Posts photos held by ipohWorld about which we have no information
At the pool!
We thank Kuah Wei Ming for sharing this photo with us. Are you in this photo? Or, maybe you recognise a friend/family member?
June 2024
January 2024
Famous Names (18)
….born in Singapore in 1909, went to an Anglo-Chinese School in Swatow, China, before returning to study at the Raffles Institute at age 16. He was actively supporting the Chinese by organising relief funds and the boycott of Japanese goods after the Japanese attacked in 1937. His commitment to Chinese resistance increased with the Japanese invasion of Malaya. Just before the fall of Singapore he and other community leaders who were targeted by the Japanese sailed via Sumatra for India. There he was recruited by Force 136… (read more here)
Here’s a photo of the famous Colonel Lim Bo Seng (in case some of you were wondering what he looked like).
December 2023
Welcome 2024!
Wishing you a very happy 2024!
Christmas Greetings
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!
from all of us at: 
October 2023
Tong Bee Cloth Merchant
We thank Wai Ming Kuah for this picture. Does anyone remember this Grand Cheap Sale?
Where could this place be?
We received this from an anonymous donor. That building in the background…looks familiar, doesn’t it? Can you identify it?
September 2023
When was the last time…
…you saw/used an iMac? Better yet, do you remember the iMac G3? Let’s refresh your memory with this picture (below).
“new kid in town”
We’re pleased to announce a “new addition” to our Ipohworld collection. Yes, this is a restored Shell petrol pump, from the 1950s.
August 2023
Make a guess…
Looks familiar? Some of you may already know where this place is. We’d love to hear your comments. 🙂
SMI Military Band
The St Michael’s Institution military band, somewhere in the late 1960s…
I wanted to be a drummer boy, but they gave my a euphonium, so I played that instead.
We thank Andrew YC Loh for the above picture and caption.
A Parade in Ipoh
Here’s another two pictures from Mun Chor Seng. Does anyone recall this float parade? Or, perhaps you remember these unique floats?
Get that Hollywood look!
We thank Wei Ning Kuah for sharing this picture with us. We were told that this shop was founded in 1939, and that the photo dates back to the early days before the Japanese Occupation. It is said that the original premise was along Brewster Road.
Perak Academy Talk: The Universal Relevance Of Gandhi As A Principle Of Life
Perak Academy presents: The Universal Relevance Of Gandhi As A Principle Of Life by Prof Gollanapalli Prasad.
This talk will be at Mamut Meeting Room (1st floor, no.1 Jalan Lasam, Greentown, Ipoh), at 7.45pm on Monday 21st August 2023.
For more details, please contact Perak Academy:
016-4123724 or contact@perakacademy.com
Wedding Photo Ideas?
We have here Chen Seong Yin and his wife to be, Briggita, posing with a trishaw – as part of their wedding photo shoot. This was taken in August 1996 at the Darling Honemoon Villa in Ipoh Garden.
Did you have a unique location for your wedding photo shoot?
July 2023
‘special delivery’
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this interesting envelope with us.
Doug’s new home…
…at least that’s what the caption said.
Doug’s new home, Govt Quarters off Gopeng Road, Ipoh, Perak, FMS
I wonder if Doug liked his new home….maybe our donor (Chee Ong Ngai) could tell us 🙂
June 2023
Taiping news…
Back in 1987 (on the 30th on June, to be exact), this building (pictured above) was officially opened by His Majesty the Sultan of Perak Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah.
Any Taiping folks here? Perhaps you might remember this…
Wesak Day Parade, Ipoh
We thank Mun Chor Seng for this photo. Here we have Ipoh’s black-and-white Amahs walking in a Wesak Day Parade. This is of course Brewster Road…and one of the shop houses in the background is none other than Lean Kap Seng’s photographic studio (which many of you may know as Scoop photo studio).
A show to remember!
Back 1959, there was a bikini show in Ipoh. Where it was held is anyone’s guess. What we do know is, our donor (Chee Ong Ngai) found this picture at Shaw Theaters, Singapore, website.
