine you’ve just inherited a LOT of money…and you’ve decided to build a beautiful mansion. Well, let us ‘help’ you with some interior decoration ideas 😀
We have here some photographs of what the inside of the Kinta Kellas Estate bungalow once looked like. Yes, this wooden bungalow once belonged to none other than William Kellie Smith – of the famous Kellie’s Castle.
Let the music play…
We believe these musicians were part of the Perak Hui Zhou association. While we try to find out more about this, perhaps someone out there could help us out. Does anyone remember this public performance? And if you do, do you recognise the buildings in the background?
September 2018
What’s this?
Some of you may recognise it. Some of you are still scratching your heads. Worry not, this is in fact the ruins of a brick bungalow built by none other than William Kellie Smith. Last I recall, these ruins were within the grounds of the famed Kellie’s Castle (hope they haven’t disappeared or made way for ‘development’).
Monday Puzzle
Today’s puzzle is brought to you by Ipoh Remembered.
Can you guess what the green, blue and orange sections are in the photograph?
And while you’re at it, can you also guess the year?
Town Hall, Taiping
Yes, you read it right. This is the old Town Hall…in Taiping 🙂 We think this photograph was taken in the early 1900s (we could be wrong). Anyone from Taiping reading this? We’d like to know what’s become of this building.
Relaxing after a cricket game
In the back row, right, is a gentleman by the name of Charles Green. History-buffs may tell you that ‘Greentown’ was named after him. This photograph was taken in 1902, after a cricket match. Do you recognise anyone else in this photograph?
Auxiliary Police During The Emergency
1948 to 1960 proved to be troubling times as Malaya had to experience attacks within its borders in the form of Communist insurgents. The brave men in the photograph above did their part in helping to keep their towns safe through patrolling the streets at night, they were the Auxiliary police and for that we are truly grateful for their deeds.
Do you have any stories you could share with us about the auxiliary police? Was your father, grandfather part of the force or were you part of the force yourself? Let us know…
August 2018
61 Years On…
61 years ago, the Union Jack was lowered signalling the end of the British administration in what was then Malaya,
61 years ago, a new flag was raised and a new anthem was played signalling the dawn of a new age,
61 years ago, one word echoed throughout the Selangor Club Padang as the crowd chanted,
MERDEKA! MERDEKA!! MERDEKA!!!
Lower Six Science 2, Anderson School
We received this via email from SK (who sent it to us on behalf of the donor). According to SK, Gurpal is looking for his former classmates.
Anyone out there from Lower Six Science 2? Gurpal is looking for you. Incidentally, SK told us that this picture was taken in April 1967 – Gurpal’s last day at Anderson School; apparently one of his classmates lent him a coat to wear – yes, the young man in the dark coat is none other than Gurpal.
‘Visit Malaya’ poster
Yes, “Visit Malaya” posters existed back in 1961! Here’s one which some of you may have seen… (you can read more about this poster here).
A different kind of ‘banker’…
Chettiar (or Chetty) is a title used by various mercantile castes and social levels in South India – especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. They claim a legendary relationship with the Hindu God Murugan; according to the legend, Murugan married Valli (who was from a tribal group), hence her tribe was later called Chettyars – in order to restore Valli’s status as a consort to a god.
Interestingly, here in Ipoh there were more than 100 Chettiar families once. They were known as the Nattukottai Chettiar. These financiers were preferred to the usual bankers back in the day. On our database we have an interesting interview with the last of the Nattukottai Chettiars in Ipoh.
Here’s a picture of what may have been the inside of a Chettiar’s ‘office’…
Girl’s best friend?
Ms Monroe once sang about diamonds being a girl’s best friend. From this photo, it seems like this lady loves the car (instead of those precious stones).
But I must say, between the precious stones and a beautiful car….I would choose a car (but that’s just me!)
Me and my wheels…
Here’s a photo taken in Kampar. Recognise the car? By the way, the lady leaning against the car is our donor’s mother.
July 2018
Taking the train…
Here’s a picture of the FMSR Locomotiv Class G.
The locomotive was built by R. Stephenson. It was placed in Perak Railway with the name FMSR 47 in July 1901. It was scrapped on November 1931. A series of 34 4-6-0 locomotives were built by Kitson (16), Hunslet (5), Neilson Reid & R. Stephenson.
And just for interest sake, here’s a picture of what the inside of a first class coach looked like 🙂
Have You Paid Your Water Bill?
No, we’re not ‘collecting’ on behalf of LAP (Lembaga Air Perak). Instead, we’re featuring a Then & Now comparison of two water bills; on the left is a bill from 1970, and on the right is a bill from 2016.
Can You Believe It?
This is an aerial view of Market Street. No, not Market Street in Ipoh…rather this is Market Street in Teluk Intan 🙂 This is a view from the famous water tower.
Cathay Cold Creameries?
Could this have been a branch of Cold Storage? Or, perhaps Cold Storage’s competitor? We don’t know, so we’re hoping someone out there could help us out. Our anonymous donor didn’t say much about this photograph (and unfortunately, we are no longer in contact with this person). I’m sure someone out there visited 47 Cockman Street at some point in their life…
The ‘beer can test’ ?
Following your enthusiastic comments on an old blog post, we decided to put up something else from the Triumph Owners Club (Perak) Magazine. These are from the Driving Tests at the Military Square, Ashby Road, Ipoh (back in 1975). The car on the right was said to be a Triumph Herald 1200 saloon. Car lovers care to tell us about the car on the left? 🙂
On another note, what IS a ‘beer can test’?
June 2018
Hotel Bali
Heard of Hotel Bali? It was located at Jalan Ali Pitchay. This picture was taken from their business card. On the back of the card is the following description: “Stylishly furnished modern hotel; all rooms with telephones and bathrooms; ample parking space; air conditioned bar and restaurant with beautiful waitresses in attendance; excellent Chinese and European food; special monthly rate available; moderate charge prompt service.”
Ever been to Hotel Bali?
50th Anniversary of the Perak Chinese Physicians & Druggist Association
This photograph was courtesy of Lian Kim Keong, whose father (2nd from left) was a practicing chinese physician
Held at the town hall, this photograph was taken on the 50th anniversary of the Perak Chinese Physicians & Druggist Association between 1970 and 1980. Dr. Ho Kai Cheong, the founder of Ho Yan Hor tea can be seen in the photograph (8th from right).
To see more photographs from the 50th anniversary celebrations, click here.
“The Best Hindu Restaurant” ?
At least that’s what I think it says on the signboard. Does anyone know which restaurant this is? Wonder if it’s still there…
Famous Names (7)
The picture is not that clear, but I’m sure you can more or less see what our featured celebrity looks like. Born in 1884, he joined the Malayan Civil Service as a cadet in 1907. In 1932 he was appointed British Resident of Selangor and the following year as British Resident of Perak, a post he held until 1939 when he returned to London as Head of the Malay States Information Agency. He is none other than Sir Geoffrey Edmund Cator, CMG.
And yes, the famed Cator Avenue was named after him 🙂
Table Tennis Winners
Yes, those in the leading car in this parade were the Perak State Table Tennis Team. Incidentally, the team won the National Table Tennis Championship back in 1967. The winners went on parade through Hugh Low Street – passing the premises of the Oversea Chinese Banking Corporation. The President of the Perak Association, Towkay Chong Kok Lim (later Tan Sri) was said to be in the leading car. Does anyone remember this parade?
Sports Day, at the Anglo-Chinese Girls’ School
Yes, you read it right – Anglo-Chinese Girls’ School. Maybe you’re more familiar with its current name – Methodist Girls’ School (MGS).
Anyway, here is a nostalgic photograph taken during the sports day. The guest of honour is none other than Mrs Florence Kesselring.
Perak Club
Yes, there was such a place called Perak Club. It was founded in Taiping, in 1880. Thanks to Bernard Moss, we have some pictures of it on our database. Here’s one of the pictures – just to show you what the building looked like.
“Me and my ride”
I’m no car expert…but I’m pretty sure this car is a Mercedes (I could be wrong though).
Anyone care to guess which part of town this is?
May 2018
Ever heard of Sinalco?
No, we didn’t make this word up 😉
‘Sinalco’ is said to be an abbreviation of the Latin sine alcohole, which means “without alcohol”. Sinalco is the oldest soft drink brand in Europe (it was first marketed in 1902!), and is produced by Sinalco International, Germany.
Perhaps the advertisement might give you a clue as to how these bottles of non-alcoholic drinks looked like back then.
Be Prepared!
No, we’re not trying to scare you 😉 Although not strictly a Psychological Warfare tool, like the air-dropped leaflets, this brochure certainly formed an early part of the psychological fight against the communists. For those of you who remember the Malayan Emergency, have you seen similar posters in and around your neighbourhood?
A Little Effort Required…
Manufactured by Shibata Industrial Co. Ltd and distributed by Taiwo Trading (Penang) likely before Independence, this manual paddy treadle thresher definitely requires a bit of effort or footwork to say the least. Those who have used threshers like these will tell you it’s no easy task. Have you had to work for your meals (literally) in the past?
April 2018
Up to no good?
Not quite. This picture was taken at an actual event, which was held at the Lido Theatre in Ipoh! Does anyone remember this event? If you are this 12 year old who won this competition…we’d LOVE to hear from you too! 😉
Familiar faces?
As you can guess, the tall gentleman in the middle is none other than D R Seenivasagam. Do you recognise the others in this picture?
More Lido for you…
We mentioned before about a Lido Cinema in Taiping. Here’s another view of the same building (which, according to Ruth Iversen Rollitt, is now a Karaoke Hall :O ).
Then & Now – Ngah Ibrahim’s Fort
On the left is a picture of Ngah Ibrahim’s fort, which was built in 1865 (picture courtesy of Ipoh Remembered). On the right is a picture of the same building, taken in 2009 by Ian.
‘Drawing kit’ ?
Toolbox? Not quite…it’s actually a set of instruments used by draughtsmen. Yes, before computers took over, building plans and such were drawn by hand! This Rotring set is boxed in a leatherette case with a velvet lining; incidentally Rotring is a German technical writing and drawing instruments company based in Hamburg.
March 2018
Eu Tong Sen Finance Ltd.
The form above is that of a Hire and Purchase Agreement issued by the Eu Tong Sen Finance (Malaya) Ltd. for the purchase of an Austin 7 Super Saloon in the year 1962 at the cost price of $4338.25.
How many of you have heard of the Eu Tong Sen Finance Ltd? We’d like to hear from you.
Courtesy of one of our blog reader and contributor, this advertisement for the Austin Se7en was provided to us by Ipoh Remembered.
The ‘right’ to drive
This is indeed a driver’s license. It was said to be from 1987. Did you own such a license? I wonder when this was replaced with a laminated card (as in the driver’s license of today).
Sketch of a familiar landmark
A long time ago, a featured two sketches from a local artist (who’s also an alumni of ACS). Some of you may recognise his work (see picture below). Yes, this is another drawing from Amiruddin Mohd Daud’s collection. Together with his wife, they are quite involved with charity and fund raising activities; 10% of the sale of his drawings will go to MAKNA (Malaysian Cancer Council). For more information on Amiruddin and his works, you can contact him via email: rat.adventure@yahoo.com
Yau Tet Shin’s Market, Ipoh
This photograph was taken high up from a nearby building. Yes, it’s the Yau Tet Shin Market. You can also see some of the shophouses in Cockman Street.
Have you seen a platform ticket?
We once featured an old railway ticket. Today, we’re showcasing a platform ticket. 🙂
Yes, it cost 20 cents!
bills, bills, bills…
How much did YOU pay for electricity back in 1977? Well, according to this bill (below) Madam Koo paid $ 4.67 (June-July 1977).
Imagine paying only this much today… 😉
Crusader Magazine?
While sorting through our collection of photographs, artifacts, documents and such, sometimes we come across ‘mysterious’ things – such as this metal badge. Have you heard of the Crusader Magazine?
