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?
Ever tried Pan Mee? The one our photographer tried contained the usual egg noodles, sayur manis (those green leaves), fried anchovies, wood-ear mushroom, and meat. Our photographer told us that this bowl of Pan Mee cost RM 5.
Any SMI Alumni remember this? Why were the buses parked in the compound? Were the students on their way to a field trip?
Take a good look and give us your thoughts 🙂
source: Charlie Choong
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.
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.
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 Choong
On 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 🙂
It was a solemn and heart-wrenching occasion, as the people of Ipoh (and even from others towns in Perak) came to pay their last respects to D R Seenivasagam. Some estimate the crowd of mourners to be well into the tens of thousands!
click to enlarge
We’d love to hear from anyone who witnessed this event – perhaps you could also tell us who these gentlemen (pictured above) are. I’m sure they must be some of the many VIPs who came to D R’s residence to pay their respects.
And just so you know we were not exaggerating about the funeral crowd, the picture below was taken during the street procession, which passed through Brewster Road.
Here’s another one from Richard Saxey’s collection. Yes, this is Malim Nawar! I know some of you can name all the gentlemen in this photograph.
But I’d like to draw your attention to the man with the coolie hat (extreme left). What is he doing?
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
picture courtesy of: Kalwant Singh
Remember the milkman from days of old? Well, this milkman looks rather young…and here he is at his bicycle (the milk churn is hidden, on the back of his bicycle). This picture was taken at the Malay kampong at Lahat Road.
Once a famous grooming product for men, Potter & Moore’s Solidified Brilliantine is said to soften hair (including facial hair). Anyone remember this product?
Recognise the wallpaper? What about the reception desk? Well, keep looking for clues….and tell us WHERE you think this place is 🙂
Back row, L-R: T.John, Foong Kam Choy, Ahmad Nazari Centre row, L-R: Chan Tuck Choy, R. Anthony, Wong Kim Seng Front row, L-R: Liew Fee Yuen, Loh Kam Fook, Ramadas Rao, Wong Kong Leong and Cheong Weng Leongsource: NSTP
Sometime last year we gave all of you hints about a project of ours – at No. 1 Treacher Street (Jalan Bijih Timah) in Old Town. Yes, the blue building next door to Han Chin Pet Soo.
The story is in today’s Star Metro (15/1/2016) – “Telling A Tale Of Tea”. This new exhibit will be fully open to the public by Chinese New Year. Stay tuned for more updates!
source: Road to Nationhood, NSTP
Were you a fan of the famed cat eye lens glasses / sunglasses? (picture below)
It is said that this style was made popular by stars like Marilyn Monroe and Grace Kelly…
….so, how many of you once owned a pair of cat eye glasses? Come on, own up….. 🙂
source: NSTP
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 🙂
source = Charlie Choong
Do the shops look familiar to you? Yes, this is none other than Brewster Road. Note that traffic was not as heavy as it is now….back then you could still have parades and processions on the streets!
How many of you ‘swear’ by this brand of polish? Is Brasso still in production?
Kung Fu Hor – that’s what this dish is called. Have you eaten this at your local eatery? Do tell us if you liked it….
“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.”
We thank SK (one of our Readers) for sharing this with us. The gentleman in the tracksuit is Chan Wan Seong – who won the Bronze Medal in Men’s Singles 60+ category at the recent BWF World Senior Badminton Championship held in Helsingborg, Sweden. Posing with Chan is the BWF President Poul-Eric Hoyer Larsen (himself badminton legend!).
SK also shared this video link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S1hhMSyvKMI&feature=em-share_video_user
According to SK:
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 🙂
Source: Janet Ferguson & Nellie Cumming
Left picture source = ipohWorld; Right picture source = Star Publication
From what we were told, there used be street processions in Ipoh during the 9-Emperor Gods Festival! Today, we’re featuring a Then and Now photograph. On the left is a picture from 1947, on the right is a recent photograph (from the Star).
Breakfast, tea time, supper…no matter what time of the day (or night) there’s nothing like a couple of warm curry puffs to accompany your tea/coffee. The one shown above are chicken curry puffs, the one cut into 3 pieces has a cheesy filling! Our photographer bought these at a road side stall along Jalan Canning Estate; the chicken curry puff was 50 cents, the one with the cheese filling was RM 1.50 🙂
What’s YOUR favourite curry puff filling?
source: Janet Ferguson & Nellie Cumming
This was probably taken at a school sports day – most likely the ACGS (Anglo Chinese Girls School) Sports Day! I do wonder is the girl in the picture broke the record for the high jump event……
I vaguely remember the annual sports day at my school. But I’ll never forget the good ‘ol Milo van with the free Milo in paper cups (yummy!). What were YOUR school sports memories like?
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been featured on Time Out Malaysia Kids! Yes, you’ve bought this magazine do turn to page 59 (highlighted area shown above). We thank the Editor – Leah O’Hearn – for helping add another feather to our cap!
We thank Sally Everist for the above postcards. Does this building look familiar? We’re wondering what it is – is it a house, or some kind of monument? We’re also wondering which village is pictured in the postcards…
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’.
This is what our donor – KT Pillai – had to say about this photograph:
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.
ONE NIGHT ONLY!
Tapestry performs for the first time in Ipoh at the Event Hall of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Hotel. Come experience an evening of songs in this beautiful and striking heritage space.
Friday, 9 October 2015 @ 8:30 PM
Tickets are priced at RM35 (free seating), and can be purchased from Sarang Paloh, and also from our website:http://www.wearetapestry.com/index.php/tapestry-events/
or, you can follow us on Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1450288048610502/
We’re all very familiar with the sweet and tasty ang ku. The one shown above comes red AND green – giving it a more interesting taste to compliment the green-pea filling. It costs anywhere between 60-80 cents a piece (if you can get it cheaper, let us know!).
Our donor Marea Smith tells us that this was what Malim Nawar looked like in 1981. Been to Malim Nawar lately? Has the place changed much over the years…or is it still the same?
Here’s another one from Janet Ferguson and Nellie Cumming – showing a school play. Recognise anyone?
Special thanks to our donors – Janet Ferguson & Nellie Cumming – for the following picture. Somewhere in the above photograph is Nellie Cumming, who was a student at Anglo Chinese Girls’ School (ACGS). Nellie did her Std VII back in 1949….what about you? Are YOU one of the girls in this picture?
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)
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.
At first, it seems like a game of Tag….but I suppose this is based on a similar concept. I’m talking about Kabaddi. How many of you played this outdoor game during your days in school? How many of still play them now? 🙂
picture from: Star Newspaper
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?
I’m sure many of you recognise the gentleman in white (with a walking stick). Yes, it’s none other than Bro Vincent Corkery! He recently celebrated his 70th anniversary as a La Salle Brother at St Michael’s Insitution, Ipoh.
To read the full article published by The Star Online, click here
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!
Our photographer found this dish at Wah Nam Coffee Shop. At RM 4.30, it was quite tasty. We’d like to know from the Fish Paste Noodle lovers out there….where is the best place to find YOUR favourite dish?
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).
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
We thank Marea Smith for this picture. She told us (via e-mail) that she was once a student of the HIJ Convent (now Main Convent) in Ipoh. Here’s a shout out to all the Convent Alumni – do you girls recognise this picture? What was the special occasion?
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? 🙂
Yau Char Koay Chee Cheong Fun – yes, that’s what this dish is called! Unique isn’t it? For those who want to give it a try, you can find it at Kedai Kopi Enam Belas (near Eu Yang Sang in old town)….the cost? RM 4.50 🙂
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
Does anyone remember Olympic Inn? Could it have been the old name of ‘Tambun Inn’? Or, was it at another building along Tambun Road?
All are welcome to Tenby’s Open Day , which happens this Saturday 11th July 2015. Further information can be found at their website – www.tenby.edu.my
You can also call them at 05-5252628
This book provides a fresh perspective and deepens previous studies of his [Charles Compton Reade] town planning ideas…..Charles Reade’s obscure and unattributed position in the history of Malayan town planning is now accorded its due recognition…a pioneer and founder of the town planning service in British Malaya (1921-1929).
Here’s a book by Kamalruddin Shamsudin (KLDIN) who was the Deputy Director General of the Federal Department of Town and Country Planning in Malaysia (2006-2014). Since the 1990s, he has both written and given talks about Reade’s contributions to Malaya during the British Administration.
Tentatively, the launch date for this book will be on 15th August. The book will be available after this date, but details will be confirmed later. We’ll keep you updated!
We thought we’d share this interesting article with you, about the 6 mile long bridge in Gerik. What’s so special about this bridge? Well, it has no pillars! 😉
We thank SK for sharing this with us. I know some of you recognise the leaves and the white substance 😉 Well, we’d like to know how many of you out there once indulged in the chewing of daun sirih (betel leaves)!
We thank Marea Smith for sharing this photograph with us. Incidentally, this view is from a car which was following an armed vehicle. Driving on Brewster Road back then seemed to be a breeze…..
picture courtesy of: Steven Chow
Since we live in the tropics, mosquitoes have always been a menace. Here’s a good old fashioned mosquito coil – the Angel Fish Brand Mosquito Destroyer! Has anyone used this coil? Was it effective in getting rid of those notorious blood-suckers?
I do wonder why such a beautiful, serene place (above) was named Python Lagoon. Anyway, this 1948 picture (from Marea Smith) was taken at the Kuala Kampar Tin Fields. Marea is the pretty girl in the canoe 😉
We thank Marea Smith (from Australia) for sending us this rare close up of a tin dredge. This photograph was taken at Kuala Kampar Tin fields, Malim Nawar.
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?
receipt from Charlie Choong
The last I checked, Tambun Inn seemed to be undergoing renovations…perhaps a new management has taken over? Well, we hope someone out there can tell us more. We’re also curious to know WHO ran the Cafe back then (when it first opened).
Remember the time when a bowl of chicken porridge cost $ 3.00 at Tambun Cafe?
courtesy of Charlie Choong
Whenever the subject of cafes and coffee houses enter our blog-sphere, many of our Readers mention Green Fern. Well, here’s an old receipt from Green Fern. Does anyone remember their signature dish/dishes?
picture courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
Some time back, our Readers mentioned the Lido Cinema in Taiping. We have here a 1937 picture of the aforementioned cinema. For those of you who spotted it, YES..this is indeed another Iversen building!
click to enlarge
picture from: Danial Doutriaux
Some school canteens sold food which were a crowd favourite. Some were known for their cheerful hawkers. Food aside, some canteens became a ‘meeting place’ for friends (and enemies too!). The picture shown is that of the Batu Gajah Convent’s canteen, back in 1956.
special thanks to Ruth Iversen Rollitt
Believe it or not, this was what Ipoh looked like back in the 1930s. The area under construction is none other than the Mercantile Bank!
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
We were told that these are gambling cards. Does anyone know the proper name for this pack of cards? Furthermore, how do you use these cards in a game?
Well, I certainly do……(But my weakness lies in anything containing chocolate!)
This delectable dish comes from Thean Chun restaurant (in Old Town, Ipoh). Our photographer paid RM 2.60 for this plate of caramel custard. The custard is served with a glass of water too 😉
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?
Some call it Hopscotch; some call it Ketinting. Whatever it was called back then, I know some of you had HOURS of fun playing this game!
This dish is from Kedai Kopi Enam Belas (near Eu Yan Sang in Old Town). Our photographer had this char siew and prawn combination for Rm 3.50.
Usually, Chee Cheong Fun is served with mushroom and sweet sauce whereas some places give you the option of curry instead of mushroom sauce but the one in the picture above is a variant of the usual Chee Cheong Fun; this one is the made-to-order Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun that comes with sweet soy sauce and sambal on the side.
Chee Cheong Fun lovers out there, how do YOU take your favourite dish?
Source: Jamal Hashim
Some of you may recognise this object. The others are probably wondering what this is 😉 Well, for those of you who are clueless…..why don’t you make a guess?
We received this (picture below) from LY Tai. Note that this product cost 36 cents!
Since we had such an interesting discussion about The Nautilus Inn (our previous blog), we decided to put up another receipt from yet another cafe in Ipoh. How many of you remember Long John’s Tavern? It used to be along Jalan S.A. Lingam (in Ipoh Garden South).
receipt courtesy of: Charlie Choong
Back in the 1980s, there was a place called The Nautilus Inn along Leong Sin Nam Street. As shown in the receipt (above), a seafood cocktail cost $3.90 – it’s probably 3 times the price today!
Does anyone remember Nautilus Inn? Who owned this place? What was their specialty?
After a rather long hiatus, our Food Blog is back with a feature-of-the-week! For those of you who don’t recognise the photo, this is pulut kaya – sticky rice with egg-jam.
The one our photographer had (above) cost RM 3, from Keng Nam coffee shop (along Cowan Street).
We’d like to hear from all of you with a sweet-tooth 😉 Or, if any of you have the recipe DO share it with us….
Bottle-caps or Ceper (as some call it) was quite a popular children’s game back then. I don’t know the actual rules of this game. But from what I do know, two or more players were judged by their skills at manouvering the bottle caps across a table. At the same time, they had to make sure that the caps don’t fall off.
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.
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.
We believe this to be the family of Richard Saxey (our donor) and Wendy Lewis – in Malim Nawar.
I’d like to draw your attention to the unique furniture…
By popular demand, we’ve included the second photograph from Richard Saxey’s collection.
“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).
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….
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?
Remember these insurance agents? They used to operate at No. 168, Brewster Road, Ipoh. Wonder what’s become of this business…
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 🙂
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
Picture from Ruth Iversen Rollitt
“Rental was $60 a month, a bargain in the immediate post-war years with the shortage of housing. Each house had 3 bedrooms upstairs; and downstairs. a living room, dining room, a modern flush toilet (very rare for Ipoh at that time), a small kitchen and backyard. There was a built-in wood fired stove….A concrete stairway near the front door took you up to the first floor bedrooms and bathroom. There was an under-stairs storage area and next to it the toilet. All the windows were of the steel casement type…..The houses were built in 1937 by Loke Wan Yatt….The architect was the well known Berthol M. Iversen.”
The extract above is taken from the book “Ipoh – My Home Town”. Remember these houses (picture above)? It’s a pity they’re gone now – demolition began in 2009, around the same time the Fair Park shop houses (across the road) were knocked down.
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!
We received this (one of the MANY) from Ruth Iversen Rollitt. Do you recognise this row of shop houses? Do you know which street this is? Well, we think it’s somewhere along Cowan Street…but then again, we could be wrong.
Thanks to Alan, we’ve managed to find out what those Mandarin words meant. This time, we don’t have any words…but I’m sure there’s a clue in those shop houses in the background. Can anyone venture a guess as to which school this is?
Click to enlarge
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?
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?
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?
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.
click picture to enlarge
We’d love to hear comments from you, especially if you recognise some of the people in this picture….
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).
click to enlarge
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?
click poster to enlarge
For those of you who have been waiting patiently, well keep this Sunday 22nd March 2015 free!
The Iversen book is finally out and will be launched at:
Venue: Sarang Paloh Event Hall, No.16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh
Time: 2.30 pm
Come meet the author – Ruth Iversen Rollitt – in person!
picture taken by Christopher
Nothing like an ice cream float on a scorching day, eh? Well, this thirst-quenching float was bought at Loke Wooi Kee Cafe (@RM3.10), along Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri (formerly known as Clare Street).Incidentally, we found out that the cafe has been in business for four generations.
Any fans of ice cream floats out there? From past blog comments, I know there are quite a few root beer float lovers…
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.
“Through the centuries Chinese women have had to struggle under a load of injustices – denial of education, ineligibility to sit the civil service examinations and hold official posts, female infanticide, selling of daughters, concubinage, foot binding – just to name a few. They had largely remained silent because they did not have a voice. As China descended to abject poverty in the nineteenth century, the lot of Chinese women became even worse.”
We thank Martin Allen for this photograph – showing an aerial view of Cameron Highlands, back in the 1930s. So different from what it looks like now, eh?
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?
Once an exclusive place meant only for the higher class tin miners and triad members, the Han Chin Pet Soo (Han Chin Villa) at Jalan Bijeh Timah in Ipoh is now opening its doors to the public.
The villa underwent a 15-month restoration work and has been turned into an exhibition centre that showcases the history of the Han Chin Miners’ Club and the tin-mining glory days of yesteryear.
The centre’s curator and project manager, Ian Anderson, said the villa was formerly a double-storey building before it was rebuilt into the three-storey structure it is today.