Such a show would definitely draw a lot of flak today…
Sir William George Maxwell
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture of Sir George Maxwell. In case you were wondering, Maxwell Road was not named after him; it was named after his brother Eric.
Another Interesting Sign
I’m sure this doesn’t need much explanation. We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
“white area” ?
This photo was not taken in Ipoh, but it is rather interesting. I’d like to draw your attention to the sign, which simply reads as: “You are now entering Malacca Settlement White Area”.
Did we have “white areas” in Ipoh too at some point?
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this photo with us.
May 2023
Out in the town…
No prizes for guessing where this was taken. However, we do thank our donor – who prefers to be called “Canning Garden” – for sharing this picture with us.
Chingay Procession
The activity appears to be centred around the England Dobi Shop where the procession may well have stopped to give a demonstration, and there are large numbers of spectators in attendance. Numerous vehicles in the street are probably being delayed by the festivities and have formed a traffic jam.
I wonder which part of town this was….
Coffee Shop Licence, from 1963
This is a licence from the Municipality of Ipoh to Hung Chin Ling, i.c. PK.028579 of K-2, Kepayang, Fair Park, Ipoh who has a coffee shop. The license, of course, was issued in accordance to the Sales of Food and Drugs Ordinance 1952. There were also the following conditions, which had to be adhered to:
- This bill should be presented intact for payment to the Municipal Cashier at the Municipal Office between the hours of 8.30a.m and 3p.m on any working day except Saturday when the hours are from 8.30a.m to 11.30a.m
- Cheques are to be crossed and made payable to the Municipality of Ipoh
- All queries should be addressed to the Municipal Treasurer, Municipality of Ipoh,
P. O. Box 1009, Ipoh - No pin tables are allowed on the licensed premises and failure to observe this condition may entail cancellation of licence by the Council.
I wonder if Hung’s coffee shop is still in business…
“job vacancy”
Here’s a short advertisement, to join the Teacher’s Training class on May 6th. The advertisement appeared in The Times of Malaya and Straits Echo, back in 1950.
The London to Sydney Marathon
This is a photograph of one of the cars which was participating in the London to Sydney Marathon. The drivers were Rick Bates and Jenny Brittan. The cars were gathered in the centre of Ipoh, near the Municipal Building (Dataran Dewan Bandaraya Ipoh) before they took off on the next stage of the rally. One of the sponsors was Trans World Events…..(read more here)
To All Mothers!
Thank you for being a source of strength, guidance, happiness, and inspiration to our families every day.
Our world is a brighter place with you in it!
Happy Mother’s Day!
One Cent…note?
Yes, this is a sample of a 1 cent note. Some of you might remember this.
(Sorry, no prizes for guessing WHOSE face is printed on the note 🙂 )
…busy street…
Here’s a relatively easy one. I’m sure you can guess where this is 🙂
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this photo.
Another unique road sign
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this one.
Pardon me if I’m wrong…but are those Japanese characters, written above the English words? If so, this picture could have been taken during the Second World War (or a little after).
April 2023
Guess the year
From what we know, the first control tower at the Ipoh Airport was built in 1938. Hence, with reference to this photo below (from Edwin Seibel), could this be dated somewhere in the 1940s? Or, perhaps later…after the Second World War?
Headquarters of the FMSVF
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture. It is said to be the headquarters for the Perak Battalion of the FMSVF. (I wonder if the building is still around…)
A December meeting
Here’s a meeting booklet from the Perak Turf Club. (courtesy of Edwin Seibel).
I noticed it said “second day”…..must have been a rather long meeting 🙂
A rare find…
Here’s a rare find from Chee Ong Ngai. This is the Posts & Telegraphs Office in Tanjong Rambutan. (wonder what’s become of this building…)
That Gazebo…
Yes, you read the words right. This gazebo was once part of the Ipoh Club. [see here for a different angle of the Club, with the gazebo on the right]
We thank Edwin Seibel for sharing this picture with us.
Hello? Is it me you’re looking for?
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this photograph with us. He also gave us the names of the two pretty ladies in the foreground:
“1 November 1953 : The attractive Naseh sisters, Dewi (nearest camera) and Jamilah, “Hello Girls” in the Ipoh telephone exchange, find little time for chit-chat in their busy six-hour day shifts.”