Ipoh Federal Building
We believe that this was the Ipoh Federal Building on Club Road (now Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang). Would anyone happen to know more about this place?
Ipoh by the river – Revisited!
This picture is a follow up to a previous blog entry.
We thank Ipoh Remembered for his untiring efforts (and creativity!) in producing this picture – complete with labels of the various landmarks in Ipoh Old Town.
More details (also provided by Ipoh Remembered) can be found on the database entry.
February 2018
The Perak Education Department
Our donors told us that this was taken in the 1950s, outside the Perak Education Department offices. Seated 4th from the left is Sinniah S/O Sinnathamby (Inspector of Indian Schools, Perak).
Another View Of The River
Those flats look familiar, don’t they? Also note the river…back in the late 1980s, the water was still clear 😉
Famous Names (6)
At 18 years old, this gentleman started working in a tin mine under the guidance of his uncle. Years later, using his accumulated savings, he managed to buy the Chung Thye Phin Villa and helped convert it into a private hospital. Ever the philanthropist, this same gentleman also set up Shen Jai High School. I think by now most of you would have guessed who I’m talking about (some may have even recognised him in this photograph!) This person is none other than Foo Nyit Kai (also known as Foo Yet Kai).
…you know what this is?
I’m sure many of you can guess what this is 🙂
Yes, these are cake pans used to make the famous Nian Gao – which is made from glutinous rice. While it can be eaten all year round, traditionally it is most popular during Chinese New Year. It is considered good luck to eat nian gao during this time, because nian gao is a homonym for “higher year.” This sticky sweet snack was believed to be an offering to the Kitchen God, with the aim that his mouth will be stuck with the sticky cake, so that he can’t badmouth the human family in front of the Jade Emperor.
Legends and myths aside, how do YOU enjoy Nian Gao? I like it sandwiched between two slices of yam, which is then dipped in batter and deep fried 😉 (all this talk of food is making me hungry now)
Let’s Celebrate!
Here’s another photo from Michael Ho’s collection. This one was taken on 14th July 1966, during a dinner held in honour of Rev Bro Assistant Superior General. We think this was probably held at the school hall of St Michael’s Institution. Do you recognise any of the gentlemen in this group?
January 2018
144 years later…
…from tomorrow, anyway. Yes…tomorrow – 20th January – will mark 144 years since the Treaty of Pangkor was signed.
Unfortunately we do not have a photo of the Treaty signing. This photograph was taken on Pangkor Island, 9 months after the treaty was signed, in September 1875 when Sir William Jervois visited Perak. At that time Perak was already in the hands of J W W Birch, the First British Resident. This photo is therefore 143 years old.
In the photograph surrounding the seated Sir William Jervois, who was a military engineer and Governor General of the Crown Colonies of the Straits Settlements, are (from left to right): Dr A F Anderson, Captain W Innes, Major J F A McNair, Lt H E McCallum, W Knaggs (in a suit), J W W Birch (standing on the Governor’s left), Captain Speedy (on the steps and bearded), Frank Swettenham (nonchalantly leaning against the handrail).
Dinner with Royalty!
Do you know these VIPs? Ok, we’ll make it easier for you 😉 Seated on the extreme right is none other than S P Seenivasagam.
Next to him is of course Sultan Idris and the lady beside him is his Consort (Che Puan Negara Aminah). And how can we forget Lau Pak Khuan – seated in the centre!
Do you know any of the others in the photograph? Or…perhaps you recognise the background and are able to tell us WHERE this photo was taken?
Another SMI Play?
Let’s see if the Michaelians remember this one (see pictures below):
Recognise the costumes? The actors? The title of the play?
I only recognise Bro Pius Kelly, standing in the back (between the ‘gentleman’ with the top hat and the ‘maiden’).
Smile, Teachers!
Is your teacher in this group? If yes, do point him/her out to us? The only one I recognise here is Bro Ultan Paul.
11 kilos?
Yes, that’s what I’d like to ask our local coffee drinkers out there. How come this particular bag of coffee came in 11 kilos? I always thought such goods were packed in either even numbered weights or in multiples of 5 (or basic 1 kilo or 1/2 kilo). Could it be a misprint? Or, did this factory just want to stand out and be different…by selling coffee powder in 11 kilo bags 😉
December 2017
Recognise Her?
For those who are still wondering, her name is Lin Dai. Here she is featured on a Shaw Brothers Calendar – for the month of January, 1963.
What we’d like to know is: if YOU had a chance to produce a calendar with pictures of celebrities, who would you feature? You’re allowed to have more than one celebrity-crush, of course…come on, tell us…don’t be shy 😉
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… =)
We’re all familiar with Christmas cards (paper and e-cards too!). Have you received a handwritten Christmas greeting in Chinese, complete with hand-painted bamboo motives and a poem?
This is indeed a rare finding!
Famous Names (5)
Our featured celebrity was educated at ACS, Ipoh. He studied medicine in Singapore and subsequently spent his entire working life in Ipoh. In recognition for his contributions to the medical profession, this gentleman was given the highest award of Honorary Membership (in 1984) by the Malayan Medical Association. Besides his dedication to his job, he also played cricket, rugby, and hockey.
By now some of you may already know WHO our featured celebrity is. He’s none other than Dato Dr. A. W. E. Moreira; the picture shows him (seated on the left) together with his wife Mavis. As you all know, there is a road named after him too!
Marian Year Pageant, 1954
This photo was taken on 8th December 1954. It was taken during the Marian Year Pageant. Were you part of this pageant? Recognise anyone in the group?
More Royal Visits!
This was not taken in Ipoh, but we thought of sharing this rare find with all of you. These photos were part of a series, taken back in 1956 (some were faded, some were damaged).
Here we have HRH the Duke of Edinburgh visiting a dredge in Jinjang. The gentleman in the dark sunglasses is George Seddon – the General Manager of Anglo-Oriental. We know the photos are not as clear as they should be, but can you recognise any of the other gentlemen?
All ‘charged’ up!
A rechargeable battery, storage battery, secondary cell, or accumulator is a type of electrical battery which can be charged, discharged into a load, and recharged many times, as opposed to a disposable or primary battery, which is supplied fully charged and discarded after use. It is composed of one or more electrochemical cells. The term “accumulator” is used as it accumulates and stores energy through a reversible electrochemical reaction. Rechargeable batteries are produced in many different shapes and sizes, ranging from button cells to megawatt systems connected to stabilize an electrical distribution network. Several different combinations of electrode materials and electrolytes are used, including lead–acid, nickel–cadmium (NiCd), nickel–metal hydride (NiMH), lithium-ion (Li-ion), and lithium-ion polymer (Li-ion polymer). [for more click here]
That being said, do any of you remember this object (pictured above)? Have you ever used something like this before? ‘Recharge’ us with your stories….
We Wish You A Merry…You’re 3 Weeks Early!
Oops, I guess the decor in the malls must have gotten me in the Christmas mood early this year. This here is a photograph taken in 1956 of the soldiers from the 12th Infantry Workshop REME (Royal Electrical & Mechanical Engineers) organizing a Christmas party at their base in Ipoh for the orphans and the helpers of the Main Convent orphanage.
They’ve Surrendered!!! They’ve Surrendered!!!
Photo courtesy of the late Bro. Vincent Corkery
After the Japanese surrendered in 1945 many Victory Parades were held, in Malaya as well as other parts of the world, to mark the occasion. The largest was said to have taken place in London, on 8th June 1946. Our featured photograph today is that of the Army Cadet Force of St Michael’s Institution, marching through the streets of Ipoh. We believe this parade was held on 6th January 1946.
I’m sure some of you can guess WHICH famous street in Ipoh this is!
November 2017
Opening of the Premier Store
Looks like the grand opening of a store in Ipoh. The back of these photographs say it’s the Premier Store, Ipoh (dated 11 Jan 1968). Any idea where in Ipoh this place was?
The gentleman cutting the ribbon is none other than Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah, and the lady beside him is his consort YTM Che Puan Negara Aminah. We thank our anonymous donor for sharing these photographs with us.
Remember Her?
We’re talking about the lady on the left (in the glittery outfit). Recognise her? She’s none other than Sakura Teng – the Go-go Queen from the 1970s. Do you remember her? Were you a fan?
Pekan Getah?
Heard of a place called Pekan Getah? It is said to be about 2km from Tapah town. I’m sure some of you out there have a story or two to tell us about Pekan Getah. This photo shown above was probably taken in 1958, during the time the New Village was set up.
The Red Cross Society
After the Second World War and the Japanese occupation, parts of Malaya were devastated and the need for a similar organisation spawned the introduction of the British Red Cross into Malaya. The earliest Branches were set up in Sabah (then North Borneo ) in 1948. The first Red Cross Branch in Peninsular Malaysia was established in Penang in 1950. By the end of 1952, Branches had been formed in Perak, Terengganu, Selangor, Malacca, Johore and Pahang…(read more here)
ps: Any Red Cross / Red Crescent members out there? We’d like to hear from you 🙂
The Old Tenby School
Do you remember the old Tenby School building? The school once used the vicarage of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
For those who are curious, you can visit the school’s current website here.
Then and Now – St Joseph School, Batu Gajah
The photo on the left was taken back in the 1940s, showing St Joseph School in Batu Gajah. The one on the right was taken from the Star Metro (dated 4 November 2017). This building was built as early as 1928, believe it or not. According to Star Metro, efforts are underway to restore this place…and hopefully gain Heritage Status! (Read the article here).
October 2017
“Look At The Camera!”
This is the Meikai EL, a camera introduced in 1963 by Togodo, a minor japanese camera manufacturer. This simple and cheap camera was targeted at a young audience and was often sold in toy and stationary stores back then.
With that said, what was your memory of your first camera? Come and share them with us. =)
‘Sister Act’
No, they are not part of the cast from the Whoopi Goldberg movie 🙂 The only thing we know about these nuns is that one of them is Rev. Mother St. Jeanne. The question is which one is she? This picture was taken in the 1950s at Batu Gajah Convent…we need your help, Convent Girls!
Time for…..ICE KACANG!
Yes, one look at this machine and all that comes to my mind is: a bowl of shaved ice, drenched in brown sugar syrup and topped with jelly (of various shapes, sizes and colours), kidney beans, sweet corn and peanuts. Oh, and not forgetting a dash of santan too!
Ah, bet some of you are already salivating 😉
What better way to cool down on a hot day, eh?
“Kinta in Ipoh”
That’s what the caption of the photograph said. This is a rather interesting view of the Kinta River, with the houses on both sides of the bank. If you squint, you can see the bridge too. Which bridge this is, your guess is as good as mine 😉 Special thanks to the National Archives, UK, for this photograph.
UPDATE: We believe that the bridge in the background was the once wooden structure of the Hugh Low Bridge; therefore the village shown was most likely Kampong Laxamana.
Inside No. 3 Changkat Road, Batu Gajah
Here we have the living room of Charles Alma Baker’s residence (once upon a time) in Batu Gajah. This large space included a 12-seater dining table, several sofas and easy chairs, and Chinese antiques. The Master of this house and his guests were kept cool by a punkah. If you look closely, you’ll also notice a billiard table in the far end. How’s THIS for interior decoration ideas!
Famous Names (4)
Heard of the Grand Hotel? It opened on 16th December 1909 and was Ipoh’s first European style hotel. But who was the Founder of this hotel? None other than Mr Pierre Z Creet. Here he is pictured with his daughter, Mignon Betty, in the early 1940’s.
From the J. J. Series
This postcard, from the J. J. Series, shows Selibui Road in Ipoh. We believe the postcards from this series ranged from 1905 – 1910. From what we found out from the book ‘Perak Postcards: 1890s-1940s‘, this photo probably shows the early intake dam and waterworks in Selibin (Silibin today). To quote from the book: “Water supply to Ipoh was originally conveyed from Selibin (also spelt Selebin). The great want there [in Ipoh] at present is a good water supply. This can be met by bringing water in pipes from Selibin, a distance of some three miles, and the Datoh Penglima Kinta has offered to undertake the work“.