(more can be read here – http://www.thestar.com.my/Metro/Community/2015/03/11/Remembering-the-past-Ipoh-folk-proud-to-work-together-to-showcase-their-unique-legacy/)
We’re not ones who blow our own trumpet, but we are proud of this project of ours.
For those of you who haven’t visited Han Chin Pet Soo / Han Chin Villa do make your reservations at: www.ipohworld.org/reservation
picture from: Leong Kai Loong, Ipoh
This is the Sam Tet School Basketball Team. We’re guessing the date to be somewhere in the 1960s.
Were you one of the players? Did your team win any trophies that year?
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!
Our donor Martin Allen tells us that this road is near Ipoh. I’m sure the experts out there know where this is – especially with those iconic hills in the background 😉
These photographs are from Martin Allen. They were taken around 1938, during the funeral of the Sultan of Perak. Martin’s mother incidentally worked as a saleswoman at Whiteaway Laidlaw.
Farewell Party for Fr Ciatti, April 1970 (click to enlarge)
Christmas Party, Nazareth Kindergarten. Catholic Centre, Ipoh. 10th November 1970 (click to enlarge)
These photographs were taken from Michael Ho’s collection. It wasn’t that long ago, so I’m sure some of you might remember this kindergarten.
Today, this building is still standing….but it’s no longer the Catholic Centre; it’s now a thrift store, where most items are sold for RM 2.
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 😉
Are you a fan of comics? Perhaps even an avid collector – especially of vintage editions? Do you remember Beano (picture above)?
I don’t recall Beano, but I do remember those Donald Duck comics (sponsored by Maggi, if I’m not mistaken). I also enjoy reading Marvel comics, but I’m not a collector. Nowadays, many famous comics have been turned into movies. The one above – Dennis the Menace – was also turned into a movie! I wonder when this trend (turning comics into live action movies) began….
Keith Nelson sent us these a couple of years ago. We thought we’d share them with you, since we’re still in the season of Chinese New Year. We’d love to hear your memories about the ever famous Lion Dance; it would be a bonus if we heard from someone who was part of the dance troupe too!
For those of you who don’t know what’s on the plate, it is none other than the famed Chinese New Year dish Yee Sang – a Teochew style raw fish salad. It consists of strips of raw fish and shredded vegetables, tossed together with a variety of sauces and condiments. This dish is also known as the ‘Prosperity Toss’ (Lo Hei) and considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.
The one our office had (picture above) featured salmon; I do wonder….what fish was in the original dish back then?
Also…is there a specific assortment of vegetables used, or can we prepare this dish with any combination?
click to enlarge
I’m guessing the year to be around 1960 (could be wrong, though). Can anyone put some names to these lovely faces?
click photo to enlarge
Special thanks to Danial Doutriaux for this photograph. This the Staff of 1956 – of the St Bernadette’s Convent, Batu Gajah. Dear Convent girls, do you see any of your teachers here? 😉
We’d like to thank Chin Choon Yau – one of the Instructors at Perak Institute of Art (PIA) – who painted this souvenir for us. Incidentally, PIA did the murals for us at Han Chin Pet Soo.
What murals you say? Well, take a trip to Han Chin Pet Soo and find out!
I remember eating at this place. I loved the interior decoration – which was made to resemble the inside of a mine (complete with dim lighting too!) It’s gone now, replaced with another cafe. Anyone know HOW Miner’s Arms began?
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?
As the caption states, the late P. Ramlee was in Ipoh back in 1965 for a fund raising show. Were any one of you lucky enough to meet him? Did anyone go to that particular show? I’m sure there must have been some ‘screaming fans’… 😉 Did anyone manage to get P. Ramlee’s autograph too?
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.
picture courtesy of: Mano
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?
Yes, this was once known as Kesselring Methodist Girls’ School – dedicated in memory of Ralph Kesselring, on the 10th of April 1968. It later became Methodist High School (MHS). It is now the home of Wesley Methodist School.
We’ve had ACS, Anderson, Convent, and other Alumni dropping us a line now and then….how about we here from some MHS Alumni?
We were told that Anderson School once put up this play. Well, so did St Michael’s Institution. We present to you the cast of ‘Lady Precious Stream’ – back in 1980!
picture courtesy of: Harold Sevanesam
No prizes for guessing WHERE this place is, but I’m sure some of you out there are grinning widely 😉
What I found rather interesting is the shape of the of the roof. Anyone know the architect who designed this?
Our Donor (Mohd Taib) tells us that there are St Michael’s boys in the crowd. This is said to be part of a Chinese Funeral procession. Do you recognise the road they are walking along? What about the building in the background?
There was a time when you needed a visiting card to enter the hot springs in Tambun. Besides the pool and egg boiling, apparently there was also a bowling alley! I don’t recall this (probably before my time 😉 ) but I wonder if YOU remember this.
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!
‘As Indians prepare for Ponggal, which falls today, earthen pots were snapped up at Little India in Jalan Lahat recently.’
Shoppers had the choice to either buy the plain pots or those with colourful designs.
Besides the pots, other essential items for the harvest festival that shoppers bought were sugarcane, milk, brown sugar, firewood, cashew nuts, raisins and Indian traditional sweets.
Wooden spatulas to cook the sweet rice were also in demand.
Ponggal, which is celebrated over three days, is a harvest festival marked by Indians all over the world.
The festival is to mark the auspicious month of Thai in the Tamil calendar.
It is held to mark the harvest of crops and also as a special thanksgiving to God, the sun, the earth and the cow that produces milk.
More can be found here.
If you don’t, let us refresh your memory!
I wonder if any one of you kept the old ones as a keepsake 😉
Yes folks, THIS was how they made copies of keys in those days….
If this looks ‘foreign’ to you, then you’re probably very young 😉
Yes folks, this is indeed a train ticket! Whoever bought this was taking the train from Tanjong Malim to Ipoh. And (believe it or not) the fare was only $2.10
“Speech contests are an important part of Toastmasters education program.
They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience as well as an opportunity for
other Toastmasters and Guests to learn by observing proficient speakers.”
Venue : YMCA Ipoh ,No 221 Jalan Raja Aziz
Time: 7.45 pm
Day /Date : Wednesday 14 January 2015
Contact : Pak Peter – H/P 019 – 574’3572
Ever use one of these? Some of you might have. I for one have never come across such a flask; the ones I’ve used didn’t have such a locking mechanism 😉
The one above even has a vent on top to adjust temperature. Wonder if it came in a variety of colours…..
Yes, believe it or not…..this is the Lahat Roundabout, taken from the junction of Jalan Datoh. Can you spot any familiar landmarks? (click picture to enlarge)
At one time, you could buy this for 42 cents……of course the coupon was only for ONE dance. However, it came in a booklet of five coupons. This sample here is from Robin James (from London). Anyone remember this Dance Coupon? Did YOU ever buy/use such a coupon at the Jubilee Cabaret?
Not all car-enthusiasts are men…..I’m sure there are some women out there who also appreciate both the fast sports cars and vintage cars too. Which brings me to this advertisement – was the Austin 7 REALLY a Lady’s Car?
Just in case you didn’t know, today is Boxing Day – nothing to do with the actual sport, but rather it’s the day where gifts are exchanged and opened. In some countries, today is an official holiday too! The picture above, from Ruth Iversen Rollitt, was not taken on 26th December…but I think fits well with the idea of giving and receiving presents. Ruth tells us:
These pictures are from Christmas 1963 when Father Christmas visited the children at St Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Ipoh. Vivi Iversen (Per’s wife) and son are getting a gift from Santa….I am standing with little Donald in the middle, my mother is on the extreme left.
With Christmas just around the corner, we thought we’d share this picture (from Larry Sawyer) with all of you. This is a scene from Kampar – where Santa came to town in a bullock cart instead of a reindeer-driven sleigh! I’m sure the children must have been really excited to see this! 🙂
Imagine having a picnic at such a place! No rubbish about, no unpleasant odour from the river, clean and clear running water…etc. Blissful isn’t it?
This is none other than the Perak River (at Parit). Yes, folks…believe it or not our rivers once looked like this 😉
picture courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
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?
advertisement courtesy of: Nicholas Jennings
Rotarians used to have their lunch at this place – every Wednesday, going by what the advertisement says. Did any of you have a chance to dine here (before it closed)?
From what we know, it had quite a bit of competition from the Station Hotel…
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).
Don’t know where to go during this long break? How about Kellie’s Castle?
No, we’re not advertising for this place. Rather just showing you what this iconic landmark looked like – way back in 1957!
This is a photograph of Ho Hoo Wan with his siblings and friends, posing just outside the famed Batu Gajah castle. How many of you have visited this place? Has the place changed much since it was first opened to the public?
On that note, is this place really haunted…or is it just one of those myths? 😉
The history-buffs out there would know this fact: that King Edward VIII ascended the throne of England in January 1936, after his father George V passed away. However, in November that same year, there was “a constitutional crisis” when Edward wanted to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson (a divorcee). Eventually on 11 December, Edward abdicated; and his brother Albert succeeded him, taking the name George VI. (more can be found here)
As seen in the main title British Popular Opinion Veers Towards King, this front page highlights the meeting between Prime Minister Baldwin and Britain’s ministers, as well as statements from Churchill, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Simpson herself; all these happened before the actual abdication.
The picture we have here (sent to us by Nicholas Jennings) is the front page of the Times of Malay, dating back to 7 December 1936 – four days after the death of the Times’ Editor – J A S Jennings. We thank Nicholas for this historic piece 🙂
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.
We’ve had past comments about Beauty Supermarket, which was once a famous shopping centre in Ipoh. The picture below show a pair of anniversary souvenirs from Beauty.
Any collectors remember these?
It is said that the story of Horlicks began with James & William Horlick from Glouscestershire, who came up with the idea of a malt milk drink (as an artificial infant food).
History aside, what was YOUR Horlicks memory like? I remember drinking this during my pre-school years. Later, this malt drink (and the famous Milo) kept me company during my university days – especially when studying late into the night (coffee never seemed to work!). Was Horlicks part of your life too? Is it still part of your life? 😉
Our Facebook-fans have been going wild over our previous posts. So here’s another well-known brand to tease you lot 😉 This tinplate dates back to around 1950.
Oh, WHO does not know Brand’s Essence of Chicken?!
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) ?
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’?
This was taken off the souvenir programme of “Fiddler on the Roof”, back in 1974. Wasn’t that long ago…I wonder how many of you remember this 🙂 Maybe some of the actors are reading this – we’d love to hear your thoughts!
This photo is from Angie Yeow. This was taken at a function held at St John’s Ambulance Hall, in Ipoh. Can you recognise the people in the photograph? If you were one of those who attended this event, please tell us more about it 🙂
picture from Larry Sawyer
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 🙂
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. 🙂
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.
picture from: Larry Sawyer
Nicholas Jennings sent us this – with the title Ipoh Swimming Club 1962 original.
Could this really be the original club – before the renovations took place? Also, notice the small balcony on the far left..could it be part of the dining area?
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?
We’ve featured pictures and articles from various clubs and associations before. This time, we’d like to present (what we believe to be) a page from the Rotary Newsletter. The picture below is a close-up view of the Ipoh Branch meeting details.
Rotarians out there might recognise some of the names. We thank Nicholas Jennings for the picture.
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 😉
This is one of the many colonial-style bungalows which once stood proud against Batu Gajah’s landscape. Sadly, not many of them are still around today. This one, sent to us by Rosemary Palmer, has stood the test of time – and is still being used 😉
picture from: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
What I found interesting about this one is the local boy’s clothing – a pair of long pants, pulled up to his stomach 😉 This boy was probably one of the many children who ran around the estate back then. Wonder what’s become of him…..
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?
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 😉
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?
Nicholas Jennings (our donor) tells us that: the boy standing on the running board is his uncle Nigel (the third son of J A S Jennings). At the wheel is Eric Jennings (the eldest son), and seated beside the driver is Rose Winnifred (Freda) Jennings. In the background is the family home (No. 50 Gopeng Road) – which Jennings called “Midhurst”. Can our car enthusiasts identify the model of the car?
I don’t know the actual name of this dish, but I do know that many enjoy eating it – especially for a late supper!
Our photographer visited this stall in Taiping. Apparently, the dish he ate (right) cost him RM 11. I’m sure there are similar stalls in Ipoh which sell this treat. So we put this question to you, dear Foodies – Where in Ipoh can we find this ‘Oyster-Egg’ / Kuih Tiram dish? And how much does the average plate cost?
We received the following email from Kong Khen:
“Recently, I found a class photograph of my dad taken in 1940. I’ve identified it as the remedial class of English lesson, from what was mentioned by my dad.
Could IPOHWORLD help to confirm if the teachers were from ACS school.
Dad mentioned that he attended English lesson on the top floor of Foong Seong Building- new town. However the location where the photo was taken seemed to be in a compound.
The photograph is in my blog.”
Can anyone help Kong Khen please? I’m sure there are some ACS Alumni out there who are in this photograph.
…the Papan Mosque? Initially I thought this was part of a typical kampung house, but was sorely mistaken! It is in fact a mosque. This Mandailing-styled mosque was built in 1888 by Raja Bilah. It was later restored and reconstructed by the National Museum (Muzium Negara) in 1999. Has anyone seen it?
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this gem. We estimate the year was 1925 – yes, it was that long ago folks!
picture from: Rosemary Palmer
At first glance, I thought I was looking at the entrance of the Ipoh Club. This building however is the Kinta Golf Club, in Batu Gajah! But then again, you can’t deny the similarities, can you? I wonder when this club came into existence…
picture from: Larry Sawyer
I don’t remember this design on our Malaysian planes (long before my time anyway 😉 ) but I’m sure some of you out there do remember this. I’m curious to know what image that is – on the nose of the plane. Is it some kind of bird? Or just a random design?
I dare say that apart from the Ubudiah Mosque, the Royal Palace is the next famous landmark in Kuala Kangsar 😉 This picture here, courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt, shows a different view of the palace – probably before the renovations were done. Could anyone help us with a rough date?
Larry Sawyer sent this to us. It looks like the inside of that famous power plant (which caught everyone’s attention on the blog!). What we don’t know is: Who are these people in the front row? Could it be the Manager and a guest (with their respective wives)?
I’m also curious to know who the lady in white is…..I do love her ensemble – very stylish, don’t you think! 😉
Ever wondered what happened to this famous Gopeng Landmark? Well, wonder no more! Thanks to our photographer Charlie, we have these pictures for your viewing pleasure! As the State Government once promised, a section of one of the pipes on its original structure has been saved and turned into a sort of a memorial to past technology and a symbol of Malaysia’s Heritage in the world-wide tin mining industry. 
And in case you were wondering about what the plaque says…
More information about the pipelines and their history may be found at
http://db.ipohworld.org/view.php?type=id&id=2849#search_form_wrapper.
From all of us to all of you – on this special day 16th September!
picture courtesy of Ruth Iversen RollittSome of you Anderson School Alumni may remember this building. The younger ones may have seen it in their school magazine. Well, this was once Anderson School – before the present building was built.
If you happen to drive by Persiaran Bercham Selatan 1 (just behind 7-11), you might see this man hard at work! He may not be as vigorous as the famed ‘Spiderman’, but I’m sure his dish has its own unique taste. Here’s a closer look (picture below)
Our photographer told us that this dish – Koay Kak, as the hawker calls it – costs RM 2.3o (RM 2.80 with egg). Has anyone tried it? If you have…you know what to do 😉
We don’t mean to confuse you again, but here’s another photo of a local market 😉 This one isn’t in Ipoh….it’s actually in Batu Gajah (according to our donor Wendy Lewis). Notice the shape of the roof – quite unique for a market building, don’t you think? Any Batu Gajah folks around? Perhaps they could tell us more.
picture courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt
We’ve featured this Club on our blog before, but here’s a different view of it. Notice the structure on the far left. I wonder what’s happened to it. And if your eyes are sharp enough, note the vehicle on the far right too!
Wendy Lewis tells us that this holiday resort was in Pangkor Island. Back then (probably the 1950s) there was no air-condition – only fans and mosquito nets!
I wonder if this resort is still there….perhaps it has been upgraded with more modern facilities (besides air-condition, perhaps free wi-fi too?).