Another ACS production…
Here’s another scene from an ACS play. This one is from Carousel, back in 1977. The pretty girl striking a ballerina pose is none other than Michelle Yeoh!
We thank Ong Su-Ming for sharing this photo with us.
March 2023
…that famous, tragic, romance…
Some of you may have already guessed this play, merely by the “balcony scene”. 🙂
This play was organised by none other than the ACS Music and Drama Society, back in 1976. Just to refresh your memories (if you’ve watched it), the leading roles were played by Tan Seow Heng (Juliet) and Emmet O’Sullivan (Romeo).
We thank Ong Su-Ming for sharing this photograph with us.
Nice day for a swim!
Believe it or not, these children are having a blast by the Kinta River! Yes, there was a time you could swim at this river….
“full house”
This picture was taken from the ACS centenary magazine, probably before the start of the school play. We thank our donor Ong Su-Ming.
Market Street, 1919
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture, which is part of a postcard. Here we have Market Street, from Court House Road. You can also see FMS Hotel.
Incidentally, we have this postcard in our collection (along with a little history to it).
Kamta
Remember these tickets? Yes? No? Perhaps you might remember the bus (see below)
If I’m not mistaken, the number plate reads as AB 270….
Malaysia Air Charter?
Have you heard of Malaysia Air Charter?
Federation Armed Forces
We have here an example of uniforms worn by the Federation Armed Forces. From left to right: Walking-out Dress, Ceremonial No.3 Dress, and Battle Order Dress.
We thank Ipoh Remembered for sharing this photo with us.
February 2023
….more advertisements…
Here’s another nostalgic photo from Chee Ong Ngai.
Have you had a Cadbury lately? 🙂
Advertising…back then
When was the last time you saw such an advertisement? I for one have never come across such creativity!
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
“care for a drink?”
Have you been to the Sinhalese Bar in Ipoh? We’d love to hear your thoughts – especially if you know something about its history 🙂
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
Off to the movies!
Some of you may already recognise this at the Rex Cinema, in Kampar. We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this picture with us.
A Wrestling Match?
Here’s another rare find from Chee Ong Ngai. This is said to be Sikhs (from the Perak Armed Police) engaged in a game of wrestling.
“Tan Ngan Lo”
According to the donor of this picture (Chee Ong Ngai), this was taken at Indera Mulia Stadium in Ipoh…back in 1985.
Anyone here remember this promotional booth?
Double the celebration!
picture source: Star Online
Whether you’re celebrating the 15th Day of the
Lunar New Year (Chap Goh Mei)….
picture source: Star Online
or Thaipusam, we wish you a joyous celebration.
And remember to always stay safe!
January 2023
Back to School!
Do you remember this school bus?
Somewhere in Ipoh
Here’s another gem from our donor Harvant Lisa Harper. Do you recognise the buildings in the background?
New Year, New Clothes?
They may be posing at a park, but I’m sure these ladies are all dressed up for a special occasion 🙂
We thank Shuen Huey Foo for sharing this picture with us.
“Austin and Me”
No, that’s not me. Rather another lad, who was obviously proud of his family car (I would presume).
‘drumming in the new year’
Nothing like a good ‘ol Lion Dance Troupe to welcome Chinese New Year. Speaking of which, has anyone here been part of a troupe at some point in your youth? (maybe you were ‘part’ of the ‘lion’ too?)
This guy certainly wanted to join in the fun! Read more here.
picture source: NST online
Familiar corner
No prizes for guessing…but I’m sure MANY of you recognise this familiar street corner!
December 2022
Police Quarters
No, this is not an estate manager’s bungalow. Neither is it a holiday resort. This is the Perak Armed Police Commissioner’s Quarters. We thank our donor Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
(This could be Taiping, but I could be wrong. What do you think?)
Back in 1988…
Here’s another one from Harwant Lisa Harper. This was Ipoh, back in 1988.
Home for the holidays
Here’s a shout out to those travelling home for the holidays. Have a safe journey and happy holidays!