Anyone care to guess the exact date of this postcard?
September 2017
Wagner Piano
Not to be confused with the German composer Wilhelm Richard Wagner, this souvenir is from Wagner Piano – a local company set up by A C Hoe and his wife. Now, the mystery: if you look at the picture closely, you’ll notice the words “established since 1920”. But according to the Wagner Piano story, this company was set up in 1951. The same story also mentions that A C Hoe’s father – F L Hoe – left Ningbo (China) for Singapore in 1920.
Perhaps some of our history buffs could give a clue or two to help us out here….
Meet Bibendum
As the story goes…… “in 1889 two brothers, Édouard Michelin and André Michelin, ran a rubber factory in Clermont-Ferrand, France. One day, a cyclist whose pneumatic tire needed repair turned up at the factory. The tire was glued to the rim, and it took over three hours to remove and repair the tire, which then needed to be left overnight to dry. The next day, Édouard Michelin took the repaired bicycle into the factory yard to test. After only a few hundred metres, the tire failed. Despite the setback, Édouard was enthusiastic about the pneumatic tire, and he and his brother worked on creating their own version, one that did not need to be glued to the rim. Michelin was incorporated on 28 May 1889. In 1891 Michelin took out its first patent for a removable pneumatic tire which was used by Charles Terront to win the world’s first long distance cycle race, the 1891 Paris–Brest–Paris” (read more here)
Thanks to persistence and hardwork (and creativity too), we now have a famous name in the world of tyres. As for the mascot shown…yes, his name is Bibendum…but we usually call him the Michelin Man 🙂
Have you heard of…
…the Ipoh Trade School? It was founded in 1930, to what we know. The initial intake was 25 young men of which 23 were Malays with 1 Chinese and 1 Indian. The Chief Instructor was transferred from the Federated Malay States Railways Central Workshops and his assistant from the Kuala Lumpur Trade School.
The students’ first task was to assist in the construction of the school building and installing machinery. Practical training took place on Albion and Thornycroft lorries of the Public Works Department Ipoh….(read more here).
Here’s a picture of the building.
Jubilee Transport Company
Photograph courtesy of Irene John
Have you ever heard of the Jubilee Transport Company or rode on their buses before? The company was running a bus service from Lumut to Ipoh from 1932 to 1935. Incidentally, an article from The Straits Times dated 24th of July 1937 read “Ipoh To Have New Bus Service. If Transport Board Approves Scheme”, which is basically about the company requesting approval for a scheme to run a bus service in Ipoh which would expand to Ipoh’s suburbs.
Feelin ‘lucky’, punk?
We’re not encouraging you to take up smoking; we’re just curious to know if any of you remember Lucky Strike Filters 😉 Could you buy these tins off the rack at your local grocery store? Or were they sold by the man who rode on a cigarette tricycle?
Should you wish to see a real cigarette tricycle, drop by Sarang Paloh today anytime between 5pm – 9pm. Our exhibition started yesterday and will end on 10th September 2017.
August 2017
The Federation Flag
Have you seen the Federation Flag? Do you remember what it looked like? We have one in our collection (see below)
Notice the difference between this flag and our present one?
When was the last time…
…you saw something like this? Some of you may already know what this is. Well, let me just say that our famed Star Barber once used this tool…
P.I.E. ?
Have you heard of the Perak Institute of Electronics (PIE)? We’re hoping someone out there can help us out with this little mystery…
HIJ Convent, 1964
We thank Sybil for this class photograph, showing the students and teachers from the HIJ Convent (now SM Convent), Ipoh.
Sybil managed to provide some names (click here); however, we still need more 🙂
Convent Alumni, you girls up for the challenge?
What’s THIS?
Basket? Tray? Bowl? No…this is actually a shield! Yes, I kid you not…..see a picture of this item in use here!
“Hello? Is it me you’re looking for?”
Here’s another NST picture, showing the ‘hello girls’ (as they were called). These girls worked at the Ipoh Telephone Exchange once upon a time. Dewi (wearing a checkered dress), and her sister Jamilah (face towards to camera) both worked 6-hour shifts at the Exchange. This picture is dated 1st November 1953.
Collecting Rations
This NST picture shows people collecting their rice rations from one of the 19 distribution points in Sungai Siput. The gentleman in the foreground is See Khoon Lim, the then chairman of the local council; on his left is K. Sockalingam, then police chief of Sungai Siput. This picture is said to be dated 10 August 1958.
Remembering Rose Chan
This lady needs no introduction….I think EVERYONE knows who she is 😉
Rose Chan was born Chan Wai Chang in Soochow, China, in 1925 to acrobat parents. She arrived in Kuala Lumpur at the tender age of six. Despite having no formal education, she demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit at an early age of 12 by charging her classmates to have their photo taken. After the failure of her first (arranged) marriage to an elderly Chinese contractor more than twice her age, a 17-year-old Rose became a cabaret dancer at Happy World in Singapore where she excelled as a dancer (read more here).
“It’s my birthday!”
Do you have a favourite birthday memory? We’d like to hear about it…just for nostalgia’s sake.
Here’s a nice photo of Honey Lim, celebrating her 2nd birthday.
The Drifters
How many of you remember The Drifters?
How many of you saw them perform at the Rex Cinema?
How many of you remember the dragons on the walls, which ‘watched over’ the cinema goers?
July 2017
Scenes at the kopitiam
When I visit the local kopitiam, I can’t help but stop and stare at such hawkers (like in the above photo). It’s fascinating to watch them cut up the meat with their ever-sharp cleaver, and they are really quick (I wouldn’t dare attempt such a feat at home, lest I loose my fingers!). Is it an inherited skill?
Fashion Show at the HIJ Convent?
Yes, you read it right! Don’t these ladies look lovely? Special thanks to Ong Wei Mei for the above photograph, which was taken in 1966.
Ipoh Supreme Court
Here’s a fun fact: This building was opened by the British Resident of Perak, Mr R W Thomson, in 1928.
This building was also the 3rd Ipoh Court House (read about the others here).
A machine to clean knives!
Before the invention of stainless steel, knives were very hard to keep clean and shiny. If they got too wet, they would get rusty and water could leak down into the handles, which were made of wood or bone. After simply wiping the knives after use, Victorian maids would use this special knife-cleaning machine to polish them up…(read more here)
Yes, such a thing actually existed – see the picture below.
Familiar Advertisement
I wonder how many of you remember this advertisement. We got this off the back back of an old exercise book.
What other products were advertised on the back of exercise books during your school days?
During my school days, the backs of our exercise books had no adverts – just the Rukunegara and probably the school song 🙂
Did you own…
…a rotary dial phone? I remember having one at home….and I also remember how my small fingers kept getting stuck in those number holes 🙂 Well, here’s some nostalgia for you (see picture below).
June 2017
Cinema Flyer, 1938
Today, if you want to know the schedule at your local cinema all you need is the Internet 😉 Yes, everything is available online now – you can even buy your tickets online too!
What about back then in the 1930s? Here we have a flyer from 1938, advertising movies showing at the Sun Cinema and Isis Theatre.
New truck for the Teluk Anson Town Council
Here’s a question for our Teluk Anson readers: Do you remember when these trucks were first used?
For those of you who didn’t know, Teluk Anson (now known as Teluk Intan) was originally Teluk Mak Intan (Mak Intan Bay), named after a widowed trader (Mak Intan) who was trading across the Straits of Malacca. [you can read more about it here]
Exploring Ipoh on a trishaw
We thank Ruth Rollitt for this 1957 photograph. The lady in the trishaw is Mrs Iversen – yes, the same Iversen who built a number of iconic buildings in Ipoh (like the Telekom building along Cockman Street, the Geological Museum, as well as quite a few cinemas).
Do you see the building in the background? Recognise it? If you do recognise it, do let us know what it is…and WHERE it is 🙂
Exhibition at Anderson School
Special thanks to Oon Eng Hock (and SK) for sharing the above photograph with us. Anderson Alumni might remember this special day…when the then Education Minister – En Mohd Khir Johari – (extreme right) visited the school for this exhibition. Oon is standing behind En Khir, and behind Oon is none other than the Principal – Mr Tagar Singh.
Back To Days Of Manual Fanning…
Who needs an aircond when you have your own personal fan?!
But since Ipoh has been ‘Crazy Hot’ for the past couple of months, I take that back. Hehe…
These are handheld rattan Punkahs, not to be confused with the large swinging fans that were fixed to the ceiling and pulled by a coolie. The word Punkah / Pankha is Hindi and originates from the word Pankh which means the wings of a bird which produces a draft when flapped.
Have you seen one of these before or even better, have you used one of these before? Let us know…
Have car, will travel!
We thank Graham Barton for sharing this picture with us. He was once part of the 12th Infantry Regiment Workshop REME, at Gunung Panjang, Ipoh.
Is that a ‘Beetle’ in the background, or do my eyes deceive me?
Heard of the Dingo Scout Car?
The Dingo Scout Car was a light armoured car built in Australia during Second World War. They were produced by the Ford motor company during 1942. (read more here)
Have any of you seen one of these vehicles up close?
May 2017
Famous Names (2)
Today’s celebrity was born in 1880 in Fuzhou (Fujian Province, China). Considered to be one of the elite Chinese in Ipoh, he became the Secretary and Attorney of Towkay Foo Choo Choon. He was also very influential in the Perak Chamber of Commerce. In 1924 he joined the Kinta Sanitary Board; 3 years later he was awarded the ‘Justice of Peace’ for his services in the state of Perak.
Who is he? Well, let’s give out a final clue before I reveal his name!
He was the owner of the Ruby Theatre building, custom-built by him to be leased to the very experienced cinema manager, Ong Ee Lim.
Ah! I see some smiles and some heads nodding….yes, he is none other than Lau Ek Ching!
“Baby, you can drive my car”
Car-lovers, can you guess what type of car this is?
Famous Names
Our featured Celebrity was born in Wuhua, Guandong, China. He began as an apprentice in the Menglembu Tin Mines. His hard work eventually paid off when he could afford to run his own tin mines. He was also quite a philanthropist. Among his many good deeds include:
- Treasurer of Yuk Choy High School, and also donated 2 classrooms
- Treasurer of Perak Girls’ School
- Vice Chairman of the Perak Ka Yin Association (from 1952-1953)
- Hon. Chairman of the Ipoh Hakka (Khek) Association
In case you’re still wondering who this gentleman is, well let me put you out of your misery. He’s none other than Lee Kwee Foh!
Cheers to our brave Fire-fighters!
In 1893, an actual Merryweather was ordered from London and delivered to Ipoh. Horse-drawn and manned by Sikhs (under Police supervision), it was capable of pumping up to 600 gallons of water per minute. It was also said to be the fastest vehicle (at that time) in the country!
What does a Merryweather look like? Well, here’s a toy model to give you an idea:
In case you didn’t know, yesterday – 4th May – was Hari Bomba (Fire-fighters’ Day). Kudos to all our Heroes!!
April 2017
Something For A Scorching Day…
Ais krim potong anybody? The weather in Ipoh has just been crazy for the past few weeks, scorching hot in the afternoon, heavy thunderstorms in the evening.
We remember seeing a man on his motorbike selling ais krim potong near the roundabout of Persiaran Greenhill a couple of years back, we haven’t seen him since. What’s your fondest memory of this sweet treat? Do tell…
“I’m a Century Old!”
No, not our website….but this beautiful icon of Ipoh is said to be turning 100 years old this year!
This special heritage building was even mentioned in the Star recently (read the article here).
The “Ice man” Cometh!
No, this is not a treasure chest that you’d find in a cave. This is an ice box that the ice man would load on his bicycle where he’d then go round selling. Two whole blocks of ice covered in sawdust to keep it from melting any quicker than it should, on a hot day.
How would he cut the ice you ask? Here’s your answer, a huge saw.