Any frequent visitors to Pangkor? Do share your experiences with us 🙂
click to enlarge poster
Calling all music lovers! Keep this weekend free – 6th and 7th September 2014 – and treat yourself (and your family/friends) to this “sumptuous spread of music” 🙂
For tickets and further details, call PSPA : 05 – 242 7814
(courtesy of Larry Sawyer)
All you Philatelists out there may remember this First Day Cover (or even have it in your collection!). Yes, this one came out back in 1957 – when Malaya received her Independence.
Just wondering: were there OTHER such souvenirs made for this momentous occasion? (like mugs, badges, t-shirts, etc.)
I was told by our photographer that this dessert is known as Dai Gao Meen. Some people call it Apam-Balik. What ever YOU call it, what matters is that it tastes GOOD, right? Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside…with a little crunch from the peanuts. Dear Foodies, do any of you know how this dessert came about?
I know we’ve featured this house before. But this photo (from Larry Sawyer) is a coloured version- yes, it’s the same beautiful house which is now (sadly) abandoned along Tiger Lane. The Sawyers lived here for a while, from what Larry told us.
The man wearing a hat is none other then the famous Dr Tweedie. The lady next to him is the wife of B M Iversen. This photograph was taken in 1966, in Sungei Siput. In the background you can see the beautiful hills of the Kinta Valley.
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this photograph.
Ruth Iversen Rollitt (our donor) tells us that there was a time when F&N supplied swings and slides for birthday parties! I didn’t know this, did YOU? Did F&N bring such joy to your birthday parties? We’d like to know your favourite F&N memory 😉
If Ruth is reading this, do tell us more about this story.
From what we were told by the donor of this photograph (Larry Sawyer), this man was something of a side-attraction at the Ipoh Swimming Club – way back then 😉
Does anyone remember seeing him there? Apparently, the manager of the Club was not too happy about this man’s ‘business’…..
This is NOT in Ipoh, but do take note of the shape of the building – reminds me of our Ipoh New Market! We believe this to be part of the Taiping market. Dear Taiping-folks, has this place changed much over the years?
picture courtesy of Larry Sawyer
Fellow Foodies will be very familiar with this restaurant. On our food blog today, we’d like to feature an all-time favourite snack – the tasty, crispy Yau Char Koay (or Chinese crullers, as some may call it). Yes, for those who didn’t already know…there is a stall in New Hollywood which sells Yau Char Koay, along with Ham Chim Paeng (salty doughnut) and horse-shoe doughnut.
I personally enjoy Yau Char Koay with some porridge. How do YOU enjoy your Yau Char Koay?
On that note: Does anyone know the origins of these well-loved snacks?
Ruth Iversen Rollitt sent us this some time ago. It shows part of a funeral procession near the Ipoh Club. It must have been a funeral of someone important – judging by the large crowd. Does anyone remember this?
Larry Sawyer sent us this – showing part of Kuala Kangsar under water due to the floods. From similar photographs we have in our database, I’m guessing that this was taken around 1967. In the far end seems to be the famous clock tower, which is near the Kuala Kangsar Post Office.
[I can’t believe how high the water level is!]
Larry Sawyer tells us: “Pangkor was our choice of holiday spots. This photo shows the boat landing at the island. The road across the other side was mud. The waterfront was reputed to have been a opium haven.”
Well, anyone from that side of Perak care to tell us more? I’m sure the jetty looks different now….don’t know if these old boats are still in use though 😉
I wonder if anyone out there remembers this young man (first picture). These pictures were part of an article which appeared in the Star (26th July 2014); according to the writer, this white van (second picture) was usually parked under a tree (around Canning Garden) while the many customers waited in line to be served. I’ve not come across Thum’s Burger (as advertised on the van) – perhaps it was before my time? 😉
Could anyone shed some light on this? We’re curious to know more about this mobile burger stall.
This is not an “artist’s impression”…it is the real thing 😉 This is indeed the Ruby Cinema – all done up for a recent advertisement by Petronas. For those of you who didn’t know, this is what the Ruby Cinema used to look like once upon a time. Also take note of the old movie posters along the side of the building.
Since we’ve had such a rousing discussion on the Malim Nawar post, here is yet another rare photograph from the years gone by 🙂
Our donor, Larry Sawyer, tells us that this was a pumping dredge at Kuala Dipang. The date is about 1950s. We’ve never seen a dredge like this before. Have you?
Imagine my surprise when I saw this matchbox….I never knew there was such a place in Kampong Simee. According to the address, it used to be opposite the Perak Stadium. Does anyone remember this place? I don’t remember ever seeing Penthouse Lounge.
When we talk about meeting up with old friends, more often than not we end up at a local cafe/restaurant. Can’t help it, we Ipoh folks love our food, don’t we? 😉 Hence, we at ipohWorld also decided to start a little ‘food-section’…to highlight some all-time favourites which are both tasty and affordable.
We’ve decided to do something different for our food-blog today. Here’s a photograph of Ruth Iversen Rollitt (wearing a light blue top) having a meal with 3 other Ipoh ‘natives’, namely: Daniel Choo (an architect in Luxemburg), Mariam Mokhtar (a well known writer) and Ming. According to Ruth, they met up at Rasa Sayang (a Malaysian restaurant along Macclesfield Street, London). Ruth also mentions that the food at Rasa Sayang is quite authentic.
Here’s a thought for you Ipoh-natives around the globe: have you been lucky enough to sample good Malaysian food in a foreign country?
I remember the first time I tried to ride a bicycle – and failed miserably 🙁 My bicycle was a small red one, with an adjustable seat. I never quite managed to ‘master’ not falling off while riding the bike….sadly, I gave up. (so today, I still don’t know HOW to ride a bicycle…which is rather embarrassing!)
Anyways, here we have a receipt from a bicycle shop in Pusing.
I wonder if this shop is still there. Anyone care to tell us? On another note, what was it like when YOU first learnt to ride a bicycle? Do you remember how much your first bicycle cost?
We at ipohWorld extend our warmest greetings to all our Muslim Readers – Selamat Hari Raya; Maaf Zahir dan Batin.
This stall is along Cowan Street….some of you may be familiar with this place.
It’s known for their desserts – or thong sui, as the locals call it. One of them is the famous Bubur Cha-cha (pictured below). Our photographer paid RM 1.70 for this 🙂
We thank the Caldwells for this photo. Have any of you heard of (or visited) the Nova Scotia pool? If I’m not mistaken, it’s probably somewhere in Teluk Intan (formerly Teluk Anson). We’d love to know more about this place, if you could help us.
The only ‘Cathay’ I know is the former cinema hall along Cockman Street. Did YOU know this other business of theirs?
ipohWorld does not own this image. Many months ago we wrote to the owner requesting permission to use it, but no longer have the correspondence. If the owner would like to contact us we shall be happy to credit him by name. Our apologies for this oversight.
(click to enlarge)
Here’s another group photograph – this time from Anderson School, Ipoh. This was taken back in 1955. Recognise yourself somewhere in the group, Anderson Alumni? Fortunately, we also have the back of this photograph…filled with the signatures of those in the above photo.
Some of the Foodies out there may have heard of Cheong Kee, in Buntong. We’ve also had Blog Readers mention it. This is a family firm that has been running for many more years; and as family members have passed away, the children simply step up one position in the production line to keep the show on the road. You can see them in action (below).
Ian and his wife visited this place recently. If any of you do intend to eat there, you can choose to sit either inside or outside the shop (al fresco style?). There are two areas to eat, outside under an awning or inside. The white plate with one and a half noodles and the orange with single. Both bowls contain 10 Wonton each. The white plate with double Wonton cost RM7.60. The Winter Melon drink was RM1.50.
Not much is known about this park. We’re wondering if anyone could fill us in on its history. Of course, the Memorial Park is not there anymore – this picture (from Angie Yeow) was obviously taken before the park made way for the state mosque. Does anyone know more about this?
Since Hari Raya is almost here, some of you might be thinking about your Kampong – this photo (from Michael Ho) may not depict your actual kampong, but I’m sure it may bring back some fond memories of life back then. For those of you non-city folks, what was life like back then in your little village?
picture courtesy of Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell)
Yes, this is a driver’s licence, issued by the Federation of Malaya Government (back then). I wonder when it changed from this little booklet to the present card we have today. Maybe some of you history-buffs could share your knowledge with us 😉
Love it or hate it, this beauty is regarded the King of Fruits in this part of the world. The durian may have a strong odour which puts people off, but once you get past the smell to taste the creamy flesh – well, need I say more? 😉
Leong (our photographer) managed to capture this man in action. He usually sets up his stall along Jalan Canning Estate. Incidentally, Osbourne Street was once known as ‘Durian Street‘; do they still sell durians there? I haven’t seen any stalls there lately….
We hope those familiar with Kuala Kangsar can help us out with this – is this a past or present depiction of the Kuala Kangsar Post Office?
This was taken off a souvenir postcard, issued by the local post office. We also have a 1967 picture of this building (on our database) to compare with, but we’re still wondering. Could anyone help us out please?
Quite sure many of you know which park this is. But what we’re curious to know is: what are those buildings in the background?
picture courtesy of: Angie Yeow
According to our photographer (Leong), this place is near the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Judging by the crowd, I’d say this is a very popular stall 🙂
Could this be the same Nasi Kandar stall which once started out under a shady tree in the same vicinity? We’ve heard stories about the old stall; one tale states that a former judge from the nearby court house was a regular patron – often sending a ‘runner’ to pack some lunch for him.
I’m just making a guess here – I think this picture was taken in the 1950s, but I could be wrong. Date aside, what we’d like to know is who are these people in the picture. If anyone can translate the words at the bottom, we’d love to hear from you.
click to enlarge
picture courtesy of: Michael Ho
That’s what the small signboard on the left (on the palm tree) says. We don’t know if this is Ipoh, but the car facing the camera is definitely from Perak. The number plate reads as A 9462.
Was there a Peel Avenue in Ipoh?
(click to enlarge)
Have you heard of the ‘Kinta Weed’? These plants usually grow in tin mining ponds (they are probably hard to find now).
The funny thing is, this ‘weed’ doesn’t really grow in the water; they actually perch on top of other aquatic plants – preferring the sun rather than the shade!
Have any of you seen this plant before? I’m sure some of you who used to fish at the mining ponds may have seen this ‘weed’.
We thank Pak Peter for the above information.
These two cars were at Falim House when it was sold.
But the owners gave them to the caretaker – as part of his retrenchment package rather than selling them with the house.
We do not know which of the Foo family they belonged to but we believe the oldest one was actually owned by Foo Nyit Tse. (We might be wrong!)
The caretaker put them up for sale at a very high price, but as far as we know there were no buyers.
Does anyone know where the care are now?
THE FIAT IS BEING RESTORED
Could this be the once famous Ipoh Padang Rojak stall?
We think it is….perhaps the Foodies out there might know better 😉
According to the address, this restaurant was behind the Star Theatre. But is it still there? Or, perhaps the name has been changed. Judging from the phone number on the matchbox, this wasn’t that long ago…
No, it’s not a fossil. This is an example of tin money – which was once the common currency used in this part of the world. We estimate this tin-gecko (above) was used in the mid 1800s. For those of you who didn’t know, a long time ago Malayan folks traded with tin money before coins and paper notes were available in the Federated Malay States. 🙂
picture and story from: Bonhams Auctioneers, UK
Yes, folks…this is indeed the Rolls-Royce 20hp Sports Tourer once owned by Chung Thye Phin!
Chung Thye Phin bought it way back in 1925. A year or so later, this same car was lent to the Duke of Gloucester when he was touring this side of the globe. Then around 1942 this beauty ended up in the hands of the Japanese. After the Japanese left, the British Military Administration (BMA) returned the car to Chung Thye Phin; it was then sold in 1946.
Deep inside Kampung Tanjung Bangkung (Malim Nawar) was once a Japanese Carbide Factory. The picture above is that of the former guard house. It is said that the factory was part of a complex that manufactured armaments for the Japanese – which were then sent to Burma. All that remains of this factory now is the above guard post and one of the two chimneys (see pictures below).
The chimney is around 6m (at the base) and 3m (top), with 4 arches: of these, 2 are at the bottom for fire (note picture on the right) while the other 2 above are closed to form the kiln. We were told that after the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the communists supporters went to town defacing the Japanese artifacts – they even stole some of the building material for themselves.
We thank one of our friends – Harchand Singh Bedi – for taking us to this place. Incidentally, this former factory was featured in ASTRO’s History Channel (in the episode “Hidden Cities in Malaysia”) back in 2010.
Between the first (curry puff) and second (siew pau) picture, which one is YOUR favourite savoury snack?
Our photographer took these pictures at Jalan Bandar Timah (Leech Street) in Old Town. Besides the ones pictured above, they also sell other treats.
Some of you out there may remember this restaurant. I wonder if it’s still there….or, perhaps it’s been replaced by another business? According to the images on this souvenir matchbox, Tai Seng Restaurant had two branches within Ipoh – one at Theatre Street and another at Green Lane. If anyone know more, we’d love to hear from you 🙂
According to our donor, Angie Yeow, these girls were in Form V back in 1960. Recognise any of them?
Notice the old-style uniforms? 😉
(click to enlarge)
Attention all Philatelists! There will be a Perak Stamp Fair & Exhibition from 20th – 22nd June 2014 at UTC (former Super Kinta), Ipoh. Opening hours are from 9am – 10pm. There’s also a chance for you to vote for your favourite One-Page Exhibition 🙂 Don’t miss out on this exhibition.
We received this from Ruth Iversen Rollitt. Based on previous pictures, I’m guessing that the girl on extreme left is Ruth herself.
The children seem to be playing with make-shift bows and arrows.I confess trying to make one too, when I was a kid…this was after reading about Robin Hood – The bow didn’t quite turn out so well, and the twigs I wanted to use as arrows kept breaking while I attempted to shoot them 😉
What type of make-shift ‘toys’ did YOU come up with during your childhood playtime?
This stall is at Soon Hoong Restorant (Lebuh Bercham Selatan). According to our photographer, this dish tastes lovely. Is seafood noodles an Ipoh specialty? Or, could it have been ‘adopted’ by the Ipoh folks as part of their menu?
Foodies out there, you tell us 🙂
No, we’re not talking about those jungle-cats…we’re talking about the inflatable ones from Esso (see below). 
We also have a little story about this on our database – it’s not this (above) ‘tiger’ but of a similar one. So, like we mentioned in the title: Did any of you own such a toy? I don’t think Esso sells these anymore (but I could be wrong).
The AJS 350cc was my dad’s. This was taken back in 1956 and this time, the toddler is me! The photo was taken at the end of the block of houses in New Pasir Puteh where the Fabulous Thunderbirds were from as well.
We thank Mano for the picture and the above quote. I do wonder if anyone from Pasir Puteh remembers these houses or the bike…or even little Mano?
No prizes for guessing what this man is up to!
I’m sure some of you are already salivating at this picture. Yes, folks…this is the one and only Cendol! Perhaps not the most famous one in Ipoh, but this stall is quite popular – judging by the crowd (see below).
What we’d like to know is: WHERE in Ipoh can you find the best Cendol?
Does anyone remember this? I was surprised myself when I saw it – the Planta Margarine I know always came in plastic tubs 😉 Perhaps someone out there remembers this brand of margarine – when it used to come in tins.
That’s what we’d like to ask you experts out there – especially the St Michael’s Institute Alumni. Was this the First School Badge? Take a closer look (picture below).
So ‘experts’, what do YOU have to say? We’d love to hear from you 🙂
We thank Angie Yeow for this “blast from the past”. This 1964 photo, taken at the Town Padang, shows Angie and Lee Hock Mee – the Municipal Sports champions for Badminton (mixed doubles). Of course, the gentleman presenting the award is none other than the late S P Seenivasagam.
For today’s food-blog, we’re featuring the ever popular Popiah.
Does anyone know the origins of this delicious dish? Is it uniquely Malaysian?
On that note, do you know the best place (in Ipoh) one might find this dish?
Our donor Mano told us that: “The three wheeler is the Piaggio Ape. Unfortunately, it’s not a full picture of the scooter with the ‘Ovaltine’ as the subject was the toddler, my brother. The photo was taken in 1965. He had recently wrecked his tricycle and rolling one of it’s wheels, ‘parked’ it against the wheel of the scooter.”
Hence our question: were you a fan of Ovaltine? Has the taste changed over the years? 🙂
This 1958 photograph was sent to us by Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell). Seated in the front are Alison’s parents – Joy and Roddy Caldwell.