We thank our donor Chee Ong Ngai for this picture. Yes, this was part of the FMS Railway…just after the Bukit Gantung Station.
‘Scenes from a Nursery’
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this with us. Looks like it was part of a magazine or booklet. Do you recognise it?
‘Mysterious’ mansion
We thank Harvant Lisa Harper for sharing this picture with us. She also had this to say:
This is the army regimen house by the Ipoh Specialist Center. It was at one time occupied by the British. My dad was the guard there. Then the Japanese took over. Before they got there, he told me that he destroyed all the crystals that the British left behind so the Japanese could not hear what the British were talking about and also hid a pistol that was left behind.
Just in case you’re wondering if this building still exists….we do have a more recent picture of it here.
A Blast from the Past
Here’s a rare find. I’m sure you recognise the building the in background (left). We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this gem.
November 2022
Somewhere in Temoh
If you’ve been to Temoh, you may have seen this building. No, it’s not an empty and abandoned house. It’s actually a post office.
We thank Rahman Majid Khan for these interesting photos.
Guess Who?
Does he look familiar? No? What if I told you there’s a building named after him, along Dairy Road (now known as Jalan Raja Musa Mahadi)?
In case you’re still puzzled, this gentleman is none other than Prof Dato’ (Dr) Ungku Omar bin Ahmad. We don’t know much about his personal life. However, thanks to Prof Dr Zainur Rashid Zainuddin, we do have a short summary of his contribution towards the local medical field.
Restored!
This house (in Pasir Salak, Perak) was said to be built in the 1980s, to resemble the house of the late Dato Maharajalela. It later fell into a sorry state (as seen above).
But, the good news is……it was later restored!
If anyone could shed more light on this restoration project, we’d love to hear from you.
We thank Tomb Raider Hunter for these pictures 🙂
Remember Yardley?
When was the last time you saw this brand?
Keeping the streets clean
What’s this funny looking contraption, you ask? Why, it’s a one-man battery-operated street cleansing vehicle!
Back in the 1960’s Ipoh had a well deserved reputation of being the cleanest town in the Federation of Malaya….
Making Plans…
No, I’ve not taken up architecture 🙂
This is in fact a drawing of the proposed multi-storey car park, at Station Road.
Perak Academy Talk – Malaysians Memilih in GE15: A Pivotal Polls
Mark your calendars. This 7th November, Perak Academy will be hosting a talk titled: Malaysian Memilih in GE15: A Pivotal Polls.
The talk will be at 8pm, at Mamut Meeting Room (1, Jln Lasam, Greentown, 30350 Ipoh).
For more details, you may enquire at:
contact@perakacademy.com
or, WhatsApp 016-4123742
October 2022
“Landmark Rescued”
We usually hear about historical landmarks being torn down to make way for modern structures. Here’s an old article about a famous landmark in Taiping…which was rescued!
‘smooth traffic’
Can you believe this is Cowan Street? Hardly any traffic, save for that lone vehicle on the right.
Can’t find such clear roads now though…
Then and Now – Rose Brand Flour
On the left is a flour bag from the 1970s. On the right is the same Rose Brand Flour, but in a plastic package.
Other than the slight change in the logo, what else do you notice?
Famous Names (17)
First he practised medicine in Penang before he moved to Ipoh in 1912, becoming the first Asian with a Western medical degree in Perak. His new clinic was at Tatlock Street; two decades later, a new central market was built in the area, which helps explain why Tatlock Street is now called Hala Pasar Baru.
He then served the Kinta Sanitary Board (the precursor of Ipoh Municipal Council) before he joined the Perak Chinese Maternity Hospital as Medical Superintendent in 1922. He held that post for over thirty years and was the driving force in obtaining funds and government approval for establishing the new Perak Chinese Maternity Hospital at its present site in Jalan Kampar in 1937. (read more here)
Yes, we’re talking about Dato Dr Khong Kam Tak, CBE, JP.
An Interesting School Trip
Is it a bird…is it a plane…..? No, they are most likely staring at the Birch Clock Tower.
The gentleman (holding some papers) is none other than Rev J Appaduray. The boys in the background are students from St Michael’s Insitution.