Do you remember the ice man that cycled around on his bicycle selling ice? Do let us know if you do.
Tronoh Mines, 1980s
Here we have the entrance to the Tronoh Mines, all decorated for the National Day celebrations. Have any of you visited this mine?
March 2017
The Next Time You’re Heading To Buntong
The next time you’re on Jalan Tun Perak (formerly Conolly Road) and you’re heading to Buntong via Jalan Sungai Pari, keep an eye out for this long-ish building after the turn. This particular building believed to be more than a century old was once the quarters for staff members of the ‘Public Works Department’ or what we call today as the JKR (Jabatan Kerja Raya).
There also used to be another similar looking structure across the road but has been demolished since late 2013. Has any of our readers out there stayed here in the past? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
Click here to read an article written by Star Metro Perak on the structure.
Up Close and Personal….
….with a tin mine in Tambun!
According to our picture-source (Heritage Asia, Feb-Apr 2008), the above mine was opened by Leong Fee in 1902. Leong Fee of course was also the founder of Han Chin Villa (Han Chin Pet Soo).
Batu Gajah Court House
The first headquarters of the British in Kinta was Kota Bharu, the lowest landing stage on the Kinta River, and also the river port for the important mining centre of Gopeng. However, Kota Bharu was so malarial that it had to be abandoned, and in 1884 the capital was shifted to Batu Gajah, the next landing stage.
A Pot The Size Of A Fist…
“Have you ever seen a pot the size of a fist!?”. Wait a minute. I didn’t get that quite right, let’s try that again, “Have you ever seen a fist the size of a pot!?” is a Cantonese phrase often used by actors like Stephen Chow in movies when trying to scare someone into not getting into a fight with him.
This cast iron pot (bigger than one’s first of course but smaller than one’s head if anyone wanted to know how big it was) was likely used at home for soups and herbs, how many of you have used this in your homes back then and do you have any interesting experiences or stories which you’d like to share with us? We’d like to hear from you.
Farewell Mrs. Hew…
Dear all, we are saddened by the passing of Lee Siew San better known as Mrs. Hew, one of Dato’ Lat’s iconic characters in his Kampung Boy series.
A wake will be held tonight and tomorrow night at the Our Mother Of Perpetual Help Church’s (Ipoh Garden) Funeral Parlour and her funeral will take place on this Saturday, 11th of March at 1pm.
Click here to read the coverage done by New Straits Times.
Mrs. Hew, seated in the second row, the second person from the left
The photograph above was taken in 2015 at the National Type Primary School (NTPS), Jalan Pasir Puteh’s reunion, where the students met up with their primary school teachers.
Papan Town?
This picture was taken off Heritage Asia magazine, back in 2004. The description reads as:
Perak, as in many parts of Malaysia, has a large number of pre-war and colonial shop-houses. Distinctive in their decorative sturdy look with sculpted openings and large columns guarding the shaded five-foot ways, they were the mainstay of retail business then. Somehow, new shop houses lack that character. Quiet towns like Papan still have these old edifices.
So, is this a photo of Papan? Or, could it be another town in Perak….?
February 2017
On A Treacherous Path Into The Highlands
Photograph courtesy of Tom Eadie
This was taken in 1955 as the ‘A’ Troop rolled out of the Old Convent (Taiping) and was headed for the Cameron Highlands via Tapah.
“The climb beyond Tapah with its claustrophobic intimidating high-rising jungle crowding the eternally bending narrow roadway was enough to make everyone feel vulnerable and on high alert, though failing to prevent the Troop Leader from charging on in front standing in the turret of the Dingo armoured car making a perfect target for any watching Communist Terrorist (CT).”, described Tom.
To read more about Tom’s ‘A’ Troop experience while serving in Malaya, click here.
Looking For A Former Room Mate
Ian Horgan is trying to reconnect with a long lost mate, whom he shared a room with back in 1979/1980 in England. Here’s what he wrote:
I am writing to you to ask for your help in finding an old room-mate, Alan Tan. I shared a room with Alan back in 1979/80 in a house in Kingsland Road, Birkenhead, England. At the time Alan was attending Birkenhead Technical College studying for his ‘A’ levels. Although many years have passed Alan is not forgotten. I am a member of a WhatsApp group (15 members) who met each other at that time while studying, and we would love to rekindle our friendship with Alan. I am from England (now living in Australia) and the others are from Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand and Hong Kong. I kept in touch with Alan for a while after he returned to Malaysia in 1980 but we lost contact. Unfortunately, the Internet was non-existent then.Alan Tan – I think his initials were TC, so could be Alan TC Tan.Last known address in Ipoh was 4 Jalan Mui Fah, Victoria Park.Studied ‘A’ levels at Birkenhead Technical College in England. I think his ‘A’ level subjects were Maths, Physics and Chemistry.Lived in Kingsland Road, next to the college. The landlady’s name was Mary.Liked Tae Kwon Do.Worked as a waiter in a restaurant many miles away – I think the restaurant was in Whitchurch.Here’s a photo of Alan and me:This one includes Mary and some of the students that lived in house. I have circled Alan:
I would be eternally grateful for any help in tracing my old friend. I’m hoping there is somebody (relative/friend) in Ipoh that could put me in direct contact with Alan, wherever he may be.Kind regards,Ian
Do you recognise Alan Tan? If you’re Alan, and you’re reading this, do leave a comment (or two); Ian would love to hear from you again!
…not what you think it is…
Looks like a wooden bird, but it’s not quite a wooden bird. This is said to be a tool used in paddy planting. Does anyone here know HOW it’s used?
UPDATE:
We received this from our reader Ngai, who recently visited the Rice Production Museum in Kedah. Apparently this tool pictured above is known as Renggam (see picture below).
January 2017
A Different View of a Dredge
We thank Pat Price (from Sydney) for this picture. Price was formerly an engineer with Anglo-Oriental. This dredge was said to be in Kampong Gajah, Perak. Perhaps you’re wondering why the dredge buckets are all lined up on the extreme right. Back in 1976, one of the dredge buckets broke; hence, fixing the problem was quite a task for the engineers and the coolies.
Did you know…?
…that the YMCA Ipoh building used to be along Cockman Street? Check out the pictures below 🙂
Apparently, this premise later became the home for Lido Cinema. Does anyone remember this building?
Here’s a group photo of the YMCA members, taken outside the Cockman Street building.
St Michael’s Institution – Form 6, 1959
I’m sure everyone recognises the gentleman seated in the middle. 🙂
Yes, he’s none other than Rev Bro Vincent Corkery – of St Michael’s Institution. The photograph was part of a tribute to Bro Vincent, congratulating him on his award (he was conferred the title ‘Dato’ back in 2014). In this same tribute were some of the names of the students:
Sivagami; Askari Badsha; Winnie Te; Khoo Kay Hock; Beatrice; Mary Ann; Lim Jo Hock; John Wai; Raja; and Telk Raj Sharma
SMI Alumni, are you in the photograph? Or, perhaps you know someone in the photograph?
(Note: This photograph was scanned off an article, hence the poor quality)
December 2016
Here’s Something For You Mr. Holmes…
Here’s something to start-up your week. The building in this particular picture is said to be a hotel in Ipoh, Federated Malay States (FMS). Anyone recognizes the building or knows where this hotel might have been?
P. S. We’re not too sure of the name of the hotel or where this building was located.
The way it used to be…
Looking at this picture (from Lay Jin Chew), I couldn’t help but wonder how much Ipoh’s landscape has changed over the years. Could that bridge (far left) be part of the Hugh Low Bridge, or part of the Birch Bridge? I would also like to draw your attention to the area on the left of the shop houses (other side of the bridge). Any idea what that building is?
November 2016
Looking To Fill Something Up?
Ever wondered how people back then managed to fill up tin bags without spilling the contents? Believe it or not, this simple looking funnel played a key role in keeping the tin ore in the bags. These work similar to how an oil funnel would work.
Here’s how things work: First you insert the funnel into the bag, pour in the dried tin ore until it reaches the designated level (the top of the tube), remove the funnel carefully and “VOILA”, you’ve filled a bag of tin without spilling any.
Have you seen one before? or better yet, used one before?
Remember ‘Paris Bakery’?
The photo doesn’t really show this once famous bakery, but you can see the sign on the wall (extreme right). I vaguely remember this bakery, which was a family-run business. One of the daughters (or maybe the grand daughter) was my classmate in primary school. Sadly, we lost touch in later years. I never got a chance to ask her about the history of this bakery. Does anyone know the story behind this famous shop? We thank Lay Jin Chew for this photograph.
We also received this photograph from Ruth Iversen Rollitt – showing the Paris Bakery Factory.
Ipoh, 1977
We took this off the 1977 edition of the AMCIAN – the Ave Maria Convent school magazine. This is an aerial view of the school building and the surroundings.
We’ve had a lot of feedback from SMI, ACS, NTPS, and even HIJ Convent Alumni over the years…but not much from the Ave Maria Convent girls. So, here’s a shout-out to you young ladies out there!
A Parade in Ipoh Town, 1947
From what we know, there was a parade in Ipoh town back in 1947 – in support of the Kuomintang. We believe the above picture (from Lay Jin Chew) was taken at the same parade, which ran through the streets of Ipoh. Can anyone guess which street this is? On that note, do you know what business Barlow & Co Ltd was?
October 2016
Remember ‘Lian Seng Fatt’ ?
This sundry shop was once at 40 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, in Canning Garden. But that was back in the 1960s – 1970s. This shop was later taken over by a book store.
Does anyone remember the sundry shop…or even the owner?
Did you own a ‘Travel Mate’?
Texas Instruments made a line of laptops called “Travel Mate”.
The 4000E meets the system requirements for DOS, Windows 3.x and 95, but not Windows 98. According to the manual, it came with 4MB of memory, which could be upgraded to as much as twenty megabytes. (read more here)
Could this have been one of the very first laptops in the market? You tell us 🙂
Some of you might remember this model (the Travel Mate 4000E). For those of you who don’t, here is what it looks like (see picture below).
Mooooving Around
Imagine this: you’re travelling along a random road in Ipoh, and you encounter a car, a bullock-cart and bicycle moving one behind the other in the opposite lane! It might have been a familiar sight back in the 1960s, but not today. We thank Alan for the above photograph.
Everybody Loves Kung-Fu Fighting!
The photograph above is part of a set of Leong Fu’s, ‘The Chinese Kung-Fu Karato (Atado)’ which was generously donated to us by Dato’ Lim Si Boon. The entire set consists of a promotional booklet (small booklet in the centre) and a 21 part series of illustrated loose sheet instructions. According to peterharrington.co.uk, no copies have been recorded by the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC) in any libraries internationally, and no trade records in the usual channels. So tell us, were you a big fan of Kung Fu?? Click here to see the front covers of the complete set.
Old Town News…
Recognise this place?
Familiar, right? Perhaps the next two pictures will give you more clues.
In case you’re wondering why we put these up, this is just to show you what’s become of those food stalls in the area. They have their very own food court now….and as you can see, the area is so CLEAN! Hope it stays that way…
Instant relief?
Stuffy noses ‘fear’ this very potent rub….I wonder if their original formula has changed over the years.
I recall a recent purchase of a small bottle of Vicks which was made in India. I don’t know what was added to the original formula, as I found the scent was different from the usual bottles bought at our local stores. I wonder if every country has their own ‘recipe’ for Vicks…
The “A Troop Experience”…
The photographs in this blog post are from the collection of photographs that were generously donated to us by Tom Eadie, who served throughout 1955 to 1956 in Malaya.
The “A Troop Experience” is an 8 part series which we have recently put up on our database, the entries are of Tom Eadie, a retired Bombadier (Bdr) of the ‘A’ Troop and his experience when he served throughout 1955 to 1956 in Malaya.
Click here to read the first part of The ‘A’ Troop Experience.