This is not exactly Ipoh, but does anyone remember this team? Perhaps you might know one (or more) of the players. Any little bit helps 🙂
(click to enlarge)
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for these photographs. On the left is the Lima Blas Estate Manager’s bungalow built by B M Iversen for his brother Werner as referred to in the earlier post below – just as it was in those days. On the right is the same bungalow (photo taken around 2008). Wouldn’t it be nice if more was done in preserving such places – especially in Ipoh? Just a thought 🙂
Our photographer tells us that this shop is at Jalan Pasir Puteh (near the market). So I’m sure the Pasir Puteh folks would be familiar with this restaurant.
Is Wan Ton Mee one of their specialties? Do they serve other local delights too?
Those of you who remember them, did you cheer for the B Team? Or, perhaps someone reading this was one of the members of the B Team 😉 On that note, who was the gentleman in white (extreme left) – was he the Teacher-in-charge or maybe the team’s Coach?
We thank Chooi-Hoong Foong for this photograph.
In one of our old posts about B M Iversen, someone suggested that the city council should name a road after Iversen. Then, we received a recent e-mail from his daughter with a picture of a CLUB named after him 😉
Yes, there’s an Iversen Club at the Lima Blas Estate – this is what Ruth Iversen Rollitt told us. Incidentally, Ruth’s uncle – Werner Iversen – was the Manager of the Lima Blas estate.
Anyone seen/heard of this place?
Chooi-Hoong Foong’s father was one of the Volunteer Police back in the 1950s (see picture below).
Do you recognise the handsome young men in the above photograph? Any former members of the force reading this, we’d love to hear from you – especially if you have the names of the gentlemen above 🙂
This is one dessert Ipoh has long been famous for……Tau Foo Far for those feeling a little peckish, and Soya Bean Milk for those who want something cold on a hot day.
We wonder if Funny Mountain’s tau foo far is as good as the one Ipohgal’s father used to make 😉
Yes, believe it or not THIS (picture below) was the Main Street of Simpang Pulai back in 1936! 🙂
(click to enlarge)
We thank our donor – Mohamad Sharizan bin Mohd. Supian – for this picture. The discoloration is probably due to water. The Chinese words roughly state that this was taken at the funeral of Mr Chan.
It’s not there anymore, but those of you who remember it are probably grinning at these pictures.
These were taken in 2011 (by Charlie Choong) – yes, this is the same house near the Polo Ground. Does anyone know the story behind this unique looking abode? Perhaps someone knows the architect? We’d love to hear from you 🙂
Yes, this is indeed a Malay Funeral procession. This was taken, with kind permission, from the Imperial War Museum London. The photo was taken from a colour transparency, back in the 1950s. If you look closely you can see the Ipoh East Post Office in the background – that should give you a clue about the location.
We thank Mario Francis Armadass for giving us the link.
These pictures (above) are said to be from a stall at Kopitiam Gui Lin, Jalan Perajurit in Ipoh Garden East. According to our photographer, the satay here is quite tasty.
What do you, dear Readers, think? Does anyone know the best place (in Ipoh) for satay? That is the question we’d like to ask all you Foodies out there!
Some of you may have met me before. Some of you may remember me ‘singing’ during the war. Some say my ‘voice’ made quite an impression on the young ones too!
For those of you who don’t me, I’m a WW2 Civil Defence Siren 😉
At first glance, it probably looks like a stool. But it’s really an ice shaver – look closely and you can see the blade 😉
An ice block is run over the blade repeatedly while the shavings are collected into a bowl underneath. Have you seen your ABC / Cendol seller use this? Or, have YOU ever tried using this gadget before?
No, there’s no grammatical error in our title 😉 We’re talking about this shop at Panglima Street (click to enlarge pic).
We were told that their Pork Noodles are quite tasty. So, dear Foodies….what’s your opinion?
Mr Wang Min-Hua is. This was taken in October 1981 on the day he retired. From what we know: The car a 1954 Ford Popular Saloon registered number AA 8835, was bought new by his father and first registered in Ipoh on 8 April 1954. It has received loving care from both father and son since then and is in ‘as new’ condition. The 1172cc vehicle carries the engine and chassis number C769674 demonstrating that all is original. (more can be found here)
I’m sure some of you Sam Tet Alumni remember him. Oh, and let’s not forget about his lovely car too 😉
I’m sure some of you know this one.
The next thing we’d like to know: Is Kooi Kee Fresh Fruits still in business today?
YK Choong sent this to us. He’d like some help with ‘When’ and ‘Where’ this picture was taken.
ps: YK Choong thinks it’s 1966…so there’s a little clue for you Anderson Boys!
We were told by our donor (Angie Yeow) that she thought this was part of the Japanese Garden. But, when you take a closer look…it seems to be part of a cave temple. Now we’d like to know which cave temple this is 😉 Anyone care to guess?
I’m sure some of you have seen this shop….some of you may be regular customers too! This shop, located at Jalan Mustafa Al Bakri, is said to be famous for its Kaya Puff – a light and fluffy pastry with egg-jam filling.
Ideal for those with a sweet-tooth, don’t you think? Have you eaten one of these tasty treats? Or, perhaps you know of yet another place which serves this particular sweet.
We’d love to hear from you 🙂
Did you know there was once a Japanese barber in Ipoh? I didn’t, but according to this early photo there was a “D. Wakaki Salon” along Hugh Low Street. Could anyone tell us MORE?
Study the picture below….carefully….. 😉
A signboard was supposed to have been erected above the shop house – 147, Brewster Road. Our question for YOU is: did the signboard go up at all? If so, what did it advertise?
From the pictures, we think that this float was one of the many at a Merdeka Parade back in 1967. Does anyone remember this parade? If you do, where was it held – at the Stadium, or along the main streets of the town?
Also notice the old Malay used in the description and the labels on the float.
…that pineapples were once grown under coconut and rubber trees? This 1920 postcard shows a bullock cart used in transporting pineapples. I do wonder how much a pineapple cost back then 😉
In previous blog posts, we’ve had Readers talk about the famous ‘Police Station Curry Mee’. I do wonder if this (Restoran Xin Quan Fang) is the place you guys were talking about.
If you answered yes to the above query, then perhaps you know these gentlemen. [And they in turn will know you as a ‘regular’ and probably also know your order 😉 ]
the ‘chef’ and his assistant
the final product!
Take a good look the postcard below 😉
Could this be the old Ipoh Market? I’ve never seen the old market, but I know some of you out there remember what it looks like.
That’s what our donor Graham Barton said in his description of this photo (see below).
Well, what do YOU think? On that note, see the hill in background? Could that be part of that famous hill along Tambun Road?
We were told by Ruth Iversen Rollitt that these houses were designed by her father B M Iversen.
click to enlarge
Yes folks, these houses are STILL THERE – at the compound of the Perak Hydro Power Station in Malim Nawar! Those of you who once lived here, do you see YOUR former home in these pictures? 😉
As mentioned previously, we have a postcard with ‘Ipoh East’ stamped on the top left corner.
The date is stated as 1934 – meaning the Post Office concerned has been around for some time. When did they close then?
According to Nick Band (our donor), the caption for this 1957 photograph reads as Post Office, Brewster Road, from the Eastern. If you zoom in on the ‘Pejabat Pos’ signage, the smaller street sign (left) reads as Cockman Street. THIS is what’s confused us 😉
Ipoh-experts out there, can you help us? Is this really the junction of Brewster Road and Cockman Street?
This photograph is from Ron Lee (from Australia), sent through SK – who then forwarded it to us.
(click to enlarge)
So, Cator Avenue boys…do you see yourself (and/or your friends) in this photograph? Do you remember the teacher? I can’t help but admire her sense of fashion…she must have been quite a character too 😉
Mano asked if we could start a food blog page and after discussing it we have decided to intersperse our traditional style heritage photos with some food photos and invite comments on certain well-known local foods. If there is sufficient enthusiasm from our readers this will become a regular feature of ipohWorld’s World.
So what could be better than to start this new venture with the famous dish Sar Hor Fun and a picture of the most famous purveyor of this wondrous food – Spiderman.
We were fortunate to get this picture from Ms Ong Su-ming when she wrote her growing-up stories for our book “Ipoh, My Home Town”. As you will appreciate, like others in the book, it is a very rare picture and we are very happy to share it with you all.
But now it is your turn – Who remembers Spiderman, were his noodles really that special and where else on Kinta Valley could you get Sar Hor Fun in days gone by? Where can you find it now?
If you’d asked me before these photographs arrived, I would confess to not knowing what a pegboard was. In fact, now that I’ve seen what it looks like, I’m still wondering what they were used for. Well, for those of you who are still clueless about WHAT a pegboard looks like, take a look at Nick Band’s photos below:
ps: we were told that the man holding the pegboard (2nd photo) is Lee Kit.
This Malayan Chinese Association Membership Certificate was issued in 1961 and is now in the possession of IpohBornKid. The person who owned this card has passed on and she was a member of the Menglembu (a town adjacent to Ipoh) Branch. This card was issued in Kuala Lumpur at the MCA headquarters. There is much information on the card that is of historical significance. Readers may note the signature of the issuing person and the significance of the eleven sided yellow star. The cover is dark blue in colour.
I have also seen an Ox Head Party membership card issued in Penang which belonged to one of my relatives
In the first 4 years following Merdeka, the author was aware of a substantial number of Menglembu residents who belonged to the MCA. The Chinese politicians well known in Menglembu at that era was Leong Yew Koh, Yap Yin Fah and Chong Hong Chew as MCA people. Of course, the strong man of the People’s Progressive Party, DR Seenivasagam and his brother SP Seenivasagam were also on the scene.
Anyone remember Wah On Theatre? (see below)
Nick Band tells us that this theatre was in Batu Gajah. This photograph was taken in 1957.
Does anyone know what’s happened to the theatre? Has the theatre been taken over by another establishment (as how furniture shops have taken over theatres in Ipoh)?
Anyone remember this parade? Can you guess WHO the children are waving at? I’m sure this was not too long ago…
We thank Alison Caldwell for this photograph.
Here’s a close-up of a bucket dredge – for those of you who’ve seen an actual dredge bucket, you can imagine the size of this machine! We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this photograph. From her emails, we think that this was probably part of the Keramat Tin mine in Bidor (if we’re wrong, do let us know 🙂 ).
This barge won the 3rd prize in the competition. To what we know, this barge was decorated by the Royal Engineers. Do you remember this lake carnival?
(picture courtesy of Nicholas Jennings)
Whenever I see someone smoking a pipe, I keep thinking about Sherlock Holmes (perhaps it’s because I’m a fan of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective). 🙂
The man in this photograph is actually Eric Jennings. This was taken in Ipoh, sometime in the 1930s, when Eric worked with his father J A S Jennings at the Times of Malaya newspaper.
The beautiful car aside, what really drew my attention were the shoes. I’m not a fashion expert, but I’m sure this pair of shoes were in style back then (probably with a unique name too!). Fashion experts out there, we’d like to hear from you 😉
Mano sent us this photo recently. The first two glasses (left and centre) are Merdeka souvenirs, while the one on the right is a Hari Raya special. Mano also told us that these were a present from Mrs Helen Ross, whose parents were based in Changi. Helen’s parents probably obtained these during their tour of Malaya (around 1957).
Anyone own similar souvenir glasses? Perhaps you could tell us about your collection…
We thank Ruth Rollitt for sending us this photo of her and her brother Per. According to Ruth, this was taken in 1950. The siblings are wearing local national costumes.
I’m sure there’s an interesting story behind this. On that note: what did you and your siblings get up to in your younger days?
(click to enlarge)
Yusof sent us these wonderful photos. From his email, we know that he lived in Greentown from 1969-1981. Yusof also had this to say:
“The house is one of six detached govt quarters surrounding a palm tree lined field within a circular lane off Jalan Iskandar, named Lorong Said Tauphy. As depicted in the photos attached, Greentown was indeed green back then, with the fields bamboo hedges and abundant coconut trees. It is really a shame what Greentown has transformed into now. Anyway, I hope these pictures will bring back some memories of the original Greentown to some folks out there, esp. ex Greentownians. Looking forward to more pictures of Greentown then from those who still have the old photos.”
Like Yusof, we at IpohWorld also look forward to hearing from former and present Greentown folks! 🙂
I’ve never been to Teluk Anson (or Teluk Intan, as it is now called). Wouldn’t know if the market looks the same now, perhaps some of the Teluk Anson folks could tell us more 😉
Special thanks to Alison Cotterill nee Caldwell for these photographs.
We thank Taffy Owen for this one. I’d like to draw your attention to the unique signboard – this was taken around 1997 (according to Taffy); note the spelling of the word ‘workshop’.
Also take note of the mountain in the background – yes, folks….it looks like Gunong Panjang….or could it be another mountain?
Graham Barton (our donor) calls this the “Dobie Woller”. We locals call him the “Doby Man” 🙂
Looking at the lines of laundry (far right), I’m reminded of the famous ‘doby man’ who ran his business along Silibin Road.
I wonder if the Silibin Road laundryman is still in business….anyone knows more about it?
(click to enlarge)
KC sent us this cute one via Facebook. We thought we’d share it with all of you – especially with the Cator Avenue Alumni 🙂
KC shared a little bit about this photograph with us:
This photo was taken when I was in Standard-2 at Cator Avenue Primary School. Some of us in the photo are still in contact with each other after all these years. The class photo was taken in 1962, if I remember correctly. Would like to get feedback from people who were in this class. Cannot remember the teacher’s name now. Along the teacher’s row, on the far left is a Caucasian boy. I remember him only as Ian. He was with us for one year and we never see him again. It would be interesting to know his full name and hopefully know where he is now. One of my classmate whom I am still in contact with reminded me, and I recalled, he had a fight with a boy from another class and both were called to the headmaster’s office. Those were the days…….
We look forward to hearing about all the other shenanigans you boys got up to in your youth….and like KC, we’re also wondering what’s happened to Ian!
Most photographs of dulang washers show the ladies almost knee deep in water, while they rotate their dulangs. This photo here (from Alison Cotterill nee Caldwell) shows the dulang washer in a field instead! This area was probably near Kramat Tin (Bidor). Notice the 1 cubic ft box (bottom left), and the white bowl (above the large drum). Can onyone out there tell us what these items were for?
We thank Alison for this unique photograph.
Here’s a cute one from Sally Everist. According to her, the Japanese lady is John Friedlander’s nurse. Do you recognise anyone else in this photograph?
This was among the lot sent to us from Nick Band. His father Albert Roy Band was part of the Malay Tin Dredge Co. in Batu Gajah. He had two stints there: 1954-57, where he stayed at Bungalow A11 & 1958-61, residing at Bungalow A13. As Nick explains, his father was known as ‘Roy’ and he was an Engineering Draughtsman. The woman in the photograph is Nick’s mother; standing next to her is the family pet Ginger.
Ever come across an oval-shaped dining table? Well, this picture (from Sally Everist) shows the late John Allison‘s dining room. Unique isn’t it – since most homes have either long, rectangular tables or round tables in their dining rooms 🙂
Here’s a gem from Ruth Rollitt. The little boy is her son, all anxious about his new hair cut 🙂
Familiar? Well this is none other than the Veterinary Research Institute, Ipoh. This 1953 photo is from Ruth Rollitt.
Recognise the building? I wonder if the facade has changed over the years….
Calling all Tarcisian Convent (Ipoh) Girls! Remember what your school library looked liked in the 1960s? Well, here’s a little clue for you. I’m sure much of the interior has changed over the years. For the present generation of Tarcisian Girls, DO tell us about the ‘new additions’ to your school library 🙂
We thank Alison Caldwell for sharing these pictures with us. They were taken when she lived here in Perak in the 1950’s. Has much change been made to the festival since then?
On that note, how was Thaipusam celebrated in YOUR part of town?
We received this from Alan Steel, with the words Wilkinson Rd from the back seat of a bus. Do any of you know WHERE Wilkinson Road is? Since many road names in Ipoh have been changed over the years, I wonder what the new name is. Or, perhaps I got it wrong…and this place is not Ipoh after all?
Remember these seats? All you movie buffs out there, especially those who visited the old cinemas (not the modern cineplexes), I’m sure you’ll recall sitting on similar chairs.
We thank Graham Barton for sharing these pictures with us. Do you remember such Hairdressers? Do they still use those(ever sharp!) razors/blades and ‘Good Morning’ towels? Looking at these pictures, I couldn’t help but think about the famed Star Barber – who once ran their business at Belfield Street 🙂
On that note, how much would a standard haircut and shave cost today?