Here’s another picture of the group:
(read the full story here)
Learning ‘Nipponese’…
This was an interesting find – learning Japanese (or, Nipponese) via a booklet. It came with Romanised Malay translation too. Does anyone remember such a book?
September 2022
Lions Club Souvenir
Have you heard of the Lions Club? From what we know:
The first Lions Club in Malaysia, the Lions Club of Kuala Lumpur (Host), was opened on the 18th of February 1959. District 308 of the Lions and Leo Club encompasses 3 countries, namely Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei. Within the district itself, there are 4 sub-districts – 308 A1 (Singapore), 308A2 (East Malaysia and Brunei), 308 B1 (Johor, Pahang, Terengganu, Kelantan, Malacca, Negeri Sembilan and Kuala Lumpur) and 308 B2 (Perlis, Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor and 2 clubs in Cameron Highlands, Pahang). (read more here)
QSL Cards?
During the early days of radio broadcasting, the ability for a radio set to receive distant signals was a source of pride for many consumers and hobbyists. Listeners would mail “reception reports” to radio broadcasting stations in hopes of getting a written letter to officially verify they had heard a distant station. As the volume of reception reports increased, stations took to sending post cards containing a brief form that acknowledged reception. Collecting these cards became popular with radio listeners in the 1920s and 1930s, and reception reports were often used by early broadcasters to gauge the effectiveness of their transmissions.
The concept of sending a post card to verify reception of a station (and later two-way contact between them) may have been independently invented several times. The earliest reference seems to be a card sent in 1916 from 8VX in Buffalo, New York to 3TQ in Philadelphia, (in those days ITU prefixes were not used). The standardized card with callsign, freqPennsylvania uency, date, etc. may have been developed in 1919 by C.D. Hoffman, 8UX, in Akron, Ohio. In Europe, W.E.F. “Bill” Corsham, 2UV, first used a QSL when operating from Harlesden, England in 1922. [Wikipedia]
This card was produced by Sergeant Leese to mark the 300th anniversary of his regiment which was celebrated in Ipoh. A member of the Malayan Amateur Radio Transmitters Society the card records his contact with call-sign MP4BDC at 2000 on 1st October 1961.
An Old Passport
Remember what your old passports looked like, back in the 1960s and 70s?
Now that international borders have been opened, many of you would want to travel. Make sure your passport is up to date…
…ready for take-off
We thank Gary Au Yong for this picture. Seems like the pilot is making a final inspection before the plane leaves the airport. Yes, in case you didn’t recognise the building in the background…this is, of course, the Ipoh Airport.
‘makan’ time
I’m going to go out on a limb, and say that this picture probably dates back to the 1950s? Could be later, though.
We’d love to hear your thoughts – especially if you can translate the caption 🙂
Mid-Autumn Greetings!
from all of us at 
Did you know…
…that the Parit Independence Clock Tower was put up not only in honour of Independence Day but also to declare Perak Tengah as the centre for Malay culture? From what we know, it was built in 1959; and it was officiated by the country’s first Prime Minister.
248, Brewster Road
Here’s a receipt from Looi Teik Lan Service Station. The address is given as 248 Brewster Road, Ipoh.
A quick search on Google Maps showed that the above address is now the Petron petrol station. Does anyone know if the premise still belongs to the same owner (of Looi Teik Lan service station)? Or, perhaps the ownership changed hands?
August 2022
Railway Police?
This is a Federated Malay States Gilt Railway Police Cap Badge; a five–pointed star shaped with ‘F M S Railway Police’ between two circles and surrounding a tiger in centre.
Have you seen a badge like this before?
Boy Scouts Poster
We thank Ganesh Kolandaveloo for sharing this lovely poster with us.
Have you seen such posters before? Were they part of a series, perhaps?
Staff photo, from 1955
This is said to be a Staff Photo, from 1955. We thank Gary Au Yong for this gem 🙂
Celebration Time!
We thank Gary Au Yong for this picture. It was taken on 25 April 1953. This is said to be the Perak Hoteliers’ Association at Fu Heng’s 3rd anniversary.