Here’s a ‘writing’ exercise for you…
Have you used these to write? Perhaps not…maybe your parents or grandparents did? Anyhow, these were what I would call the ‘early pencils’. And of course, you used them on slate boards (not paper, as they were rather costly back then). Incidentally, I looked up ‘slate pencils’ on YouTube…and to my surprise, there were many videos of people EATING slate pencils!
September 2016
‘Horse Liniment’
No, I’m not joking! This liniment was once used on horses with stiff shoulders…before humans discovered that it worked on their shoulders too 🙂
On Top Of The World!
Yes! Tripadvisor travellers worldwide have voted Ipoh World at Han Chin Pet Soo into the Top 1% of Attractions Worldwide. Ipoh’s Number 1 attraction since April 2015 continues to go from strength to strength and is also voted the 4th Best Museum in Malaysia!
With a Certificate of Excellence and voted the Traveller’s Choice, isn’t it time you visited? Visit www.ipohworld.org/reservation to book your visit today!
Pretty Souvenirs!
No, we’re not selling these! But do any of you remember the time when such souvenirs were popular? I once saw a souvenir plate / saucer (somewhere in my grandfather’s cupboard) with a picture of Prince Charles, Princess Diana and little Prince William (issued at the time of Prince William’s birth). I do wonder if people merely collected such cutlery or if they intended to use them…
Oxo Cubes?
I’ve heard of Maggi and Knorr chicken flavoured stock cubes, but I’ve not heard of Oxo cubes. Have you? What did they taste like?
We would like to share the following photo – from Ngai – taken at a store, showing the various Oxo products.
“Radio Ga-Ga, Radio Goo-Goo”
The music fans have had quite an interesting discussion on our blog lately. So, we decided to put up this picture – just to see if it jogs any memories 🙂
I remember having one like this, but a different model. I also remember trying to record songs onto a cassette, and this dual-deck made it easier.
August 2016
‘Sugar, and Spice, and everything Nice’!
Here’s a nice one of happy faces, taken at the Main Convent (HIJ Convent) back in the late 1940s. We thank Marea Smith for sharing this lovely photograph with us. Incidentally, Marea is the girl standing in the back row, third from the right.
‘Twist and Shout’ !!
We thank Darren Teh for the above picture. He also shared the following with us via email:
I was staying in Greentown then and used to go to a classmate house in Fair Park where we all learn to dance the A Go-Go , The Shake and Off Beat Cha Cha!
Darren also mentioned that the above album was from Charlie & His Go Go Boys.
So, we’d like to hear from the party-animals out there! Do you remember this band…or similar bands /albums…? 🙂
The Disappearing Act At The Railway Station…
The majestic view of the railway station has often left many of us in awe over the years and even more so today after the landscaping of the garden.
Around the Ipoh tree are plaques that tells the story of Perak and its districts, upon closer inspection we found that most of these plaques are either damaged or have faded away over time.
The map of Perak pulling a ‘Houdini’
With most tourists utilizing the convenient and easy services of the ETS to come to Ipoh, we find these fading plaques worrying as nothing seems to have been done to maintain them. If you were a tourist, what would your impression be upon seeing this?
Meeting An Olympic Star!
I don’t know if any of you remember this, but back in 1955 we had a visit from a famous Olympian – Jesse Owen!
Facing the camera, on the extreme left, is Mr Kandvanam. Next to him is Mr Bulwant Singh. Jesse Owen (winner of 4 gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics) is the gentleman in the checkered shirt.
Lessons In Progress…
Convent Girls, do you recall what your classroom looked like? Well, this was a typical classroom at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (or Main Convent) back in the late 1940s / early 1950s. We thank Marea Smith for sharing this nostalgic photograph with us. Looking forward to hearing from any CHIJ Alumni 🙂
Guess Guess Guess…
Picture courtesy of Tom Eadie
Here’s something to start your Monday engines, this is a picture of a sort of busy street taken in 1955. Take a wild guess where this could be, not the street but the place. I’ll give you a clue, it was named the capitol of Perak after the assassination of J. W. W. Birch, the British resident at the time.
Happy guessing! 😉
Guess The Object
No, it’s not another racket (or racquet, if you prefer). What do you think it is?
STOP PRESS: We thank Ignatius Chiew for sending us these pictures – of a back beater!
This object has a rattan handle and round, vinyl ‘ball’ which is stuffed with cotton. The second picture is a closer view of the beater.
ATTENTION!!
Remember the Home Guards? Here we have troop-in-training. The gentleman in white shorts is our donor’s father – M L Bernacchi. I’m sure some of you remember seeing the Home Guards on patrol, especially if you were one of those who lived in the New Villages during the Malayan Emergency.
July 2016
Who Are They?
We received this photograph from Harchand (one of our Readers) some time ago. However, we do not know the names of these gentlemen. Do you recognise them? We were told that this photograph was taken somewhere in Perak (where in Perak, we haven’t the faintest idea 🙁 ).
Come on, History-buffs….put those thinking caps on!
UPDATE: Thanks to a link from Ngai, we now know that: the person making the announcement is John Gladwell (Officer Commanding the Kuala Lumpur Jungle Squad); also in the control room are Inspector Alma Singh (left) and Sub-Inspector Rustan Ali (holding a notebook). This picture was taken around 1958 – in the midst of the Malayan Emergency.
Souvenir Shopping Bag
From past blog posts, we’ve had Readers sharing their memories about some of the many smaller departmental stores in Ipoh. With the coming of hypermarkets and malls, these small businesses eventually folded. On that note, does anyone remember Angel Departmental Store? Do you remember where it was located?
HIJ Convent School Badge
HIJ Convent girls, this one’s for YOU! Do you remember this badge? Did you have trouble remembering the lyrics of the school song? Do you recall the motto? Come on, girls…we want to hear from you 🙂
Day Trip!
Sometimes, families make day trips / weekend trips during school holidays and such. I wonder if this how these children found themselves posing next to the canon (picture below).
Do you recognise the building in the background? I’m making a wild guess and saying it’s probably part of a museum. But I could be wrong though.
We thank Rosemary Palmer for the above photograph 🙂
June 2016
The ORIGINAL Batu Gajah Police Station!
This is said to be the original building of the Batu Gajah Police Station. Our donor, Daljit Singh Guram, told us that his late grandfather is in this very photograph (back row, 11th from the left). Daljit’s late grandfather – Gurcharan Singh Guram – was in the Malaysian Police Force from 1920 to 1945.
‘Do you see me?’
This photo was taken in the late 1950s / early 1960s. Yes, it’s none other than the Straits Trading Building, in Ipoh!
More Mysteries For You!
This was sent to us via email from Ann & Mano. According to them, the owner of this driver’s license was an RAAF personnel, and would have worked on aircrafts almost daily. The Singapore-issued license (1955) is the picture on the left. The picture on the right, however, is a photo of a particular airplane attached to his driving license. Therein lies the mystery!
Was this a common feature for such licenses issued back then? Anyone care to shed some light on this?
Festival Of The Fifth Month A.K.A The Dumpling Festival…
The festival of the Fifth month which is also known as the Dragon Boat Festival or commonly known as the Dumpling Festival which is held on the 5th day of the 5th month of the Chinese calendar is said to have originated from dragon worship according to Wen Yiduo, a Chinese poet and scholar. Dumplings may have originally represented an offering to the dragon king.
What is your version of the history of this festival?
May 2016
The Famous Mrs Hew!
I’m sure everyone recognises this lady from Lat’s comics! She’s none other than Mrs Hew. Ever wondered what she looked like back in the day? Check out the picture below, taken from the NTPS Jalan Pasir Puteh 1962 year book.
picture courtesy of: Ooi Kean Chye
For those who still can’t identify her, look closer at the middle row – Mrs Hew is the lady second from the left.
April 2016
The Police Volunteer Reserve, 1970s
picture courtesy of Gary Lai (via SK)
We received this photo and description from SK:
This picture was send to me by Gary Lai from Anderson School, Ipoh. I have his consent to use the picture & story. He joined the Police Volunteer Reserve back in 1970s when he left Ipoh, in KL. Gary is pictured on the left & he lost touch of his friend in 1975. Hope Ipohworld can publish this & also at the same time to look out for Gary’s friend. Gary told me he joined the PVR as a duty to the nation. Both of them patrolled the street with a regular policeman and enjoyed their task. They were also paid by their employers while performing their duties or when they took 2 weeks off for training.
They had also opportunity to practice shooting with wesson smith pistols in 6 bullets chamber & Mark 5 bolt action rifle (10 or 12 bullets ) in sniping, squatting & sitting positions but missed the M16 practice as it was then newly issued. Gary recalled it was fun time walking the streets twice or thrice a week 6 pm to 11 pm at 40 sen an hour. It was not about money as they spent more than the stipend paid but the experience & the duty to the country. Well, Ipohworld, hope you will publish this for awareness in the Police Voluntary Reserve Unit. We have also other voluntary units like Civil Defence & Rela. The other unit is Polis Bantuan.
In a subsequent email, SK told us that Gary’s friend went by the name of Chuah (Gary doesn’t know the full name). If Chuah, or any of his family / friends, are reading this, we’d love to hear from you!
Top marks for restoration :)
On a car-free morning in Ipoh, I just happen to pass through Hugh Low Street and noticed this building. It’s at the corner of Hugh Low Street and Jalan Che Tak. I’m not sure what building this is…but I’ll say kudos to their restoration work! Does anyone know who / which company owns this building? For that matter, what was this building originally used for?
Searching For A Long Lost Amah
Tania Gotzes (nee Fairnington) whose family once lived at Godwin Close and Canning Gardens back in the 60s is trying to locate the amah who took care of her when she was younger. She remembers her full name being Tho Leen Ho, who’d likely be in her 80’s and that she also has a daughter called Ah Choo. If you happen to recognize Ah Leen and have information of her whereabouts, we’d be grateful if you could kindly drop us an e-mail at info@ipohworld.org.
Once Upon A Time In Greentown…
A familiar sight once upon a time, a forgotten memory over time. The building in the picture above, consists of 4 residential units linked together. It is located on a plot of land behind the Syeun Hotel known as Lot 32630 of Jalan Idris, Greentown. According to the donor of this photograph, the image in this picture is what’s remaining of the Old Greentown before it was extensively developed to what it looks like today.
What is your memory of the Old Greentown?
The ‘travelling’ trishaw
Have you heard about the ‘King of Trishaws’? We’re talking about Boon Eng Keat, who was born in Sumatra in 1928 and came to Malaya in 1933 with his family. His early years were spent working at ‘Sin Meng Hong’, a bicycle shop at No. 8 Anderson Road, Ipoh.
In the years following the Second World War, transportation was greatly effected – especially with the shortage of fuel and rubber. And so, the people had to adapt to this – thus the birth of the trishaw. The trishaw is actually an amalgamation of a bicycle and a rickshaw. The earlier models retained the springs while the later ones had no springs and solid tyres.
When Eng Keat was 19, he went on to work in a Hale Street trishaw shop (in Old Town) called ‘Sin Seng Huat’. After 23 years, Eng Keat decided to go into business for himself as a trishaw manufacturer and renter. But what happened to Eng Keat’s trishaws when the requirement for them was no longer there?
According to an interview we did with Eng Huat some years ago:
…some were sold off locally and several went overseas. Two particular customers, both British he remembers, were a College Professor in Kuala Lumpur and an engineer working locally in Ipoh. When the former was due to return to UK after his term of employment was over, his students asked him what he wanted as a gift and he chose a trishaw, saying that he owned practically everything else. The students took him at his word, bought a trishaw from Eng Keat and presented it to the professor who took it back to England. The engineer also took his back to England, but being mechanically minded he stripped it right down and packed it flat, presumably reassembling it later. Neither has been heard of since, but they may well still be rolling along English country lanes. Two more of his machines found their way to Spain and Thailand.
More about this story can be found here.
Recently, we received a message on Facebook about one of Eng Keat’s trishaws. Subsequently, we also received an email from Steven Day, from UK, – one of the owners of this same trishaw (see pictures below).