“Chan Sue Meng, the author of “Road to Revolution – Dr. Sun Yat Sen and His Comrades in Ipoh”, is the great-great-granddaughter of Lee Guan Swee, leader of the Tong Meng Hui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) in Ipoh, Malaya, during the 1911 Revolution. Two years ago, upon learning about the great deeds of her ancestor and portions of family memoirs, she decided to compile an annal of the activities of Dr. Sun and his revolutionaries in Ipoh, in an attempt to present the trail that was left behind by Dr. Sun and its impact on Ipoh.” – Wong Sin Kiong, Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, National University of Singapore.
The above book can be purchased at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for $S 12.00 (RM 30.00). The book will probably be re-launched in Ipoh later.
(Picture 1: Run Run Shaw)
(Picture 2: Runme Shaw)
We pay tribute to Run Run Shaw, of the famed Shaw Brothers, who passed away in Hong Kong yesterday.
The Shaw Organisation began in 1924, with operations in Singapore screening their own brand of silent movies. Frustrated by local distributors, they set up their own cinema, “The Empire”, to screen their movies. Led by brothers Run Run and Runme Shaw, they began to branch out into Malaysia building new cinemas and operating a mobile cinema for rural areas. However, it was only with the advent of sound that movies began to really launch themselves – by 1933 the Shaw’s had produced the Cantonese opera film ‘Normal Dragon’ which proved a breakthrough for them in both Singapore and Hong Kong. [more can be found at – http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Articles/shawbronews.html ]
I’m sure many movie-lovers out there remember these famous brothers and their contribution to the cinematic industry. I was not born in that era, but from what I’ve read (and heard) the Shaw Brothers always had interesting ways of advertising the up-and-coming movies. (see sample below)
We thank Alan Steel for this picture. It shows the camp and gates of the 12th Inf. at Gunong Panjang. I’m just making a guess and putting this location at Tambun Road (though I could be wrong). Is this place still called ‘Gunong Panjang’? Or, perhaps the camp has relocated? Hope those familiar with the area could help us out 😉
[ Warning: the picture below may cause some of you to drool excessively 😉 ]
We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this one. To what we were told, this was taken at a wedding – and yes, folks…the guests are eating on banana leaves!
So, fellow Foodies…when was the last time YOU had a banana-leaf meal? 🙂
The long-awaited Part 6 of Ipohbornkid’s series! Happy Reading 😉
The Schools that Chong Soon Fan Built – by IpohBornKid
(The picture above shows the generous donors for Wan Hwa Public Schools)
Many Chinese schools were built after World War II during the tin boom in the Kinta Valley, especially in Ipoh and surrounds in the early 1950s. The establishment of these schools was driven by the tin miners’ desire to maintain the Chinese language and culture in their newly adopted homeland of Malaya. However, there is one particular school that comes in mind that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014, ie. the Wan Hwa Primary Public School (萬華小學) in Menglembu. The author wishes to congratulate the Chairman Mr Chong Yong Fook and his Board member, the donors, the Principal Mr Ong Yah, , teachers and pupils in their forthcoming celebration, the 100th Anniversary of their Founding of the School.
Many Chinese schools in Ipoh began to bloom in the 1950s and they include the Wan Hwa Primary School, the Yuk Choy Primary & High Schools, the Peraks Girls Primary and High Schools, Poi Lam High School, Sam Tet High Schools, Ave Maria School and the newest Sam Jai School. Most of the X generation who went to the Chinese schools in Ipoh/Menglembu, will have gone through one of these schools.
In this article, the author will concentrate on the late Chong Soon Fan, JP, and his role in building the Wan Hwa Primary School (萬華小學) in Menglembu (萬裡望), which is currently located opposite his family home. It is obvious that the school derives its name from the township by using its first character (萬) & Chinese (華) language school.
As far as the author can remember, Wan Hwa Primary had its humble beginning in the location where the Grace Lutheran Church is now situated. It is at the southern end of Menglemgu’s Main Road (Jalan Lahat) where the road bends to the left. A mountain stream runs along the boundary of the old school building. This building, from memory, had a class room, a large blackboard facing south and with windows (facing east) opening to Jalan Lahat and the Tamil settlement across the field. Below the window of this building was a small mountain stream that runs through Menglembu.
After the church bought the old school property, the Wan Hwa Primary School, in 1954, was relocated at the Assembly Hall Road and its entrance facing the western type bungalow of Mr Chong Soon Fan and the Nayang Picture Theatre. On the western side of the school was the famous Kledang Hills of Menglembu.
The author remembered being in the original attap roof classrooms as a child of 6 years old in the afternoon school, after finishing morning school in ACS Ipoh. However that arrangement did not last long and the author remained in ACS. As the old school huts made way for the construction of the school hall, other developments were also taking place. A U-shaped, single-storey building was built adjacent to the new school hall and the bottom of the U facing north. At the far north end of the school was the Teacher’s quarters and the Principal and his family also lived there.
The old library building and the tuck shop were directly opposite the Nanyang Picture Theatre. The old bicycle park was adjacent to the library wall. All these structures including the Picture Theatre no longer exist.
Each Chinese New Year, the school grounds were decorated with paper banners hanging from a rope and on each paper, was written the name of the donor and the amount donated. There were many donors in Menglembu (see picture) and Ipoh and most of them were tin miners and business people. Many Clans denoted money to the school and in particular, the author remembered the Hakka Clan well as they were mainly tin miners, pawn shop owners and bankers. Knowledge of the history of Hakka Clan in China will reveal their inborn determination for education and their participation as Generals and Scholars in Hennan Province for 2,000 years, before coming down to South China as Song Dynasty refugees. Chong Soon Fan is of Hakka origin (Tai Poo, Quangdong Province) and had a strong urge to ensure the Chinese immigrants in Malaya can have a good Chinese education to maintain their language and culture.
As Chairman of the Board of Wan Hwa Primary School, he had to lead the donation and each year, whilst as Chairman, his donation amounts to $10,000 annually. As Chairman, he was also able to encourage his business colleagues to contribute to the worthwhile cause, and they did. Wan Hwa Primary School could not have existed without the generosity of the business and private donors. Menglembu residents, having benefited from the school, should always remember the pioneering work of many philanthropists who readily gave their money for the building of the school and particularly the leadership shown by its Chairman, the late Mr Chong Soon Fan, who was also the “Penghulu of Menglembu”.
Chong Soon Fan passed away in 1969 and the Chairmanship of the school also went to his son the late Mr Chong Hong Chew, PJK, and later his grandson, Mr Chong Yong Fook. The author congratulates Yong Fook in following a good tradition set up by the Patriarch. One of the former Chairman Mr Chan Chak Yung was an old friend of the author for more than 50 years.
The author has visited the school recently and many changes have occurred. The author would like to remind the people of Menglembu to remember the dedication and commitment of the pioneers who gave so much for the public education of their fellow immigrants in Menglembu and Ipoh. I am sure that the current Chairman, Mr Chong Yong Fook could provide an aerial photograph of the present school to Ipoh World.
It is interesting to note that the late Mr Chong Soon Fan was at one time, the Chairman of the Board of 6 other Chinese schools including Yuk Choy, Perak Girl, Sam Jai and Wan Hwa. The author heard a comment by one of his grandsons who said “the old man can afford many Mercedes Benz in his life time and yet he never bought one for this family. He was contented with the old red Vauxhall Cresta (AA9788) who took his grandchildren to schools in Ipoh. All the Mercedes went to the schools of course!” (Note- at that time each Merc costs $10,000 or more). I believe that, he and his fellow philanthropists have accumulated enough good Karma for all their descendants to be blessed.
You guessed right! It IS Hugh Low Street…and on the far right is the row of shop houses which today have been painted in 7 different colours. Also note that Hugh Low Street was once a two-way street – minus the traffic jams 😉
We thank Alan Steel for this photograph from1956.
According to the donor of this photograph (Alan Steel), those posing here are: Chan Sai Yu, Foo Kim Lim (nicknamed ‘Lofty’), Lau Weng and Yip See Chee. Anyone know where they are now? Based on what Alan told us, this was taken somewhere in the mid 1950s – either 1955 0r 1956. They were working with the British Army at Gunung Panjang Camp. Do you see someone you know in this photograph? Do point him out to us 🙂
Here’s something to put you in the Christmas mood! We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this one. According to Alison, this was taken in 1962 at the Lower Perak Club in Teluk Anson. On the far left is Trisha Caldwell, holding Fiona.
Well folks, it looks like Santa arrived on foot instead of coming down the chimney! 😉 I do wonder what was in those large sacks…..
Not wishing to have Teluk Ansom beat Ipoh, Ruth Rollitt sent us this one and said:
The Christmas party at the Presbyterian church was in 1963! Wow – 50 years ago. The little fair-haired boy is my brother Per’s son Morten – he is with his mother Vivi (Iversen). The lady in the batik dress on the other is my mother and the smiling lady is Dutch: Marian Voorhoeve – her husband was with Lindeteves Jacob and we are still much in touch.
Thank you Ruth for keeping Ipoh in the picture.
For those who didn’t know, Chung Thye Phin once had his own currency! No, I’m not joking….take a look (see below).
We thank Jeffrey Seong for sharing this with us. If YOU had your own currency, what would it look like? 😉
We thank Alan Steel for this candid picture of Kid Pancho (on a WD Matchless). Besides being a boxer, Pancho was also a drummer at the Jubilee Park; and also a mechanic at the 12 Infantry. Did anyone of you out there see him in action?
We’re hoping some alumni from Sam Tet, Ipoh, would be able to help us out with this photograph (see below).
This was taken from the 90th Anniversary Magazine of St Michael’s Church (which is next to Sam Tet School). Does anyone remember when this photograph was taken? We don’t seem to have a caption for this photo, so we’re hoping someone out there could fill in some details for us.
We look forward to meeting some former Sam Tet students on our blog 😉
You’ve heard his name many times – there’s even a road named after him – so today, we’d like to show you what he looked like! Yes, that’s him on the right…and on the left is none other than His Royal Highness Sultan Idris Murshidul’adzam Shah.
According to what we know, back in 1877 Sir Hugh Low established the Perak Council of State at Kuala Kangsar (together with Malay Royals, Chiefs and 2 Mining Towkays). This governing council gradually formulated the modern laws of Perak.
This picture was taken from the book 20th Century Impressions of British Malaya.
This one is a mystery to us. This was found at the famed Falim House (before the present developing company took over) some time ago. We’re wondering WHO are the people in the photograph. Care to take a guess? Could it be someone from the Foo family?
Are you in this photo? Or, perhaps you knew some of the players in this soccer team. Did any of them end up in our national football league?
If you look closely, there is a trophy at the bottom of this photo…which made me think that this was probably taken after a soccer match. I’ll leave it to you to tell me more.
We thank Zahar for this nostalgic photo 🙂
I’m sure the NTPS boys will be excited about these (see below)
It was back in 1964, according to our donor Zahar. Well, does anyone know who won the sack race? (I think the Prefects were competing) Which house was the overall champion that year?
We thank Sally Everist for this rare gem. Although it is a low-resolution photograph, you can see most of the Planter’s Bungalow in the background. The man sitting in the garden is none other than the late John M Allison – General Manager of Sungei Siput Rubber Plantations Ltd (back in 1946).
We received these from Vince Cooper.
Taken in 1948, these are scenes from the Taiping Jungle Pool. Do any of you remember this place? We’d love to hear from you – especially the Taiping folks!
We got this from Charlie Choong some time ago. Was this a dance competition? Was it part of some school event? Well, if any of you can remember this, do tell us. (We’d also like to know WHERE this event took place)
Ipoh folks have heard (and seen) the De Silva building in Old Town, but not many know about the man himself. Here’s a picture and a short description taken from the book 20th Century Impressions of British Malaya.
Few Eastern jewellers can honestly claim to have received the partonage of royalty as often as Mr B. P. de Silva, of High Street, who numbers amongst his patrons the Duke of Connaught, the King of Siam, and the Sultan of Johore. The business was established in 1860 by Mr Silva’s father. All kinds of precious stones, jewellery of rare and unique design, and silverware in various styles of native workmanship are to be seen at this shop. Mr de Silva also does a considerable import and export trade, and with his large and experienced staff is in a position to execute all kinds of work connected with his business.
Some call it Perak’s version of “The Leaning Tower of Pisa”. I’ve never been there, but from recent pictures it does seem like it’s leaning a little to one side. However, here is an early 1900 picture of the same water tower in Teluk Intan (see below) – and it seems rather STRAIGHT to me 😉
So, WHEN did this tower start to lean? We’d like to know MORE about this tower – especially from the Teluk Intan folks!
Picture taken from the book 20th Century Impressions of British Malaya.
I’ve played it before, although I rarely won (perhaps, there’s a trick in throwing the dice in order to get the right number 😉 ) Anyway, LUDO seemed like a popular board game at one time. Then there was MONOPOLY. Wonder what’s the latest popular board game today!
On that note, what was YOUR favourite board game?
Yes, this is indeed a beautiful pair of beaded slippers. So, ladies…do any of you own such a pair? Or perhaps, you know someone who (still) makes such pretty footwear?
These Baba-Nyonya style slippers were once a rage – are they still in fashion? You tell us 🙂
Ah yes, the once popular Rediffusion Loudspeaker! Some of you may have seen (or owned) one in your younger days. I confess that I haven’t (probably born too late! 😉 ) but I do recall in past blog posts that some of our Readers speak rather fondly about Rediffusion.
Anyone care to share some memories?
From the second picture, we know that this building is about 105 years old!
So, Buntong folks (and those familiar with the area) do you know WHAT this building used to be?
We thank Alexandar for submitting these photos.
In our previous post, we had a reply from the brother of the pretty lady sitting on the sports car. We now know her as Joan Lau. After some searching, we found a picture of Lawrence Lau (see below).
The caption for the above picture is as follows: “Adrian Boudville looking on, Barry Jansz acting as Time Keeper and Lawrence Lau acting as Starter.”
This was taken on 18th August 1971 at the Ipoh Railway Station. Anyone remember this event?
Fret not, the Toastmasters Club is here to help you!
Those interested, please contact the following:
YMCA of Ipoh Toastmasters Club; We meet every 2nd. & 4th. Wednesday at 7:45 pm
Contacts : Pak Peter 019- 574’3572 / Cheah Tong Kim 017 – 487’3980/ Nur Aida Ahmad Nazeri 013 – 363’9490
The picture may not be that clear, but it’s obvious what it is…yes, even in those days we had pretty girls posing with sports cars!
This was taken from a Triumph Owners’ Club Magazine. The picture is said to be from the 1970s. Can the car lovers out there guess what car this is?
We thank Charlie Choong for lending us the magazine.
To all music lovers out there, keep 16th November 2013 free. Be at Tandoor Grill before 8pm because Perak Society of Performing Arts (PSPA) presents:
For further information, please contact the following:
PSPA (05-5487814) or email them at pspaipoh@gmail.com / Musicprints (017-5153612) / City Ballet Sdn Bhd (05-2537114)
Remember when Elastoplast came in a tin….a RED tin at that?
From what we know, this tin shown here is from the 1970s. Do they still come in tins? Or, perhaps in sealed plastic bags?
…there were the galvanized tubs!
Remember them? We thank Shuen Huey Foo for this gem 😉
We’ve had comments about certain products having souvenir mugs/glasses/plates/t-shirts and so on. So, today we’re featuring an F&N tray 😉
Anyone collected similar trays? Did any other softdrink company have such souvenirs?
Yes, folks…this is none other than the Philips Mechanical Engineer Construction Set! Did you have one of these? Or, perhaps you saw it on display in the shops and wished that some day you could own it?
Do tell us YOUR childhood ‘toy-story’ 😉
Do you recall the days when you could by an ice-cream sandwich for “satu kupang” (10 cents)? It was big money then, but today you hardly get a handful of sweets for that price. The donor of this photograph says that the location is somewhere up north – Was “kupang” a common phrase used for money in Ipoh?
We thank Taj Firdaus for this photograph 🙂
Foo Pak Khean (Standard 1 C) and Foo Leong Khean (Primary 2 A) built this model of the Shum Cheong Fook Circus. These students of ACS Ipoh built this as part of a school project back in 1949.
Does anyone remember this circus? Did this circus frequent our shores yearly?
Don’t know about you, but milk is one of my favourite beverages – I especially love Dutchlady’s chocolate flavoured milk 😉
I vaguely remember growing up on Dumex. Can’t recall if there were any other famous milk brands in the 80s. From what I’ve heard, Lactogen was quite popular some years ago. Is this brand still around? What brand of milk did YOU enjoy as a kid?