Goodbye to a Legend
source: BWF Virtual Museum
With a heavy heart, we say goodbye to Dato’ Ng Boon Bee DPTJ AMN. He was a Malaysian badminton player, whose success in doubles earned him recognition as one of greatest doubles players in badminton history.
Ng Boon Bee is probably the finest sportsman to come out of SMI, being one of the stars of the Malaysian Badminton team from 1960 onwards.
Some of you may remember that year, when the Thomas Cup was paraded through SMI.
In partnership with Tan Yee Khan and later P Gunalan, he won doubles titles in all the big national and international tournaments, including the All England Doubles title twice and the Malaysian title six times.
Our condolences to his family, as well as his ‘family’ in the sporting arena.
Scenic Springs
Looks like a beautiful painting, doesn’t it? This postcard shows the hot springs at Tambun, Ipoh. It was posted to France on 28 August 1913. It shows three men in front of the geyser; behind the geyser are the famed Limestone cliffs of the Kinta Valley. This, of course, is a Kaulfuss postcard 🙂
Grand Opening?
We thank Ann Kesselring Hamon for sharing this picture with us. We believe this was taken when the Chinese Methodist Church first opened, back in 1954. Could anyone tell us where this place is?
July 2022
Becoming a Citizen
This particular document is a certificate of Registration which declares that from the 22nd of August 1958 onwards, Madam Ong would be a citizen of the Federation of Malaya under Article 17. The officer which signed this certificate on behalf of the registration authority was H. Perera as stated in the document. (more details here)
The F&N Bottle, over the years
Here’s a comparison of F&N bottles over the years. If I’m not mistaken, the first bottle is from the 1940s. The one in the centre may have come out a few years later. The last one of course is today’s modern creation.
The First Battalion Perak Sikhs
The photograph actually shows the ‘First Battalion Perak Sikhs’, the armed military arm of the Perak Police Force.
The Battalion had its roots in the ‘Perak Armed Force’ which was a mix of races (Sikhs, Punjabi, Malays and Chinese), first commanded by Captain Swinburne and from 1879 by Major R S F Walker CMG. The ‘Armed Force’ was disbanded in early 1884 and ‘The First Battalion Perak Sikhs’, was established on 15 May 1884 to replace them. (read more here)
A Garden No More…
This was what the Japanese Garden (sponsored by the Perak Turf Club) once looked like. Of course, this picture was taken back in the 1980s. Sadly, this lovely tourist spot fell under poor maintenance and neglect over the years. It even fell prey to vandals 🙁
I don’t know what has become of this place today.
However, there was another Japanese Garden built at D R Seenivasagam Park (formerly known as Coronation Park). This garden seems to have survived over the years, and has also been given a ‘facelift’ of sorts. (read more about it here)
Smith Astral
Have you heard of this brand? Well, apparently they made ship clocks…like this one:
Unique Ashtray
What’s so special about this ashtray, you ask? Well, it’s made from an artillery shell!
We believe it’s from 1942; there were some numbers engraved at the bottom, which has faded over the years.
…high on a hill…
Did your sharp eyes see that famous symbol on the hill? Look again carefully, if you missed it 🙂
We thank Edwin Seibel for sharing this photo with us.
Ahmad Noor @ Halaloedin Hamzah
Have you heard of Ahmad Noor? Perhaps you knew him as Halaloedin Hamzah?
He was a Mandailing from the Dutch East Indies who free-lanced for Kompas in the early days of his career. He fled and sought refuge in Malaya, when the Dutch authorities cracked down on railway strikers in 1929, in which he was involved, and staged a mass arrest. He later changed his name to Ahmad Noor Abdul Shukor, and had a short stint with Saudara in Penang. (read more here)
The picture (taken from the Kinta Valley book) isn’t that clear…but I believe Ahmad Noor is probably the gentleman standing in the middle.
June 2022
Canning Garden Estate Ltd
This receipt no. 627, dated 14th June 1957 was issued by Canning Garden Estate Ltd. to acknowledge the payment of $1000 deposit for the purchase of a property Block L No. 17 Type TH2 house at Canning Garden Estate, Ipoh by Miss Wong and Madam Chang. It was signed by the manager of Canning Garden Estate Ltd. and carries a 6 cents Malaya stamp.