According to Steven, he and two other friends decided to buy this trishaw for rides around their village and the surrounding areas. Who would have thought that this Ipoh-born trishaw would one day make its home in the UK!
March 2016
Do You See What I See?
Do you recognise these panels? They can be found on the four sides of the Birch Clock tower. Still wondering what I’m talking about? Well, the next time you pass by the clock tower, take a closer look 🙂
THE J W W BIRCH MEMORIAL CLOCK TOWER PANELS
The Growth of Civilization.
The following is a description of the figures represented in the painted panels:
PANELS A AND B: Prehistoric Times to the Time of Christ.
PANEL A NORTH.
The Stone Age – A Hunter.
A Fisherman.
A Woman spinning.
The Iron Age – Man and Woman.
The Early Eastern Peoples – A Nubian with gold and ivory.
A Chaldean Astrologer.
A Woman making pottery.
An Egyptian.
An Assyrian.
A Persian.
PANEL B WEST.
The Eastern Meditteranean – Judaism.
Moses.
David
A Phonecian.
A woman representing the Agean civilization.
The Far East – Confucius.
Buddha.
Lao Tzu.
Greece and Rome – A woman representing Greek Art.
Alexander the Great.
A Greek Philosopher.
Augustus.
PANELS C AND D – From the Time of Christ to the Present Day.
PANEL C SOUTH
The Byzantine Empire – Constantine the Great.
Islam – Mohammed (pbh).
The Age of Chivalry – A Crusader.
The Age of Faith – St. Clara.
Gothic Art – A Bishop with a model of a Cathedral.
The Renaissance – Science – Galileo.
Art – Michael Angelo.
Literature – Vittoria Colonna.
Enterprise – Columbus.
The Reformation – Luther.
The Elizabethan Age – Shakespeare.
PANEL D EAST – Modern Science, Art and Social Services.
Physics – Newton.
Medicine – Harvey.
The use of steam – Watt.
Easter Art – Embroiderer.
Music – Beethoven.
Engineering – Stephenson.
Photography – Daguerre.
Social Service – Miss Nightingale.
Natural Science – Darwin.
Electricity – Edison.
Humane Surgery – Lister.
Comfort Food?
Some go for sweets, some go for salty snacks. Yet there are others who crave something like this (picture above) – Dry Curry Noodles!
Our photographer had this (at RM 5.30 per serving) from the Ma Jie curry mee stall in Restoran Yee Lock, opposite Bridal Collection along Anderson Road.
So, dear Readers……what’s YOUR comfort food?
The Passing Of Brother Vincent Corkery.
Picture taken from Tin Phil Sinnappan’s Facebook Post
Dato’ Brother Vincent Corkery passed away peacefully today at 12:18pm. Wake services tonight, 22nd of March and tomorrow night, 23rd March is at 8pm. His funeral will be at 10:30am on Thursday, 24th of March at St. Michael’s Church.
Dato’ Brother Vincent has been associated with St. Michael’s Institution, in one role or another for more than 50 years. To read more about the twice Brother Director of St. Michael’s Institution, click here.
Farewell Brother Vincent, you will be missed.
What’s Happening Here?
Sometime ago, we featured this building – the former Oriental Hotel, which was turned into an electrical store.
One of our readers, Charlie Choong, sent us the following photographs recently.
Looks like the electrical store is closing down….or perhaps they are relocating….we don’t know. Does anyone know what’s going on?
February 2016
A Monday Mystery For You!
I’m sure you have driven past this building in New Town Ipoh. This is the side view of a former hotel – which is now an electrical store. This building is opposite the Kamdar textile store, just in case you’re wondering. I’m sure some of you already know which building I’m talking about. What we would like to know is what those Chinese characters on the upper wall mean. Below is a close up of the words.
Oil-ing Up The Past…
Above is a type of Vehicle lubricant manufactured by Shell but we are not too sure which category it falls under. From the design of the logo, we believe that this particular lubricant was manufactured between 1955 to 1961. The unique design of the canister is reflected through the spout at the top as well as the wooden handle that can be seen in the picture below. Any idea which category this lubricant would fall under?
The Brewster Road Fire Station, 1980s
Here’s a blast from the past! This photograph (taken in the 80s), given to us by Lim Lean Seng, shows the Brewster Road Fire Station. We believe this fire station was built around 1915; it started off as a single storey building and the second storey was added in 1936.
The fire station later relocated to Jalan Kompleks Sukan (opposite the Perak Stadium) in the 90s. From what we were told, the building pictured above is in the process of becoming Brewster Village – Wedding & Events.
Hugh Low Hill?
Dear Ipoh-ites…..was there a hill named after Sir Hugh Low somewhere in Perak? We were wondering based on the picture below.
picture from: Charlie ChoongOn that note, do you recognise the young men in picture? Are YOU one of them? If you are, we’d like to hear more from you 🙂
Happy Hokkien New Year!
A simple altar with offerings to the Jade Emperor
Hokkien New Year is celebrated every year on the Ninth Day of Chinese New Year. Some may wonder, why the ninth day, why not the first day?
Legend has it that during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Hokkiens were attacked by bandits and to save themselves, they hid in a sugar cane plantation until the ninth day when they were sure it was safe to return home. Coincidentally, it was also the Jade Emperor’s birthday; they had been saved by his divine intervention and the protective cover of the sugar cane stalks. (which explains the significance of the Sugar Cane stalks during this celebration)
Having missed the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations, they celebrated their salvation that day and ever since then, the Hokkien dialect group have regarded this date as a symbol of their survival and a time for major celebrations every year.
Methodist English School – Form 3 1967
We were told that this was the Form 3 Class of 1967 at Methodist English School (later known as Methodist High School or MHS). Our source also mentioned the teacher’s name – Mr Thanarajan. Do you recognise any of the faces in the picture below?
picture courtesy of Gogan Singh, click to enlarge
It’s New Year’s Eve!
Not much longer now til the sound of fire crackers fill the skies marking a New Year in the Chinese Calender. Reunion dinners are where most families are at on this New Year’s Eve and the dish above is a traditional yet unmissable one on this auspicious occasion.
The “Bangkuang Char” sometimes also called the “Jiu Chu Char” (if dried squid is added) is a traditional nyonya dish where thinly sliced radish / sengkuang is stir-fried with carrots, onions and pork. Wrapped in Chinese Lettuce is often how this traditional dish is eaten. Is “Bangkuang Char” one of your favourite New Year dishes?
Hope you all had a good New Year’s Eve dinner with your family members and have a very Happy Chinese New Year!
January 2016
And So It Begins…
It’s beginning to look like Chinese New Year, everywhere you go. You hear songs of prosperity, at every mall that you go, its the cheerful kind that sets your hearts aglow. With Chinese New Year being less than two weeks away, preparations for the auspicious celebration would have started for most. Traditional cookies like “Kuih Kapit” are often served to guests on the day of the celebrations. What’s your favourite type of traditional cookie served during Chinese New Year?
Students At An Open Cast Tin Mine
Picture courtesy of Janet Ferguson & Nellie Cumming
Field trips are usually educational and fun. Visiting an open cast tin mine? Couldn’t have been more educational and fun could it? A picture of Nellie and her classmates on a field trip to one of the open cast tin mines (unnamed). Where have you been for your field trips? Do share with us…
Fancy A Ride?
It was definitely a pleasant surprise to have the boy and gals from the Ipoh Classic Car Club in Old Town this morning. They parked their beauties at the corner of the Ho Yan Hor Herbal Tea museum which is of course right next to our very own Han Chin Pet Soo. Guess I’ll just let the pictures speak for themselves, enjoy. 😉
Taiping’s 130-year-old Market!
Sometime ago, the NST featured the Taiping Central Market – which was built between 1884 & 1885. Yes, the market is 130 years old! The above picture shows the wood and cast iron latticed structure which is a prominent feature of this landmark.
Taiping folks, we want to hear YOUR stories / adventures about this market 🙂
December 2015
Waist-Deep Waters
Picture courtesy of Mr. Au
On a hot and scorching day, who wouldn’t love a dip in the pool. As pictured above with waist-deep waters was one of the floods that hit Ipoh in 1930.
New Visitor Photos at Han Chin Pet Soo
Just thought some of you would like to click Han Chin Pet Soo on Facebook and see what our visitors have been up to lately.
Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/Han-Chin-Pet-Soo-389066454583533/
Can you hear the ‘Ting-ting man’…
Curious onlookers surrounding the “Ting-ting Man’s” bicycle
The man and his “Ting-Ting”
As I was on my way for an appointment, a sound that would have been very familiar to the older generation could be heard along Jalan Panglima (Panglima Street). Out of curiosity, I looked around and I saw this man on his bicycle.
According to patrons nearby, he’s does his “Ting-Ting” at the end of Concubine Lane where Thean Chun and Kong Heng are at.
What’s your memory of this sweet delicacy? Do share with us.
November 2015
NTPS, Jalan Pasir Puteh, Ipoh: At Last, We Meet!
Picture courtesy of Poh Choo Lim
Thanks to Ipoh World, our plan for organizing a reunion with our primary school teachers has finally materialized. From the few postings in their blog, exactly five years to the date after the first posting, Nov. 22, 2010. We were able to gather about 30 former students to participate in this low-key but yet auspicious occasion.
Former students of NTPS, Jalan Pasir Puteh, were able to honour their teachers to a dinner at the Eurasia Cafe on 21 November, 2015.
Annual dinners among alumni are very common but none can lay claim to organizing one for their primary school teachers who are already in their eighties. The 30 or so students who turned up for the hurriedly organized occasion are mostly retirees themselves in their sixties. Tears and cheers of joy flowed freely when the students and teachers met, some for the very first time after almost 50 years! Another surprise in store for the organizer was that some of the attendees, unknowingly to him, were from the same class way back in the late 50s and nearly 60s.
Everyone was so engrossed in catching up with each other that the MC had a difficult time controlling the crowd and gave up after a few attempts at restoring order before the start of dinner. In fact, he had to take a back seat for the rest of the night as everyone, teachers and students alike, took turns to introduce themselves as well as taking centre stage unannounced at the karaoke session.
Among the distinguished attendees were Dato A. Paramasivam, the newly retired deputy CPO of Perak, Dato Dr. N. Raman, former Director of Hospital Bahagia, Datuk Lean Meng Seong, retired banker, Prof. Dr. Mohd. Jamil Basha, retired university lecturer, Ir. Oon Eng Hock, a consultant, several doctors and many others, who were all former students of this school. They paid tribute to their all time favourite teachers Mr. Charlie Foo, Mr. Yeoh Seng Choon, Mdm Joycelyn Aw, Mrs. Kamala Ramanathan and Mrs. Hew Chai Kee (who is immortalized in Lat’s cartoon) by playing the song “To Sir, With Love” to these few dedicated and selfless teachers.
SH ONG
As Mdm. Chow was unable to be present for the dinner that night, a special lunch was organized for her before she caught the flight to Singapore with her grandson. This was another last minute arrangement and only the initiator, Datuk Lean Meng Seong and a small group of former students were able to attend the lunch. It was another warm and emotional gathering for all present.
Ban Guan Foong Bakery
Our donor (Lee Seong Yan) shared this little story with us:
“Remember the ’50s when you can get a bun with scraped coconut in brown sugar as fillings costing only 5 cents to 10 cents? For those interested in buns with scraped coconut fillings, there is a shop in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh selling them for 80 sen each. Besides those with coconut fillings, they also sell buns without fillings and also those with kaya (egg jam). They also have the regular size loaf. If you think 80 sen is expensive, try going to the cake shops in the shopping complex. Anyway, this shop is only open from Mon to Fr at 6.00 pm and on Sunday at 2.00 pm. It is closed on Sat. I went once at 2.30 pm on Sun. and found that the buns with coconut filling was sold out. The shop is Ban Guan Foong Bakery. The signboard in inside the shop and you will not be able to locate it until you are in the shop. The address is 50, Jalan Sultan, Pasir Pinji, Ipoh (near the market). The difference between the buns sold and those sold in the local bakeries and cake shop is that you buy it fresh from the oven and they are still hot and smells good. The oven is at the back of the shop and it does not look like it is run by electricity. The queue is long and you find people buying as many as 25-50 buns though you may buy one. From the signboard and the premises (single storey semi concrete and wooden walls and zinc roof) it looks as if this bakery (family run) has been around for over 50 Years.”