This was taken off a postcard, stating that this is somewhere in Hugh Low Street. I don’t recognise it at all, but do YOU? Does someone out there know where along Hugh Low Street this is?
Here’s a picture (taken off a postcard) of Au Kong Foundry. From what we know, this foundry used to be at Lahat Road. Is it still there?
Also, if anyone out there could translate the Chinese words for us, we’d be really grateful 😉
I remember passing this building quite often on my way to St Michael’s Institution. But I never really paid attention to what it was. All I know is that this is the Sri Perak building. Any idea what’s inside? Was it one of those government offices? Or, was it like the present UTC (former Super Kinta)?
We thank Hasbi for this picture-postcard.
This photograph (from Charlie Choong) was taken in the early 1960s. We think it was at one of the car shows by the Triumph Car Owner’s Club. Do you remember the car show? Do YOU own a Triumph? 
This is the Triumph that Dr Jeya was referring to. We are not normally into car sales at ipohWorld but we make an exception in this case as it suits the blog comments. If you are interested in the vehicle we can pot you in touch with the owner.
It is a very rare classic Triumph 2000 Mk1 
It looks a bit grainy, but you can see without a doubt that this is the famous mail train. This is an early 1900s photo taken from the book ‘Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya’. Of course, now we are privileged to have LRTs and Monorails. Still, nothing like a little nostalgia now and again.
Remember this group photo? It was taken in 1972, when the Superior General visited St Michael’s Institution. Do you recognise the smiling faces?
We thank Charlie Choong for this photo.
This picture is from Keith Nelson’s collection. It’s not Ipoh, but we thought we’d share it with you all the same. Perhaps, someone out there grew up in or visited a fishing village. We’d love to read about your experiences 🙂
Although this picture was not taken in Ipoh, we’d like to share it with all of you anyway. Can you spot the antique typewriter? Anyone care to guess what model it is? Did any of you own such a model before? Have a good, long look… 🙂
…that there once was a cinema in Buntong? Don’t believe me, then take a good look at the picture below 😉
Does this bring back any memories? Can anyone guess the year this was taken? I do wonder what’s become of this place…
We’ve heard about and have even watched many famous operas. To some fans, it doesn’t matter what if said operas were not in English!
Today, we’d like to know if any of you remember the Chinese Operas. From what we know, they began in Ipoh when Yau Tet Shin built the New Town Complex in 1907.
Those who watched them (and probably took part in them too?), we’d like to hear from you 🙂
Yes, folks…this seems to be the Standard 3 Class of Cator Avenue School. Do you see yourself in the photograph? Do you remember your class teacher’s name? Was he a much feared, strict man…or a warm friendly mentor? Be it fond or horrific, we welcome all sorts of recollections – and we’d also like to know a little bit about the history of this school too (if you can recall).
One look and most of you can already guess what this iconic building is. Of course, so much has changed now: the small field in front of this cinema is no longer there; instead there’s a row of food stalls. Also, right next to the cinema is one of the entrances of Sam Tet School. Lately, I did notice that there seems to be some construction going on at this very site. Are they restoring/renovating Odeon?
Photograph courtesy of John McAuley, a former serviceman who worked in Malaya in the 1950s.
…St Bernadette’s Convent (in Batu Gajah) had a charity event for the victims of the Turkish earthquake? Here’s a photograph to jog your memory (see below)
We were told that this replica of the Malaysian flag was made entirely of JELLY! Can anyone tell us more about this event? Do you recognise the official cutting the jelly?
Happy Malaysia Day, Dear Readers! 🙂
We have here a 1951 photograph (courtesy of the Kinta Valley book) showing the Pusing Police Station. The guard is standing by a protective fence consisting of coconut tree trunks and 50 gallon oil drums!
Anyone here from Pusing town? Do tell us what the police station looks like today 😉
Have you been to the Perak Emporium? Was it one of those high-end places like Whiteaway Laidlaw? Did it have an escalator/elevator? We’ve had Readers talking about this place, now we’d like to know MORE 😉
Picture courtesy of Stex Stev.
….this was Kampar Town back in 1907! Just wondering: is this the main road? Are those shop houses (in the background) still there?
Kampar born people, we’d like to hear from you 😉
…and that ‘something’ is none other than the ‘ol Radio & General Trading Co Ltd!
So, what’s happened to this store? Was it taken over by another company? Or, has this row of shop houses been demolished (like the many unfortunate ones around Ipoh Town)?
This photograph was probably taken in the early 60s (but we could be wrong). We’re hoping someone out there could tell us more about Radio & General.
Happy Independence Day from all of us at IpohWorld.
Don’t worry about the markings on this photograph. They are for a proposed signboard for the realty company.
Where do you think this building was? Anyone remember the name of the street? I’m sure there are sufficient clues for you to guess 😉
I was about 8 years old when I took part in a school concert (in the early 90s). The concert was for the Hari Anugerah (Prize Giving Day), and I recall being absolutely exhausted after every practice. I had to wake up early since practice started at about 8 o’clock in the morning. It went on past lunch time. I also had extra homework to do because practices were during school hours. What I hated most was when the music teacher told us that we girls had to wear make-up on the actual day of the concert…..sigh!
This picture was taken back in 1963. Were school concerts any different then? Like me, I’m sure the rest of us are wondering what happened to these ‘stars’ 😉
Anyone remember what this stage play was about? Did the ‘couple’ live happily ever after in the end?
Here’s another one from Tony Ooi’s batch of photographs. Well, NTPS boys…..this should keep you excited over the weekend 😉
Anyone remember what game this was? How about who won Best / Overall Champion House that year?
According to Tony Ooi, this is the Std. 4 class from Cator Avenue School. Like we mentioned in the title of this post – where are there boys now? Any of you in this photograph? By the way, Tony if you’re reading this….do you remember the teacher’s name?
As can be seen in the photograph below, the Ipoh Boys are just as stylish!
According to the donor of this photograph (Nick Coffil), these boys were apparently going home for the holidays.
Well, Readers…..are YOU somewhere in this photograph? 😉
Here’s another one from Stex Stev’s collection of matchboxes. Your ‘mission’ (should you choose to accept it) is to tell us MORE about this place – Latin Quarter. Was it a bar? A Hair Saloon? Perhaps a tailor?
Good luck, folks! 🙂
One look at this photograph and you will notice that not only were the Ipoh Girls pretty, they also dressed in style 😉
If you look close enough, you can probably deduce where in Ipoh Town these buildings are. But we’d like to draw your attention to the sign behind the lady with the handbag – ‘Dress Maker by Chan”. Is this tailor/dressmaker still around?
[We thank Charlie Choong for this photograph]
Sometime ago, someone mentioned the Green Fern Coffee House as one of the places Ipoh’s (then) youngsters used to frequent. Here’s a little ‘advertisement’ from Stex Stev. Anyone know what’s in place of the coffee house now?
For a change, we thought we’d feature a coloured picture from 2010 instead of the usual black-and-white ones. This was taken outside a temple in Old Town. Recognise the location? On that note, anyone know why these folks are seated by the gate?
According to our donor (Tony Ooi) this photograph shows the Form 4 Class of Anderson School. Anyone remember who the class teacher was? Was this the Science or Arts class?
We guess that this sub-branch photograph was taken at Taiping. Then again, we could be wrong. Does anyone recognise some of the faces in this group?
We thank John McAuley – who was once part of the British Military serving in Malaya, back in the 1950s – for this photograph. Yes, folks it’s none other than the Majestic Cinema :). Although it doesn’t show up clearly, but if you zoom in you can actually see some vendors just outside the entrance of the cinema. Anyone remember them? What did they sell?
This is part of a matchbox collection emailed to us by ‘Stex Stev’. Do you remember the Chicago Coffee House? I don’t…perhaps it was gone by the time I was born. Or maybe it changed its name? You tell us 😉
However, as the discussion grew it reached the mystery of a bread also named Chicago and Rosebud sent us the following photo – especially for mano.
This is from Tony Ooi and according to him, this group is the Form 3 class from Sri Kepayang. Any Sri Kepayang boys out there? We’d like to know more about your school days (as well as stories of your fellow classmates and teachers!) 🙂
Truth be told, I have never seen nor met a snake charmer. But I’ve always wondered HOW he makes those reptiles ‘dance’ to his music 😉
Have YOU seen/met a snake charmer?
Since the above photograph was not taken in Ipoh, we have another one – a different snake charmer but this time from Ipoh. Note: is he feeding the snake an egg?
We thank Ruth Rollitt for both pictures.
Remember him….your friendly neighbourhood Postman? He used to go around on a bicycle with a large brown bag full of mail. Take note of his uniform too! What else do you remember about him? We’d love to read your comments and memories – especially those (like me!) who are more familiar with electronic mail 😉
We thank Ruth Rollitt for this photograph.
The photo may not be that clear, but I’m sure you notice the wire fence in front of the station. This is similar to the perimeter fencing which was a common sight at the New Villages during the Malayan Emergency.
Those of you who are familiar with Tapah – is this building still there or have they built a new one?
This photo is from Bob Peers (from UK).
This photograph is from Ko-Chi Wai. Do you recognise the building in the background? At one glance, I’m guessing it’s probably a school, but which school is it? And to the motorbike experts, correct me if I’m wrong – but is this young lady riding a Vespa?
The picture is not that clear, but this is what the Kampong Simee Police Station looked like back in 1948. Kampong Simee was one of the Chinese villages which came about during the Malayan Emergency as part of the New Village programme.
Just wondering: is this the same police station which is now next to the Hindu Temple (near the Simee roundabout)? If not, where in Simee is this landmark?
Remember this visit? From what we know, this was back in the early 1970s. Does anyone recall Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip’s visit? Were you one of the fortunate individuals to have met this royal couple in person? Similarly, do you recognise the building in the background?
Here’s a sample of some of the new things featured in our exhibition. For those of you who haven’t been to Falim, don’t let this opportunity pass you by 😉
[Incidentally we’ll be in Falim until 11th August 2013]
Here’s something for all you NTPS Pasir Puteh boys out there!
Like most school badges, this one has its own special meaning – especially in the picture and motto. Well NTPS boys, care to explain to the rest of us? 🙂
Yes, folks – this is none other than Anderson Road!
Taken in the mid 1950s, you can see that not only is the traffic light…the skies are clear too! Here’s hoping that the haze situation resolves itself soon.
By the way, anyone know what building that is on the far right corner? From the words, it looks like a hotel….
For those of you who’ve already guessed this building, give yourself a pat on the shoulder. Yes, this is none other than St Michael’s church – which is along Brewster Road, behind the former Odeon Cinema. What I’d like to point out is the road leading towards the church itself. Notice how it seems almost flat! For those who are familiar with this church would know that the present road slopes upwards. Also notice that there is no wall surrounding the cemetery. Anyone know WHEN these changes happened?
This picture is from John McAuley’s collection.
Yes, we’re talking about the Sultan Yussuf Fountain (see picture below). While many of you have interesting stories about this unique landmark, we’d like to draw your attention to the plaque. Any idea what was written on it? As far as I know, that plaque is no longer there (or perhaps it’s hidden among the flowers?).
We thank Edwin Seibel for this photograph.
No, I’m not referring to the famous cowboy series. I’m talking about this row of shops along Hugh Low Street. At present, seven of these shops have been painted according to the seven colours of the rainbow. This picture however was taken back in the 1950s.
We’re not offering any prizes for guessing, but all the same can you name any/or all of the seven shops in particular?
We thank John McAuley for this picture.
Our thanks goes out to Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this one. Yes, it’s a barbeque party. And for those of you who can identify the venue, you’ve probably guessed it right!
This was taken around 1965. As a food lover (especially when it’s barbeque!), I do wonder if such parties still go on. When was the last time YOU enjoyed a nice cook-out with family and friends?
Ring any bells? According to Richard Lee, these were NTPS Prefects. Not really sure which year though. Maybe some of you out there might recognise yourself/your friends? We’d love to hear from you.
Perak Academy and Areca Books invite you to keep 5th July free, for there will be a book launch at No. 41, Lapangan Symphony Business Park.
My Days in the Sun – A Memoir will be launched by Tan Sri Prof Khoo Kay Kim; plus, those of you who purchase this book will have a chance to meet the author too!
Here’s a brief synopsis of what the author – Mark Yoi Sun Soo – presents in his book:
In ‘My Days in the Sun’, a distinguished radiologist presents a candid self-portrait of his first 40 years. Mark Y.S. Soo was born in 1933 into a Cantonese family who divided their time between business interests in Malaya and Hong Kong. As a precocious child, Mark was an eyewitness to the Battle of Kampar, the Japanese occupation of Malaya and the post-war trauma of the late 1940s.
A graduate of Hong Kong University in 1957 and the Lysholm Department of Radiology in London in 1967, Mark Soo reflects on his intimate acquaintance with mentoring surgeons, eminent professors and pioneering radiologists, and offers privileged glimpses of the work practices in prestigious teaching hospitals in four different countries.
The humanistic philosophy of the Chinese sage Mencius, memorized at a young age under his grandmother’s watchful eye, made him a compulsively ethical practitioner in a moneyed profession. Ever the keen observer of life’s subtleties, Mark recounts many of the lessons he learnt, both moral and practical, during his time as a young medic in the Colony’s hospitals, a struggling general practitioner in Ipoh, a mature student of radiology in London and the first Asian Head of Radiology at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, just before the riots of 13 May 1969.
Married with four children, Mark moved to Australia in 1971, where he still resides. From his traditional Chinese upbringing to his embrace of modern life as an immigrant of Australia, Mark Soo’s memoir conveys the sense and sensibility of an overseas Chinese who has lived in interesting times and memorable places.
In case you are unfamiliar with the area, here’s a map:
Those interested, kindly RSVP before Friday 28th June 2013. Reservations can be made through –
Mrs Lee, of Perak Academy (605-5478949 / 016-5518172) contact@perakacademy.com [if you’re in Perak]
or,
Ms Kooi Nee, of Areca Books (604-2610307) arecabooks@gmail.com [if you’re in Penang]
This isn’t a hard one to guess. Yes, it’s another photograph of Ipoh Motors Ltd. What I’m curious about is the street vendor – far right of this photograph (click to enlarge). What was he selling at that time? Can you also spot the petrol pump (below the sign Fargo Truck)?
This photograph is part of John McAuley’s collection. McAuley served in Ipoh in the mid 1950s.
This was Jubilee Park then….when they first started business. Later, the Shaw Brothers gave it a ‘facelift’ (see picture below).
Today, a night club has opened at the corner of Brewster Road and Cowan Street. But this side of Jubilee Park still remains. Anyone knows what’s going on inside? Are the stalls still there?
We thank Ruth Rollitt for these two photographs.
Richard Lee sent us this one via email. This was taken in 1965, during the Sports Day. Any idea what race these boys took part in? Maybe some of you out there are in this very picture 😉 If so, do tell us more about your memorable sports day!
According to Wendy Lewis (the donor of these photographs), her father Alfred Simon (left) was the Superintendent of the Perak Hydro Power Station in Malim Nawar. On his right is none other than the Sultan of Perak.
These 1966 photographs bring back lots of memories - especially for Wendy and her sister, since they stood at their gate to watch the entourage. Wendy also recalls Peter Channer being the General Manager. Do you recognise anyone else in these pictures? Perhaps, YOU might be one of the crowd too! We'd love to hear your thoughts...
Does anyone remember this band? They used to entertain the patrons of the Ipoh Club at one time. I’m sure some of you out there recall the songs they used to play – perhaps you might have known the band members too!
We thank Ruth Rollitt, the donor of this photograph.
Here we have a cigarette vendor somewhere around the Ipoh Market. This photo was taken back in 1972 by Cheang Kum Seng, ARPS, a local professional photographer who has kindly allowed us to publish it. Do you recognise this man? Perhaps someone out there has seen him back in the 70s. I wonder what’s become of him now….
Here’s an opportunity to meet Krushna Prabaskar – who is ‘no ordinary speaker’. Being visually impaired has not stopped him from living his life to the fullest, as he ‘was determined to use his handicap as a springboard for action’. Krushna will be sharing his ‘memorable experiences’ at a motivational talk, which will be held at the Tower Regency Hotel on 15th June 2013. The talk is from 9am-12 noon and entrance fee is RM 34. Come and be inspired by Krushna as he is said to have a remarkable way of connecting with the audience ‘through practical incidents’ and a ‘fine sense of humour’.