Just curious….what is a Type TH2 House? (And, where was Block L?)
22 Hugh Low Street
There was once a shop called Wing Sang Hong Sdn Bhd, at 22 Hugh Low Street. According to the above receipt, a transaction took place in the 1980s. I don’t know what has happened to this business (nor do I know what business it was).
In its place today is a branch of the Sai Baba Society (picture source: Google).
Then & Now – Phone Bills
Here’s a Then & Now comparison, of telephone bills. One the left is a Talikom bill from 1965, while on the right is a TM (Telekom Malaysia) bill dated 12 April 2020.
…passing through…
We credit this photo to Lakhbir Singh Bedi. The scene, of course, is the Tanjong Rambutan railway station.
“News from the Fort”
This picture was taken from a press article (from New Straits Times), dated 30 June 1987. It shows the Ngah Ibrahim Fort at Matang, about 10km from Taiping, which has been turned into a historical show-piece by the Museum Department – with the addition of a mini-museum.
So, now you know what happened to the Fort 🙂
Daulat Tuanku
On the occasion of His Majesty’s birthday, DYMM Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah Al-Musta’in Billah.
Malim Nawar, 1980s
Here’s a 1980s picture of Malim Nawar Village. Anyone been to Malim Nawar lately? Maybe you could tell us if this stall is still around…
We thank Marea Smith for sharing this with us.
An Ice Cream Seller
Here’s another picture which was featured in our Falim Exhibition, back in 2013.
This is said to be a Chinese ice cream seller. I wonder how he kept the ice cream cold…
May 2022
Dim Sum and F&N?
This was one of the pictures used in our Falim Exhibition a few years ago.
Has anyone tried this – Dim Sum and F&N? I usually have my Dim Sum with hot tea….to each their own, I suppose.
Another look….
Here’s another look at the Ipoh Railway Station; this one shows part of the garden, and what seems to be the Ipoh Tree perhaps?
Celebration time!
Here’s another one from the Watson album. We were told that this was taken at the Ipoh Club.
Tee-time!
We thank Conrad Pregrave-Payne for the above picture. We believe that the gentleman in the dark suit is Sir R. G. Watson (Resident of Perak). The venue of course is the Kinta Club, which catered to both horse racing and golf.
Getting to know ‘Austin’
From the number plate, we can safely assume that this picture was taken before WW2.
I’ll leave this here for all the classic car lovers….
Somewhere in Kuala Kangsar
No, this is not a creepy, haunted mansion. It was once owned by Dato Setia (from what our donor tells us). It was also once used as an Islamic School (either before or after the Japanese Occupation in Malaya).
We thank Eugene Lee for this gem.
Express Mail
Not too long ago (in the 1990s), the Perak Postal Services Department started a special express letter service between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur. There were two dispatches daily except on Sundays and public holidays and letters would reach the same day. The letters will be given special treatment and sent by the first available means. The fee charged is $1.50 excluding postage.
A Nice Sunny Day
We thank Eugene Lee for this picture.
Can you guess which street this is (maybe also the year)? 🙂
April 2022
Welcome to Teluk Anson Town
We thank LingLi Tan for sharing this picture with us. Maybe someone familiar with Teluk Anson (or Teluk Intan, as it is called now) could tell us more 🙂
Perak Acedemy presents…
Dr Wu Lien-Teh Education Society Malaysia and Wu Lien-Teh Institute, Harbin Medical University, China would like to invite you to a Zoom Webinar.
Date: Apr 28, 2022
Time:01:00 PM – 03:00 PM Kuala Lumpur
Tittle: Dr Wu Lien-Teh International Conference 2022Register in advance for this webinar:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_bMrsXp6vTn-dVUqd9lY8lQAfter registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.