So folks, have you heard of Ban Guan Foong Bakery?
Beef-ing up some Hakka mee for breakfast
Ipoh has so many places we can go to for breakfast that we sometimes miss out the good stuff. Sin Kong Meng, a coffee shop along Jalan Bandar Timah is often overlooked by hungry patrons as they drive past to get to Sin Yoon Loong and Nam Heong, located at the end of that particular street.
Little do people know that the stall operating in Sin Kong Meng with their famous Beef noodles or ngau lam fan (Cantonese) and also Hakka mee had actually appeared in The Star a couple of years ago.
Announcement: Informal Reunion Dinner with Former Teachers of NTPS
*Hurry! Hurry! Seats are running out, due to overwhelming support. Seats will only be allocated on a first come, first serve basis.
Old Boys / Girls of NTPS, Jalan Pasir Puteh, Ipoh are honouring their former teachers with a Halal Buffet Dinner at EURASIA CAFE, No. 28, Jalan Medan, Ipoh 3, Bandar Baru Medan Ipoh, 31400 Ipoh on 21 November, 2015 (Saturday) at 7:00 p.m.
Teachers invited are:
Mr. Charlie Foo, Mdm. Chow, Mrs. Hew Chai Kee, Mr. Yeoh Seng Choon, Mdm. Joyce Au and others.
Those interested to join the party, kindly contact the following before / by 17 November 2015:
- Choo Lim (Ipoh) – 012 -5016118
- Seng Hoay (Ipoh) – 017 – 5738983
- Seng Koon (KL) – 013 – 3095836
October 2015
Let’s Go For A Run!
If you look closely, you’d notice the pipeline on the far left of the picture. That should clue you in on the location. The men running belong to the HHH – yes, the popular Hash House Harriers! This picture was taken off their 650th Run Souvenir Magazine, 1977. Any members of the HHH reading this? We’d like to hear about your running (and drinking!) adventures 🙂
The Other Festival’s in town!
The program book for ‘The Other Festival 2015’
The Other Festival, a festival of Arts, History and Food organized by Kakiseni kicked off in Ipoh on the 22nd of October and would be active until the 8th with fun filled events over the course of 3 weekends. A couple of famous Ipoh-ites would also be involved in the festival namely, Patrick Teoh and Bernice Chauly, who would be taking participants on their respective trails.
More information on The Other Festival can be found on Kakiseni’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/mykakiseni?fref=ts
A Tribute to Tan Sri Dato Seri Yuen Yuet Leng
Extract from: New Straits Times, 2-10-2015
We would like to extend our condolences to the family of the late Tan Sri Dato Seri Yuen Yuet Leng – a true hero and a well-loved individual who always believed in putting the ‘nation before self’.
September 2015
Preserving heritage buildings…a burden?
picture courtesy of Star Publications
We admit that it was not easy, but through much hard work and determination we managed to restore the Han Chin Villa (Han Chin Pet Soo) and turn it into a museum. As can be seen in the above picture, the restored Villa stands proudly amidst the other shops. Our up-and-coming project is the blue building next to it (a secret we shall reveal in the near future, so stay tuned!).
From what today’s Star newspaper says, restoring / maintaining such buildings can be a burden to the owner(s). What do YOU think? We’d like to hear your views on the matter.
You can read the full Star article here.
Fire Along Hume Street
About a month ago, a mysterious fire broke out at the shop lot behind the former Rex Cinema and razed the two vacant lots (top picture). The lot across the street was also razed by another fire, 3 years prior. This lot has since faced major re-development and the first picture at the bottom left shows how the lot looks like today.
The third and final picture on the bottom right is one taken along Anderson Road (Jalan Raja Musa Aziz) where another major re-development is taking place after the pre-war shop houses were knocked down and according to comments from one of our readers, a fire broke out at one of the lots prior to it being knocked down.
Could we be seeing another major re-development of these lots behind the former Rex Cinema?
Did you own a Ford V8?
The car-lovers out there are probably drooling over this beauty! Yes, it’s the two-seater Ford V8. We thank Sally Everist (our donor) who sent us this quite some time ago. This picture is part of the collection of the late J M Allison – who was killed by Communists, sparking the start of the Malayan Emergency. (The story can be found here)
Hot or Cold, how do you like yours?
Coffee is an essential part of breakfast for most people and no, this isn’t the famous Ipoh White Coffee if that’s what you’re thinking. Our photographer had this at Wah Nam Coffee Shop this morning. All you coffee lovers out there, where would you recommend that serves the best coffee?
P/s. not White Coffee but just normal Coffee
August 2015
Motor Sports, 1956-61
Any motor sports fans out there recall the good ‘ol days of rallies and racing? Our donor Loris Goring shared the following with us (via email):
I was heavily involved in the Singapore Motor Club in this period overseas with the British Air Ministry and thoroughly enjoyed our Rallies and the Mobilgas Economy Runs of that period. In particular though I remember the rallies where we were not allowed to even have a boiled sweet in the car in case Chin Peng popped out of the jungle to either shoot u or lob a hand grenade into the car.
In this days motorways were not even though of and the main roads though they had well maintained surfaces by the Public Woks department were narrow and tortuous. In particular, a rally that took us through Slim River was a drivers nightmare encompassing I think some 26 miles of hairpin bends with a huge drop on one side and high jungle cover on the other. If taken at a leisurely pace it was no problem but in our rallies we were give precise speeds and expected to arrive at any hidden checkpoint within plus of minus fifteen or thirty seconds, The problem was the speed we were expected to complete those miles. Not, I may say a frantic racing speed but modest but extremely difficult to keep knowing that breaking on every hairpin added time and accelerating out onto yet another short straight made navigation a nightmare. Often these rallies involved not only night driving but twelve hour stints before any food or sleep. Quite hard when you remember that cars in those days were not air conditioned the first ones only appearing in Malaysia around 1960.
The Mobilgas Economy event drew excellent entries but the rallies far less but perhaps because they were too grueling and folks still had to go to work on Monday.
Saving La Salle from Nippon
The statue of Saint John Baptist De La Salle on the gable of St. Michael’s Institution
A reporter from The Star newspaper, Christina Koh wrote about the story of how the brothers at St. Michael’s Institution rushed to save a large bronze statue of Saint John Baptist De La Salle by removing it, loading it onto a bullock cart and taken to the St. Michael’s Church where it remained until the end of the war.
To read the full article, click here.
The Public Pool
Recently, there was a report about the public pool (near the Perak Stadium) being closed for renovations. From what I’ve observed before it closed, this pool is rather popular among Ipoh-ites – especially the little ones.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know WHEN the pool was built?
The School that Iversen designed
Any Sam Tet alumni reading this? Well, I’m sure you recognise this building. According to our donor, Ruth Iversen Rollitt, her late father – B M Iversen – designed it!
July 2015
Scenes from the 1928 Floods in Ipoh
source: Alexander
We received this photo from Alexandar, the curator of the Heritage Gallery of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), in Silibin. According to an article from the Straits Times, heavy rain caused the banks of the Pari River (or Sungei Pari, as it’s more popularly known as) to overflow. The flood occurred on a Thursday back in 1928. Shown in the above photo is the old wooden structure of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Church (before the new brick building came into being).
For The Trumpet is Sounding, The Legacy Lives On!
Written by an alumni of the band, Master Tan Wei Shern is a book about the St. Michael’s Institution school band or popularly known as the Michaelian Military Band (MMB) which includes history of the band and more. The book also includes an array of photos from various years, you might just find a picture of yourself in the book.
Those who wish to order a copy of the book kindly e-mail: mmbhistorybook2014@gmail.com
At the Airport
In the photo are Marea Smith (our donor) and C.A. Thurling. This was taken at the Ipoh Airport back in 1953.
We’d like to draw your attention to the wooden bracket around the racket in Marea’s hand. If I’m not mistaken, the racket was placed between the wooden brackets and the four screws at the corners were tightened to hold the racket in place. One of my uncles used to store his badminton rackets this way – before specialised sports bags were made.
Do any of you remember this old fashioned way of storing rackets? 🙂
June 2015
Have you joined the “Naan” side yet?
After featuring mostly Chinese dishes in our previous blog posts, we thought of doing something different this time by featuring the ‘Garlic Naan Set’ which usually comes with a huge piece of tandoori chicken from “Restoran Kapitan Briyani Claypot”, located between Jalan Kledang Utara and Jalan Lahat.
Over the years quite a number of Northern Indian restaurants have opened up in Ipoh, what is your favourite dish?
The Ever Popular Chicken Rice!
Since we missed our food blog yesterday, we decided to feature a rather popular dish – the famed Chicken Rice!
Apparently, this simple yet delicious dish comes in many varieties. The common type being rice served with the signature roasted chicken or steamed chicken; some stalls offer other side dishes together with the chicken rice.
Which is YOUR favourite variety?
May 2015
“Mobile” food…
For those of you who remember, we featured this photo in our Falim Exhibition two years ago. What’s fascinating about this hawker on wheels, in that he’s determined to peddle his wares – in spite of the traffic along the road 🙂
I wonder what he was selling. On another note, does anyone recognise the building in the background?
Fancy a game of Chinese Chess?
Xiangqi is played on a board nine lines wide and ten lines long. As in the game ‘Go’, the pieces are placed on the intersections, which are known as points. The vertical lines are known as files, and the horizontal lines are known as ranks.
Centered at the first to third and eighth to tenth ranks of the board are two zones, each three points by three points, demarcated by two diagonal lines connecting opposite corners and intersecting at the center point. Each of these areas is known as gōng – a “palace” or “fortress”.
Dividing the two opposing sides, between the fifth and sixth ranks, is the “river”. The river is often marked with the phrases chǔ hé, meaning “Chu River”, and hàn jiè, meaning “Han border”, a reference to the Chu-Han War. Although the river provides a visual division between the two sides, only two pieces are affected by its presence: soldier pieces have an enhanced move after crossing the river, and elephant pieces cannot cross it. The starting points of the soldiers and cannons are usually, but not always, marked with small crosses. – extract from Wikipedia.
Here we have a picture showing a game of Xianqi or Chinese Chess in progress. Note the placement of the tokens.
For those of you who want to see a real Xianqi board, visit our exhibition at Han Chin Villa!Of Hidden Paths and Secret Tunnels!
Yes, folks. This trap door opens up to a tunnel!
The door can be found in the court room floor of the Ipoh High Court building, and it leads to the Town Hall. During the Emergency, it was used to moved prisoners in temporary lock ups in the Town Hall (which at that time was a police station) to the court house. These prisoners were from the Taiping and Batu Gajah prisons. Today however, there is only a few metres of tunnel left as it has been blocked.
April 2015
‘Lady Justice’, at the Ipoh High Court
“Lady Justice is most often depicted with a set of scales typically suspended from her left hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case’s support and opposition.She is also often seen carrying a double-edged sword in her right hand, symbolizing the power of Reason and Justice, which may be wielded either for or against any party. Since the 15th century, Lady Justice has often been depicted wearing a blindfold. The blindfold represents objectivity, in that justice is or should be meted out objectively, without fear or favour, regardless of money, wealth, power, or identity; blind justice and impartiality.”
This icon can be seen on the outer wall of the first floor, of the Ipoh High Court (the wall facing the flag poles).