For reservations, do contact Ms Nandhini (016-3626225 / 017-2393847) or email her at info@globaleducationvillage.com
You may also register online at www.globaleducationvillage.com
Whether they’re quiet, noisy, cheeky, hyperactive, or even the book-worm types…..kids will always have a special place in our hearts 😉
Today, we’d like to share this photograph with you. We don’t know what these boys were up to when this was taken, but I would like to guess that they were probably playing hide-and-seek (note that both kids are behind a pillar). Notice what they’re wearing? Have children’s clothes changed much over the years. I’d say definitely…what say you?
We thank John McAuley for this lovely photograph!
Here’s a coloured picture of the Ipoh Swimming Club. I do wonder: was the taken before or after they renovated the pool? Our thanks goes out to Ruth Rollitt for sharing this photograph with us.
On the far left is a provision shop. Across the road is a photography studio. Anyone know where in Ipoh these shops are? I admit I’ve never really seen this side of Ipoh before…
We thank John McAuley for this photograph, which was probably taken somewhere in 1956/57.
We’ve had posts where we’ve asked you to guess the street/event/person/ etc. This time, we’d like you to guess the movie 😉
Yes, take a good look at the advertisement on the outside of the cinema – do YOU know this movie? If you do, don’t be shy about leaving us a comment or two. Better yet, if you’ve seen it do tell us about your favourite scene in the movie.
A special thanks going out to John McAuley – the donor of this photograph.
Anyone remember the ‘Hai Heng’ Bar? The building does look familiar, but then again most of the shop houses in Ipoh had roughly the same design 😉 Perhaps someone out there frequented this bar…
This photograph is from John McAuley, a former British serviceman who served in Ipoh from about 1956-1957.
Calling all Alumni of ACS Ipoh! Keep the 3rd of August 2013 free…..for a “an unforgettable evening of fun, laughter and friendship”. This get-together will be held at the Kinta Riverfront Hotel, from 6.30pm-12am. Those interested can contact:
Ms Lim (05-2532882); Mr Looi (012-5151116); Mr Hum (012-3360770); Mr Lau (017-8820608); OR book online at http://goo.gl/XENKL
“Hi. I’m the bicycle standing at the bottom left of the picture. I usually know my way around the streets of Ipoh – since I ALWAYS follow my owner around 🙂 But this time….I think I’m lost! Could you tell me which street I’m at?”
I know it’s not even close to December yet…but all the same, I’d like to share Ruth Rollitt’s photo with you. This was taken at St John’s Hall back in 1958. According to the programme, those on stage were probably from the Ipoh Musical Society. The singers were accompanied by the band from the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO) and the Perak Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert was in aid of the Federation of Malaya Red Cross Society.
Were you one of the performers? Or perhaps you recognise someone in this photo? Do share your thoughts with us!
Not that I’m suggesting anything (from the title), but this picture may just tickle the interest of some of our fans. We’ve had some mention about certain cinemas having an open bar, where patrons hung out before the show or during the intermission.
Take a closer look at this one…
Know where this is place is? Well, YOU tell us!
Special thanks to John McAuley for this one.
…no, we’re not talking about UFOs! Look closely at the shop house in the middle. Yes, the shop that says ‘Chop Thong Heng’…
Are those petrol pumps? I’ve never come across such a scene before. Does anyone remember these? On another note, does anyone recognise the row of shop houses or the street?
This was taken back in 1956/57 by John McAuley, a former British serviceman.
We’re pleased to have received a nice set of photographs from John McAuley – who served with the British Army in Ipoh from 1956-57. The picture below is from his collection. Take a good, long look at it and tell us if you recognise this place. The only clue John gave us was that many a Saturday night was spent at this restaurant, enjoying Nasi Goreng and Tiger Beer! 🙂 Happy guessing!
According to Tom Turnbull (our donor), “the impending ballot did not interfere with the work of this Bomoh who with his sheep’s head and other paraphernalia of his trade is keeping the crowd in suspense.” This picture was taken in Pasir Salak, close to the Birch Memorial – way back in 1955, when Malaya was holding her very first Elections. We never found out his prediction of who would win.:)
We wonder what the Bomoh’s forecast would be today!
This picture, courtesy of Ruth Rollitt, was taken in 1979. We’d like to draw your attention to the white building (far left). If you squint, you can make out the words ‘Good Luck’ on the wall. Anyone have any idea what this building was? Take a closer look…
picture 1
picture 2 
picture 3
These three pictures were taken by Police Lieutenant Tom Turnbull during the transportation of ballot boxes to Kampong Gajah and Pasir Salak for the first Federal election.
Picture 1 shows the official boat carrying the ballot boxes and stuck on a sandbank in the Sungai Perak. Because the ballot boxes were on board it was important for the party to keep going and so boatmen and police had to simply get out and push. This happened three or four times before reaching Kampong Gajah. Picture 2 shows the back-up emergency boat which carried spare fuel, but was too small to carry the ballot boxes. The Police Lieutenant in charge here took Picture 3 and wryly remarked, “Perhaps the authorities should have employed a fleet of smaller boats similar to this. It seems to be carrying a fair pay-load without hitting any snags.” And the result of the election? The UMNO-MCA-MIC Alliance, headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR), won an overwhelming victory (51 out of the 52 seats available), and he was appointed the first Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya.
If anyone out there has MORE memories about past elections to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. 🙂
The first Federal elections in Malaya were held in July 1955 to determine the new rulers of the Federation of Malaya after Merdeka (Independence). This was a milestone in the history of the country which led to the people becoming independent from the British on 31 August 1957. Of course the responsibility for the safety of the ballot boxes was given to the Malayan Police Force – a difficult task at the time as with many isolated villages with limited access and not forgetting that apart from natural hazards, the Communist Terrorists were still active, particularly in the Northern States.
The Police escort party from Batu Gajah first travelled to Kampong Gajah where they were divided into three sections: a section in each of two boats and one in a Land Rover. The first picture is of the Police Escort assigned to deliver and collect the ballot boxes to Pasir Salak and Kampong Gajah, by boat, along the Sungai (River) Perak.
While there were difficulties for those who traveled by boat, the road was not the best either and the Land Rover crews were lucky to get the vehicles through. The second picture shows one incident – the damage the Police Land Rover left behind it at Kampong Gajah. The vehicle was lucky to cross the bridge with its ballot boxes intact and would not have done so without a mighty effort from the villagers.
Since the 13th GE is just around the corner, we’d like to give you Readers a little ‘blast from the past’ – the pictures shown here (courtesy of Tom Turnbull) were taken way back in 1955, at Kampong Gajah, Perak.
The first picture – polling
While transporting the ballot boxes, the Land Rover had to drive across this wooden bridge! (yes, almost like a scene from Indiana Jones, isn’t it?)
Keep watching this space….we’ll have MORE of such pictures to share with you in conjunction with the up-coming polls! 🙂
Today’s blog we’re featuring a picture from Ruth Rollitt. According to her, this was part of the Batu Gajah hospital. Recognise it? Folks from Batu Gajah might be able to tell us more 🙂
This is none other than the Grand Theater & Jubilee Park – before the Shaw Brothers renovated it. From the clues in the picture, some of you may be able to roughly guess the year this was taken. What was YOUR early memory of this famous landmark? Were you a patron of the Cabaret? Did you frequent the amusement park? Or, were you one of the many movie-goers?
We thank Edwin Seibel for this picture.
I’m sure some of you out there remember Fung Lum Restaurant. From what we were told, this restaurant once had its own building somewhere behind Lido Cinema. Could this be the building? This picture was taken off a matchbox cover, hence the poor quality……but some ‘sharp eyes’ may be able to give us some feedback 🙂
This was taken during the opening of the Caltex petrol station. From what we know, some VIPs were present together with the general public. Can anyone tell us WHERE this station was? (and, is it still there?) To those who attended the opening, do tell us more about it…
Calling all alumni of Yuk Kwan Chinese School – especially those from 1977: Where are YOU in this happy group? 🙂
For those not familiar with this building, this is the Pasar Besar (Main Market) along Cockman Street. And yes, the top floor is where Super Kinta used to be. It’s now the Urban Transformation Centre (UTC)…
Here’s more from Keith Nelson’s collection. Are these part of a garden/park? Or, could they be part of a temple (note: second picture)?
Sometimes we’re so caught up with ourselves that we don’t ‘stop to smell the roses’ 😉 Here’s a look at what used to be a common sight in Ipoh – probably in the 1950s or 1960s. I do wonder if such a sight is present in this day and age…..but, like many of us I too am sometimes guilty of not observing my surroundings….
We thank Keith Nelson for this gem!
Keith Nelson sent us this some time ago. Looks familiar doesn’t it? Well, I’m sure you all know where this landmark stands….. 😉
We thank Edwin Seibel for this rare picture of the former Sun Cinema. Can anyone make a rough guess as to which year this picture was taken?
Does anyone recognise the mansion in the background? If you can read the words, do tell us what it says…
We thank Ong Kor Leong for sharing this photograph with us. Yes, this is indeed the Home Guard – set up by the (then) Government of British Malaya in countering the threat of Communist Terrorists. Once the threat of the CTs lessened, the Home Guard was eventually disbanded and the Malayan Territorial Army took its place. The Malayan Territorial Army was later renamed Askar Wataniah.
Suriani Abdullah, a well-known leader of the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), died peacefully at 6am today at her home in Narathiwat, Thailand, after battling ill health for almost five years.
Suriani was born in 1924 as Eng Ming Ching, in Setiawan, Perak, and joined the underground CPM in 1940 at the age of 16.
She was then actively involved in organising women workers in the Kinta Valley and later participated in the anti-fascist guerrilla, the Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA).
She studied at the Nan Hwa High School in Setiawan together with CPM secretary-general Chin Peng and in 1975, became an elected member of the CPM’s central committee member.
More can be read at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/224537
I have to admit – at first glance, I thought this was part of the Star Barber at Belfield Street. But no, this saloon was once along Jalan Laxamana.
Is it still there now?
What about the shop above it (Chow Hung Kee Storage)?
…what the Isis Theatre looked like? My generation have most likely never heard of this cinema hall. We’re more familiar with it’s ‘new’ name – Rex! Yes, for those of you who don’t already know, Isis was renamed Rex when the Shaw Brothers renovated it 😉
We believe this picture was taken in the 1940s (we could be wrong, though). Does anyone recall this dispensary? Perhaps something about the building might give you a clue as to where this place is located? We’d like to hear from our Ipoh-experts 😉
Based on feedback from our previous blog posts, we know some of our Readers know Ipoh SO WELL that they give us such detailed answers for every question we throw at them! Thank you for all the feedback and encouragement 🙂
Here’s yet another puzzle for you – do you know which street corner this is? I don’t recall seeing such a large shady tree anywhere along the main road of Ipoh today. Perhaps the building will give you some clue(s).
Want to do something different this year for Earth Hour? How about joining this fund-raising event? (click poster above to enlarge)
Part of the proceeds of the ticket sales will be donated to the WWF-Malaysia. Your generous contribution will also pay for 40 underprivileged children from various charitable organisations – who will be able to participate in 6 “adrenaline-pumping zip line rides”.
For more information, do call Nomad Adventure at 03-79585152 or email them event@nomadadventure.com
Yes folks! This IS another B M Iversen creation. This one ‘resides’ at Cockman Street….and it’s still standing proud today 🙂
I do wonder when the extension/new block of this building was done….(perhaps, Ruth could tell us…if she’s reading this)
This arch was put up by the Perak Chinese Celebration Committee (you can vaguely make out the fine print if you zoom in).
Today, there’s still an arch above Brewster Road (roughly the same location as the above picture states). I wonder who decorates it now? Does the Celebration Committee still exist?
In June/July 2012, twenty students from University Malaya and the National University of Singapore embarked on a two-week long learning journey…of IPOH!
Their discoveries prompted this much awaited publication – Familiar Spaces, Untold Stories; Encounters with Ipoh – as well as an exhibition. To know more, do visit this exhibition at: Gallery Lim Ko Pi, No.10 Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh. This exhibition will run from 26th February – 10th March 2013; opened daily (except Mondays) from 12.30pm – 4.30pm.
Here’s a nice one from a family album. We thank Alexander for this gem. According to him, the girl (standing) is his grandmother Madam Ursula. Behind her are her parents Mr Arokiasamy and Mrs Iruthayamary. The little one on the car is Ursula’s sister Kolanda Theresa. Incidentally, Mr Arokiasamy was involved in the textile & liquor business.
Anyone else have similar memories of their childhood to share? We’d love to hear from you 🙂
Try not to be distracted with the pretty ladies 😉 We’d like to draw your attention instead to the large sign on the far left of the picture. It seems to be an advertisement for a cinema. Any idea which cinema this is?
We thank Keith Nelson for this photo (we believe he may be one of the 4 gentlemen walking behind the ladies 🙂
We’re pleased to announce that one of Readers – Ipohgal – is coming up with a book. Here’s how she describes it:
Preface
It all started two years ago when Commander Ian Anderson from Ipohworld’s World invited me to contribute some stories to “Ipoh, My Home Town,” a book on growing up in Ipoh. I sent in five stories. All were accepted and published.
The responses I received from his readers were simply awe-inspiring.
This in turn gave me the idea to compile the rest of my short stories into a book called “The Story of a Scissors Sharpener’s Daughter.” The purpose of compiling this book is to give my readers an insight into the lives of a family in the 1960s and 1970s in this tin-mining city. It is not the story of a rich family but a resilient and humble one. You can say mine is a story of the voiceless and the faceless in a city known as “City of the Millionaires.”
Compiling this book has turned me from a blogger to a writer. It was a journey of faith and courage. Of course there were trials and tribulations as I went along. Time constraints and financial limitations were always there but I persevered because this is a story that I really want to share and not keep in the closet of my heart.
I relied heavily on memories of my childhood days that somehow stayed so vividly in the deepest recess of my mind despite the passage of time. Before my parents passed on, they always used to reminisce how tough it was for the family and these were some of the stories that I have included too in this book.
Lastly, I would like to thank my wonderful family, friends and relatives for their patience and encouragement. Without their valuable support this book would not have come to fruition. I am glad to see this book, my first endeavor, is finally here before our eyes.
To place your order please visit:
http://188hughlowstreet.wordpress.com/2013/02/20/thank-you-for-your-interest-and-support/
and also for more details visit:
We’d like to thank Keith Nelson for this photo. Does anyone know where this place is? Could it be Ipoh or somewhere in Perak? Or, could it be another state altogether?
Can anyone tell us MORE about the Buddhist Society of Perak?
We thank Nicholas Jennings for this one – yes, you all know this building 😉 Any idea what year this was taken? I do wonder what is on the extreme left of this picture (the partially blocked shop house).
Looks like a fun fair. Or could it be a day at the Farmer’s Market (Pasar Tani)? We don’t know…but we’re hoping someone out there might tell us. Maybe you’re one of the little boys in the picture? 😉
Some time back, we featured a family photo with a factory in the background. This is a close up of the said factory – the Weng Heng Aerated Water Factory in Kampar.
We thank Lam Yuen Li for this photo. Those from Kampar, do you have any idea if this factory is still in operation? If not, as it been taken over by another company?
We received this from Stephanie Keenan. She thinks this was taken around 1962/63. She also pointed out the banner hung across the street (where the words appear in reverse). Apparently, the banner is said to be advertising a film. Can anyone tell us what’s written on the banner?
Does anyone recognise the street? Could this be somewhere in Ipoh?
Special thanks to Ruth Rollitt for the one – yes, you read it right….this is none other than the Eastern Hotel. This was taken in the 1940s; according the Ruth, he father (Danish architect B M Iversen) had an office here. Today, the facade seems so different – and the hotel is now known as D’Eastern Hotel (last I checked)!
I’m making a rough guess and stating that this picture is from the 1960s (if I’m wrong, let me know). I found the designs of these cheongsams quite interesting. Personally, I’ve tried looking around for a simple one at the malls…..and found that the ones sold are rather costly (especially since they are embroidered or have some elaborate bead-work). 🙁
I wonder, how much did a cheongsam cost back then? Were they sold at malls…or did you have to get them tailor-made?
Does the Medical Hall still operate from No.1 Treacher Street? If not, does anyone know where the new place is?
