Have you heard of The Syonan Times? “Syonan” was the name given to Singapore by the Japanese (during the Japanese Occupation). The Syonan Times (printed in Singapore) acted as the local newspaper, and was also part of the psychological warfare the Japanese were using in Malaya.
Here’s a sample of one of their editions, from 1942, (courtesy of Philip LaBrooy):
We were told that this building was along Togo Street. Our donor (Ruth Iversen Rollitt) also told us that this photograph dates back to 1933. Do you know what building this is? 🙂
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for sharing this with us. Have you heard of the Perak Commercial Institution? From what we know, it was at Cowan Street. Any idea if the Institution still exists?
We salute all those who have the least-liked jobs: the garbage collectors, the road sweepers, the janitors, and of course (as seen in the above photo) the Nightsoil Bucket Collectors.
Of course, we don’t have such bucket collectors today…but imagine what would happen without them?
Incidentally, today also marks the 73rd wedding anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip 🙂
Our previous blog entry showed an early depiction of Batu Gajah’s main road. Today, we are featuring Kampar Town. Do you know which part of Kampar this is? (if it’s still there today…)
…this was once the Main Road in Batu Gajah! Yes, I can’t believe it myself!
We have here an appeal letter for Poppy Day. This letter is dated 1957.
Poppy Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member nations since the end of WW I, to remember those in the armed forces who died in the line of duty. Poppy Day falls on 11 November, recalling the end of the hostilities of WWI in 1918. This day was inaugurated by King George V in 1919; WW I ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.
Read more about Poppy Day here.
No, he’s not a famous actor. This handsome gentleman is actually Mr Creet – Founder of the Grand Hotel.
SMI was proud when the first group of medical students to graduate from University of Malaya included five Michaelians. They are pictured above with another Old Michaelian, Mr Vincent Ooi Eu Sen FRCS, Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the University.
They are, from left to right:
Doctors Chin Kit Kong, Ooi Eng Aun, Chong Min Sin, Vincent Ooi Eu Sen, Thong Yee Heng, Chua Chin Tong.
Here’s a little history recap for you:
This grave is among one of seven Christian ones in Kampung Pisang, Pasir Panjang Ulu (in Perak). The cemetery is said to be within a placid jungle clearing against a backdrop of banana trees and thick foliage, close to the Perak River. (read more here).