Shadow Puppet
Wayang kulit is a unique form of theatre employing light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen. The plays are typically based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Some of the plays are also based on local happening or other local secular stories. It is up to the conductor or dalang or master puppeteer to decide his direction. (source: Wikipedia)
Thought we’d share this picture (taken from a calendar) with our dear Readers. Here you can see the Puppet Master in action, as he presents his story. From what I’ve read, this form of theatre has its roots in Java, Indonesia. This art caught on in Kelantan….did it ever take flight here in Perak? Wonder if our Arts experts know more….
Where is Fair Gardens?
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this photograph. It was taken in 1947, showing her father B M Iversen at Fair Gardens? Does anyone know WHERE Fair Gardens is?
Methodist School, Malim Nawar
Our donor Richard Saxey tells us that this was taken around 1959-1960. He also mentions his teacher Mrs Kumar. So today we’d like to ask the ‘members of the Malim Nawar family’ – do you remember the Methodist School in Malim Nawar?
ps: In a recent email, Richard talked about his childhood friend Cynthia Hunter. Cynthia’s father William Hunter worked for Anglo-Oriental (Malaya) Ltd. If anyone out there remembers them, do leave a comment or two on this post 🙂
Trivia Friday!
Did you know that the character in the picture above does not exist in the Chinese dictionary? The character ‘Ngai’ which means ‘Me’ in Hakka.
The image above was on the wall of the Hakka museum of China (Meizhou). Any other Hakka characters you know of that doesn’t exist in the Chinese dictionary?
Ever Used a Mitchell Pen Nib?
artifact donor: Jamal Hashim
The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. [more can be found here]
Do you remember these pen nibs? Ever written with “the pens with a pedigree”?
The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpufThe William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpuf
A Unique Badminton Team!
Here’s another blast from the past from Richard Saxey. He tells us that this is “the picture of the badminton team, showing my elder brother Mr. E.H.White (know as Mick), I cannot remember if the team was a Malim Nawar team or a Perak River Hydro team (Malim Nawar)”.
Can’t wait to hear more from the you folks – who were once part of the Perak Hydro / Malim Nawar gang!
House Champs
By looking at the background, you’ll probably guess that this was taken in St. Michael’s Institution and the man in white is none other than Brother Ultan Paul.From the short description at the back of the photo we only know that this is the “Champion House for Swimming” in 1970, any idea which ‘House’ this was and if you could recognize any of them in this photo?
Do let us know.
Class of ’70
We thank Charlie Choong for this photograph. As written on the photo itself, the year is 1970. What we’d like to know is where this photo was taken. If anyone could help us translate the Mandarin, we’d be grateful. Perhaps, some of you out there may even recognise the people in the photo?
March 2015
Where the ‘Action’ is….
This is the inside of the projection room of Glory Cinema. The boys in ‘action’ are Bakar and Sangiva. I’m sure many of our local cinemas had similar projection rooms. Now that they’ve closed, I do wonder what happened to all the equipment…anyone know a thing or two about this?
Standard 2B, St Michael’s Institution
picture from Mr & Mrs Rasiah Anakili – click to enlarge
We recognise Bro Pius Kelly, who was the 9th Brother Director of St Michael’s Institution, seated in the centre. Do you know who are the teachers on his left and right? Were you in Standard 2B, class of 1956? If so, where are YOU in the photograph?
The Hopoh Association
Have you heard of the Hopoh Association? The Hopoh Association is formed by members from the Hopoh area of Guangdong, China. They speak the Hakka dialect but with the Hopoh intonation which is quite different. The picture below shows the Perak Hopoh Association, celebrating their 9th anniversary. The building in the background is along Jalan Che Tak, Ipoh.
We’d love to hear comments from you, especially if you recognise some of the people in this picture….
The Malim Nawar Story Continues….
We’ve had such an overwhelming response on our previous posts about the Perak Hydro Plant at Malim Nawar, which led us to uploading this photo (see below).
This photograph was sent to us via email from Richard Saxey. His father – Frederic James Saxey – was the Superintendent at the power plant back in the 1960s. We thank Richard for this photo (which is part of collection of photographs he sent us). Those of you who were part of the ‘Perak Hydro family’ may recognise these faces. Could we have some names please?
The Dunlop Rubber Company HQ
This was formerly the headquarters for the Dunlop Rubber Company in Ipoh, which was behind the railway station.
As you can see in the pictures (above and below) this building has long been abandoned.
These pictures (donated by Kinta Heritage Group) were taken back in 2009; from what we were told this place has been converted into a Hindu Temple.
Did you own a MOBO?
picture from: Leong Kai Loong, Ipoh
Did you own a Mobo horse when you were young? My cousins and I used to play on a Triang car – which was passed down to us from our uncles.
We had great fun with that car, pretending we were adults driving through town (but in fact, we only circled the garden!).
What were YOUR favourite toys growing up?
‘Girls Just Want to have Fun’
picture from: Ho Hoo Wan, Ipoh
These lovely ladies are part of the Form V batch of 1958 – from Sultan Yussuf School, Batu Gajah.
They were some of the many youngsters who attended the Farewell Dinner.
We have the names of these beauties….
Standing from left to right they are: Thong Mee Len, Poh Ching, Nelly Maniksha, Leelavathy, Tessie Perira, Anna Yoong.
Sitting from left to right: Lim Yoke Siew, Ho Kuan Thye, Cheah Soo Har, Chan Yoke Heng, Choong Chin Choo, Wong Choong Yoon and Loh.
If you are one of the above ladies in the picture, do share your memories with us!
February 2015
Our Very First Flight Attendants!
We’re not pulling your legs, but the ladies in the photo are none other than the first flight attendants for Malayan Airways. We believe this to be the first successful batch of applicants, looking smart in their uniforms and all set for their duties 😉
Hoong Tho Restaurant
This is not part of our food-column….rather, we’re just curious to know more about Hoong Tho Restaurant (see picture below).
picture courtesy of: Yuen Chie Onn
This picture was taken on 8th September 1957 – when the restaurant was decorated to celebrate the Mooncake or Mid-Autumn Festival.
From what we were told, this business (whose premise is along Leech Street) is still running. Anyone know what was their specialty?
Time for some Card Games!
Have you played ‘Happy Families’? Well, this game used to be known as ‘Jovial Families’ a long time ago. Here’s a picture to refresh your memory.
From what we were told, this set was manufactured by A. Collier (which was established back in 1863, in London). I’m guessing the ‘Happy Families’ cards are now printed locally….but I could be mistaken.
The Prefects of NTPS Pasir Puteh
Mano sent us this a while ago. He also included the following words: “…a photo of the school prefects of NTPS Pasir Puteh in 1967. Standing behind the headmaster, Mr. Bhagwan Singh, is none other then DCP Perak, Datuk Paramasivam!”
So NTPS Pasir Puteh Alumni….what do YOU remember about this group photograph? Are you in there somewhere?
January 2015
Winners of the Singing Contest
We all know Elvis Presley had his share of impersonators; some were almost as good as the ‘King’ himself – with the deep voice AND the gyrating hips!
Frank Sinatra (or Ol’ Blue Eyes, as some know him) had his share of impersonators too. Speaking of which, does anyone remember the Frank Sinatra singing contest back in 1959? It was held at the Lido Theatre…perhaps this picture might refresh your memory!
If you’re one of those in the photograph, do share with us your memories!
December 2014
Congratulations to the happy couple!
picture courtesy of: Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell)
This picture is from the Caldwell family album – showing the Caldwells at a local wedding. Does anyone recognise the newly weds?
Anderson Road in Ruins?
Much has been said about preserving our heritage buildings in and around the Kinta Valley. But alas, profit always seem to over ride conservation efforts.
The following photos (taken this afternoon) is yet another incident whereby pre-war shop houses are forced to make way for more modern structures….
One of our local dailies covered this story too. I’m sure some of you would have seen the demolition taking place – along Anderson Road (Jalan Raja Musa Aziz).
Another Famous Landmark in Papan
A couple of months ago, one of our readers – Hasbi – sent us these pictures.
This grand old building is the Rumah Besar of none other than Raja Bilah.
The gentleman in the picture is Hasbi himself with his wife. They had visited Kak Saadiah – the maternal great grand daughter of Raja Bilah. She still lives in the restored, original family house behind Rumah Besar.
If you have not been to Papan this area is well worth a visit.
November 2014
More ‘gems’ from the past
The ‘experts in the kitchen’ are definitely familiar with Lyle’s Golden Syrup 🙂 It all started out in 1881, when Abram Lyle set up a sugar refinery on the banks of the Thames river. This company, named Abram Lyle & Sons, was run by Lyle and his three sons. Thus the story goes (more can be found here).
I wonder….how much did a 500g tin of syrup cost back then (and, how much does it cost now) ?
“World’s greatest healer” ?
advertisement taken from Times of Malaya, 6 August 1959
From what I found out, the Zam Buk company came into existence in the early 1900s – in Yorkshire. This balm became “an essential item for the home” before modern medicine took over. (more can be read here)
I don’t know when Zam Buk became popular in Malaya, but I know that some of my relatives swear by it – we still use it now and then! Just wondering, was this balm as famous as ‘Tiger Balm’?
Afternoon Tea?
Here’s another one from the same donor who sent us those Malim Nawar photos. Looks like these men (and women too!) are in the midst of an interesting conversation. Note also the table layout – I see some teacups and some fancy glasses. Not forgetting the rather unique floral arrangement too 🙂
Family Outing
Back then, some folks in Ipoh counted the cinema halls and the famous Ipoh Race Course as part of their usual hang-outs (of course this was before Parkson and Aeon/Jusco came about!). What I found interesting about the above photo – of the race course nonetheless – is the outside of the Grand Stand. Note the potted plants along the steps. I wonder if the Grand Stand looks the same now. Anyone been to the race course lately?
I believe the little girl in the photo is none other than our donor Ruth Iversen Rollitt. 🙂
The Woes of Flooding…
In the early 1900s, floods in Ipoh were rather common – possibly due to the silting of rivers because of mining. Later, plans were made to straighten the sharp bends of the Kinta River and divert the River Choh. This would allow the waters to flow into the Pinji River instead of directly flowing into the Kinta River.
But Ipoh wasn’t the only town with flooding problems. At one time, Kuala Kangsar suffered from it too. Below is an aerial view of part of Kuala Kangsar town, way back in 1967.
More Pictures from Malim Nawar
We’re glad to know that so many of you out there have been reconnecting with lost friends through our blog – especially on THIS topic about the Malim Nawar power plant!
So, here’s another picture (from Larry Sawyer), showing the plant in the background. If you recognise the people in the picture, do tell us who they are.
Note the flag on the car in the far right – any guesses as to what flag it is?
October 2014
…a ‘long’ drive?
picture from: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
This 1953 photo shows John and B M Iversen (the famed Danish architect). I’m guessing the house in the background was probably designed by Iversen (but I could be wrong)….however, what really caught my eye was the car. Has anyone seen such a model before? I know I haven’t – and I admit, it’s quite a beauty!
The car-experts may be able to tell us more about this model 😉
Remember the ‘ol Typewriter?
With technology advancing everyday, I wonder how many of us can actually claim to have used a good old fashioned typewriter! This advertisement (sent to us by Nicholas Jennings) is for Royal Typewriters. Was this a very popular brand back then? Did any of you own one (or any other typewriter brand)? On that note, how much did a typewriter cost in those days?
The New Science Lab!
We received this from Daniel Doutriaux (part of a series of photographs from an album). These are the girls from Batu Gajah Convent – excited as they explore the new science lab. The year was 1956….do you recognise any of them in the photo? (Or, maybe YOU are in there?) We’d love to hear from the Convent Alumni 😉
Did You Own A Philco Radio?
advertisement courtesy of: Nicholas Jennings
Philco Radios were around as early as 1928. However, the company almost went bust and was later bought over by Ford Motor Company (in the 1960s). These radios must have had a special place in their owners hearts – Ron Ramirez even has a book dedicated to this radio! (more about Philco Radios)
Does anyone remember this radio brand? They also had an agent at No.41 Station Road, Ipoh. To those who STILL have them in your homes, do they still work?