See that little circle below the arch? If you look closely, you can make out the Freemason symbol. This was probably one of the buildings used by the masons before a permanent one was built (along Tiger Lane, next to the Royal Perak Golf Club). Last I checked, the building was still there….but I didn’t take notice of the symbol. I do wonder: is it still in place or has it been removed?
In one of our previous blogs, a place which we thought was Ipoh turned out to be Tanah Rata/Camerons instead. Well, to our Experts out there, where do you think this place (picture above) is? Ipoh? Another town in Perak? Perhaps another state altogether? 😉
This is what the above Ipoh street looked like back in the 70s. Yes, all of you know this one…..as well as what is at both ends of the street! 🙂 Today with all the heavy traffic, it’s not easy to get such a nice photo of this same location…..unless it’s early in the morning or during a public holiday 😉
We thank Nicholas Jennings for this panorama – showing the famed Times of Malaya building.
We thought about sharing this classic with you – Bet some of you didn’t know what a sluice box was (or looked like)!
Well, here’s a picture taken from one of the mining sheds. We don’t know the year nor the location of the mine. Notice the hand tools and the large buckets 😉
PS: For those who are awaiting the results of our photo-contest, keep watching this space 🙂
Once again, we’re stumped with this 1980s picture.
Do the houses look familiar to you?
Could it be part of the new villages?
Could it be the other side of Greentown, as mentioned by some of our previous Readers?
Could this be part of the Perak Chinese Amateur Dramatists Association (PCADA) building? To what we know, the top floor of the building used to be a hall.
With that in mind, we believe that the gentlemen in the front row (all in white shirts and narrow, black ties) are part of the PCADA String Orchestra. If you look closely at the bottom part of the photo, you can probably see some of the instruments too.
However, we could be wrong though. So if anyone has other suggestions, do feel free to leave your comments.
Remember these buses? Wonder what’s become of them. What drew my attention were the unique signal lights – notice the left and right arrows below the windshield! I’ve not come across such a sight before…. 😉
For those of you who rode such buses around town, how much was the fare?
In the background is none other than the Fraser & Neave Ltd Aerated Water building. At the bottom right, there are railway tracks leading towards the F&N building. We don’t know who the gentleman on the bicycle is…neither do we know the date this photograph was taken.
We look forward to your comments – especially if YOU are the gentleman on the bicycle! 🙂
We’re pleased to announce that today’s blog is part of a contest!
Yes, folks…..all you have to do is guess WHO this lovely lady is. This contest will run for two weeks from the date of publication of theis blog. All you have to do is tell us this Ipoh beauty’s full name and you’ll stand a chance to win a signed copy of the book “Ipoh My Home Town” – delivered personally to YOU! If we have more than one correct answer, the winner will be decided via drawing a name from a hat.
Sorry, but close members of the young lady’s family will not be considered for the prize.
So, put those thinking-caps on and get cracking! 🙂
Nicholas Jennings sent us this 1962 picture of a random street scene in Ipoh. From what we managed to find out, the sign at the top of the three-storey building reads as “Hollywood Hotel”. So, where was this hotel? Is it still around?
Does anyone recognise the model of the camera?
How about the building in the background?
If you are one of the kids in the background, we’d like to hear from you! 🙂
Anyone know who’s the pretty lady in the picture? I’m guessing she’s a contestant from a beauty contest (note the sash) and perhaps this was one of those promotional photo shoots. Was this taken at a park in Ipoh? Well, you tell us! And, if the lucky gentleman who posed with this lady is reading this….DO share your story with us!
According to this 1950s advertisement, this business operated at No.126, Belfield Street, Ipoh. Does anyone remember Fook Heng Rubber Works?
We were told that this is part of Greentown. But where exactly is it? Is this building still there…or is it gone?
We’ve had quite a few readers on the blog talking about this school, hence today’s blog post. This picture is from Nicholas Jennings’ sister; and according to Nicholas, this building was “one of the two (or more) barrack-like structures” which were used as class rooms for this school. From the descriptions we’ve been given, this school was somewhere along Ashby Road. We could be wrong though. Does anyone remember the EXACT location? Could the barracks still be there…or perhaps, the place is now part of a housing area?
Note: The sign above the door is difficult to read (even on the original 600dpi scan), but we’re guessing it reads as “British Army Children’s School, Ipoh”.
This came to us via Ruth Rollitt – showing what we believe to be the living quarters for the staff who worked at the Geological Museum along Tiger Lane.
The house was either down the road from the museum or behind it. Not sure if this place is still there today. What say you, dear Readers?
We’ve put up quite a few pictures of Brewster Road in the past. But this one caught our eye – notice the words Lam Looking Building written above the entrance.
I wonder how many building Towkay Lam Looking owned here in Ipoh….
No, your eyes are not playing tricks on you – this picture IS from 1928! In fact, ACS Kampar was founded back in 1903 by none other than Rev Horley himself.
Has the uniform changed that much over the years? Come on Scouts (past & present), we’d like to hear from you!
For those of you who didn’t know, Batu Gajah was once the headquarters for the British Administration back in 1884. We have here a 1910 picture of part of the town (picture below).
More about the history of Batu Gajah can be found here.
Here’s a Christmas wish, printed on a movie poster, from Rex Cinema in Ipoh.
Any fans of Jane Russell and/or Jeanne Crain out there? Did the songs in this movie make you want to get up and dance/sing along [like Saturday Night Fever or Sound of Music]?
Some may call it artistic…some might say it’s just a badly angled photograph. But if you look closely, you will notice a fountain in the middle of a roundabout. Familiar? To those who are still squinting, this is none other than the Chamberlain Road Fountain 🙂
We thank Ko-chi Wai for this 1963 picture.
This was taken off a postcard, which describes this place as a “monastery of ‘The Heart of Great Sympathy'”.
Do you know where in Ipoh this place is? Is it still there?
Before the present wonder of CGI of today’s movies, there was the ‘Anamorphic Camera Lens’. The first movie shot with this lens is said to be Broken Lance (see poster above).
Anyone seen the movie? While is was no Lord of the Rings or Avatar, I’m sure it had its special features which left the audience in awe 🙂 If you’ve seen the movie, do tell us about it!
I’m sure many of you recognise this building – yes, it’s the St John’s Ambulance Hall! The design is rather unique, since most halls are rectangular (especially on the outside).
I do wonder who built and designed this place…?
The above photo, from Sybil, was taken in the front porch of No.8 Caldwell Road back in the late 60s (note the Mercedes on the left!). 4 or 5 years ago, Sybil came back for a visit and this (picture below) was what the house looked liked.
Besides No.8 Caldwell Road, Sybil’s family had another home along the same road – at No.5. Sadly, this place has been demolished (see below).
Wonder how many other houses along Caldwell Road went through a ‘disappearing act’ over the years….
Yes, Eu Tong Sen’s chateau used to be a vocational school at one point. Anyone know if the school is still there? Or, have they moved to another premise?
From what our donor (Ko-chi Wai) tells us, this is a “view from inside Choon Seng shop house along 156 Hugh Low Street, ground floor front. Shows the structure of the horizontal sliding metal grill/shutter door, and an old heavy-duty weigh (in green, left bottom). My brother, sister and myself on the old Honda cub.”
This picture was taken in 1979. I wonder if the shop house is still there….perhaps another establishment has taken over? Those of you familiar with the layout of Hugh Low Street might be able to tell us more 🙂
From what the Star tells us, this is the proposed design for the new Yau Tet Shin Bazaar (see picture below).
This new building will be called ‘The Octagon’, and construction of this landmark will be undertaken by One Octagon Sdn Bhd (a private company, which was formed by the Perak Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry). ‘The Octagon’ is said to contain 4 floors for parking as well as 14 floors of serviced apartments. More can be read at the Star Online.
I can see Cathay Hotel, and almost opposite is the Ritz Hotel. Yes, this part of Ipoh is STILL as busy as ever – even back in the 70s.
Notice the building complex on the left of the picture? Does this complex have a name?
Yes, that’s what it says on the fountain. Does anyone know WHO Yeoh Hong Seng is? Is this fountain still at Chamberlain Road/Jalan Bendahara?
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Suriya Sankaran sent us this picture, along with an interesting email. According to Suriya, his grandfather – T.N. Balakrishnan – is the Inspector (with a pistol at his waist) standing in front of his troops. T.N. Balakrisnan was part of the Perak Homeguard, and this picture was taken at the stand off area in Bidor (Batang Padang District) during the early 1950s.
To read more about the Home Guard go to http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/2224
And for those who are not aware of the special Chines force, The Kinta valley Home Guard please go to http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/4162.
I am sure that those of you who grew up in the New Villages will have many memories of the Home Guard.
But, for readers who do nor know about the Briggs Plan and New Villages there is a well written account of life in a local New Village here http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/3247
To conclude. Suriya is very keen to find out more about his grandfather and service in the Home Guard. Can you help him in his quest please?
We’ve had past comments about Burmese traders selling precious stones on the Hugh Low Bridge at weekends. Here’s a rare picture of one such scene from 1971.
Have you encountered any of these traders before? Do share some of your stories with us 🙂
We thank Jeffrey Liew for allowing us to use this picture.
Ko-chi Wai sent us this one – showing his aunt (back in 1964) posing with one of the mini rock pagodas at the Japanese Garden in Ipoh.
Are these pagodas still there? I admit I’ve not seen one since I last visited the garden…maybe someone out there could tell us more!
Ask me what SEAL is, and I’ll relate it to the US Navy SEALs 😉 But, here we have another type of SEAL – apparently this SEAL is a name of a factory (picture above).
This was sent to us from Ko-chi Wai, along with this message:
School Visit to S.E.A.L Corporation Ltd factory – This was a school visit by my mum’s class to a S.E.A.L Corporation Ltd factory located in Perak (might be Tasek). The company that owns the factor is now known as SEAL Incorporated Bhd, and the registration of the “Sealply” logo/trademark of a seal was last renewed by the company in 1991 (http://www.trademarkuk.info/tm/1214169/sealply). Taken in Oct 1964.
ps: is this factory still there?
Is it someone’s mansion? Maybe part of an office/club? You tell us 🙂
We’re also wondering WHERE this place is (is it even in Ipoh?).
The Grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan’s eldest daughter lived in the “old house” at Main Road, Menglembu. They were all studying in the English schools in Ipoh. At the break of dawn, they all got up, brushed their teeth and started to walk towards the Chong Family bungalow opposite the Wan Hua Primary School. There were two reasons for going to the bungalow, to have breakfast and getting a ride by car to school in Ipoh.
There were also 6th, 8th and 14th Aunties going to school in Ipoh, Breakfast was served starting a 6:30 am. Breakfast menu were usually, toast with Kayang and Coffee, porridge or simple rice meal. Sometimes the late comers (usually getting out of bed late or spend too much time making up or some unexpected circumstances) would take their breakfast in the car. Generally speaking, the aunties spent too much time making up their faces in the morning and they were causing the delayed departure to school They were the elders and hence no comments or protest or you would get “hot tongue” for additional breakfast.
The Grandchildren living in the bungalow were spared these delays as they just walked from the front door of the house, cross the road and they were in school. Lucky for them, but when they started to go to high school, they had to join the crowd. By that time, most of the aunties have graduated from high schools.
The driver arrived at the bungalow at 7:00 am and his job was to take us to school. Sometimes the car would not start because of flat battery and we had to push it to start. Luckily there were plenty of people who can push. We all piled up in a Red Vauxhall Cresta 1956 model (AA9788) l with 3 forward gear, column shift and a bench seat in the front (seated 3 people including the driver). Later in the early1960s, a Ford Galaxy (BH2131) was used to transport the kids to school in Ipoh.
The journey to school started usually at sunrise 6:45 am. Turning out of the gateway to the right, it passed the Movie Theatre and at the junction of Lahat Road (Main Road), the car turned left and headed for Ipoh. Passing through the Menglembu Police Station on the right, it continues north passing the saw mills and iron foundries before reaching Falim. Passing Foo Nyit Sze bungalow on the right, it then crossed the Sungei Pari. The road then became divided with lamp post in the centre. Sometimes, the driver, on the urging of his passengers would overtake cars weaving pass the lamppost and crossed to the right hand side of the road and then weaved back between the lamp post into the left lane, It was exciting start of the day to be thrilled.
In those days, there were plenty of bicycles and motor cycles competing for the road. Bicycles were 2 to 3 abreast and sometimes they bunched together in a group of 12 cyclists. Cyclists did not wear helmets in those days and it was amazing that accidents were quite rare with bicycles.
Prior to arriving at the railway crossing, the car would turn left into Maxwell Road. After passing the road tunnel below, it turned left heading into the direction of the Kidd Bus Station. Then it turned right into Ipoh Tutorial, dropped off an Aunty and returned into the main road and this time heading for Guru Nanak School. From Guru Nanak, the next stop was the Convent and Rajah Perempuan, and it continued to Perak’s Girls High School in Kampar Road. On returning from Kampar Road, it went to Jalan Datoh and headed in ACS Ipoh at Lahat Road. In this route, the poor fellow who went to school in ACS was mostly late. If the car is driven up into the main building, you are sure to be caught. by the Prefects. The penalty at ACS Ipoh was one 220 yards round in the field for every 5 minutes late.
After much complaining and a change of circumstances, where there were two ACS students, the route was changed to ACS the first stop. It then went ahead through St Michaels to Yuk Choy High School, then to Convent, Raja Perempuan and Perak Girls High School. A few years later, the ACS boy got smarter and rode a bicycle to school.
There was no afternoon pickup service as the Grandfather used his car for business all day. Most of us take the bus home.
There were no TV in those days and it was fortunate for the Grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan to have a picture theatre next door and the admission is complimentary. I believe, the movie theatre leased the premises from Chong Soon Fan and he was given many complimentary tickets. Coming home after school, one would throw the school bag into the dark corner, eat lunch and headed straight for the movies which started at 2.00 pm, school day or not. It did not matter what language film was showing as long as we could sit there for one and a half hour entertained. In a year, we can have seen at least 50 movies (twice a week) and sometimes seeing the same movie twice.
The favourite food for the movies were ice kachang or ice ball, With the ice ball, you sit on the rattan seat (full of ticks) and you attempt to suck all the melted ice with the fan blowing hard under you. Of course, your clothes were dripped with coloured ice water. After the show, we cool our heads with the picture theatre tap located inside the cinema complex before returning home.
If we had seen a sword fighting movie, most of the boys would get some sticks and started to imitate the swordsman. Yes that was fun until one of the younger boys got hit accidently with the stick and started to cry. In a whiff, we all disappeared so no one can take responsibility for hurting the young brat. We swore not to include him in our activities but he also managed to get in because he could invoke the elders to fix us.
By 6 pm, the local appointed time for evening meal. Grandchildren can choose to eat at the bungalow or at the old house. Most of the time, , the old house Grandchildren ate at the bungalow.
After dinner, we had a bath and changed into pyjamas. We did our homework from 700 pm till 9:00 pm and were expected to go to bed by 9:30 pm. .
Ko-chi Wai had this to say, when he sent us this picture:
Ipoh Main Convent XI Hockey Team 1960 – Photo of the Main Convent hockey team which my aunt (front row, 2nd from left) was part of, taken within the grounds of the school. It was marked as XI Hockey, 1960 at the back of the photo.
Well, Convent Girls….anyone of you in the picture? For those who were part of the hockey team, do you remember the teacher/coach?
According to the signboard, Lindeteves-Stokvis was an importer of mine and estate supplies. This picture taken in 1929, roughly about a year after Lindeteves opened its branch in Ipoh. Besides Ipoh, they also opened in Penang; however their first set up on this side of the globe was in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Anyone know which part of Ipoh Lindeteves’ branch was? What’s happened to this Dutch company today?
…such a scene (picture above) was a common sight around Ipoh Town. I never had a pair of striped pajamas, but I do remember (as a child) walking about in cartoon-themed pajamas and bed-hair! This cute picture was sent to us by Ko-chi Wai, who also included this message:
My mum (Lau Siew Hwa), my uncle, and my cousin on the stairs at the side of the Rex Cinema building. On the right one can see the rear part of the row of shop-houses facing Hugh Low St. where my mum’s family stayed in one till late 1990s. One can see the back doors to the shop-houses, as well as the small trap doors at the bottom where the “night soil” buckets were placed. Taken in 1959.
Is this part of a temple? Is it part of an association / club house? The building does look rather familiar, but we can’t really guess what it is. Do you guys have any idea? On the right corner of the top floor are the words Chee Tek Kok, Perak.