Dr Wu Lien-Teh International Conference 2022, which is held to commemorate the 111th Anniversary of The International Plague Conference, will be officiated by YB En Khairy Jamaluddin, Minister of Health, Malaysia and chaired by Prof. Dr Wang Chen, President of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, China. The objectives of the Conference are to promote the legacies of Dr Wu Lien-Teh and to share knowledge on how the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic has drawn lessons and experiences from measures adopted by Dr Wu Lien-Teh in combating the 1910 Manchurian Plague.
“Visit Malaya”
This is 1 of 4 of the hand painted posters, measuring 81cm x 100cm, produced in 1961 for the Visit Malaya in Orient promotion. Does anyone recall seeing any of these posters around the town in the 1960s?
A List of Monuments and Sites
We thank Philip LaBrooy for sharing the above article with us. Unfortunately, we’re not sure of the date of this article (nor the newspaper it was taken from). This is a list of historical buildings, monuments and sites compiled by the Museums Department.
Here’s a close-up of the Perak column:
A catalogue for dredges?
This picture is taken from a Werf Conrad Tin Dredges Catalogue. Here’s a close up of a dredge, showing the dredge buckets.
The picture below shows a dredge bucket, from two different angles.
170 years!
The above badge has the words “Christian Brothers’ Schools” and “Signum Fidei” clearly printed on it, one at the bottom of the badge and the other at the top. In between there is an image of Peninsula Malaysia as well as a figure of a Catholic Brother. At the top end of the image of Peninsula Malaysia the numbers “1852” can be seen while at the lower end the numbers “1952” are printed.
We’re featuring this badge, to commemorate 170 years of the La Salle Brothers‘ legacy 🙂
The 1st Meeting…
This picture was taken at the Ipoh Town Hall, where the 1st UMNO Perak meeting was held. It was chaired by none other than Dato Panglima Bukit Gantang Wahab, way back in 1946.
March 2022
….more ‘lost’ heritage…
Here’s another picture from Eugene Lee. This one shows an old building in Taiping. Does anyone recognise it?
Order in the Court!
The photograph shows the inside of the Supreme Court with the President of the Court, Lieutenant Colonel J G Adams seated in the Judge’s seat and a number of court officials positioned around the room.
Shangri-La Restaurant
I’ve heard of Shangri-La Hotel…but not Shangri-La Restaurant. Has anyone been there? What was their signature dish?
Heritage…abandoned
We thank Eugene Lee for sharing these pictures with us. This is said to be the Royal English School, in Batu Gajah. Probably dating back to 1916. In Eugene’s words, “It’s now left half abandoned and most of the building is left empty. The beams at the porch have cracks in them that need to be rectified“.
A day at the races…
Here’s another photo from Conrad Presgrave-Payne – the grandson of Sir R G Watson. We believe the lady seated extreme right is none other than Lady Watson herself.
This photo was taken at the Ipoh Gymkhana Club, probably back in 1913.
we all scream for ICE CREAM!
We thank Shyamala Manoharan for this lovely picture. This picture was taken at a birthday party, at the Ashby Road Transit Quarters, in the 1960s. Incidentally, as our donor tells us, this ice cream seller served ice cream at many a party there.
An Interesting Postcard
The picture shows a Chinese Hawker peddling medicines while sitting cross-legged in the street, in front of the 5 foot way. Behind him there is a clock shop and to his right what would appear to be a hardware shop or general store…
I wonder…was this a common sight back in the day?
A Memorable Speech
According to The Straits Echo & Times of Malaya, dated Monday 15th of March 1954, Tungku Abdul Rahman (President of UMNO), Dato Sir Cheng-lock Tan (President of MCA), and Mr K.L Devaser (leader of MIC) addressed over 500 members of the Perak State Alliance at the Yue Hua School building in Brewster Road. (read more here)
Anyone know where Yue Hua School was?
A Carnival in Ipoh
We thank Charlie Choong for sharing these pictures with us. Can you guess which street this carnival passed through?
February 2022
Ipoh Town, 1960s
I’m sure you know which street this is 😉
Travelling via Elephant
We have here a picture from Conrad Presgrave-Payne – the grandson of Sir R G Watson. The estimated date is 1914, when Sir R G Watson was on a tour of Perak.
Anyone here travel via elephant before? I haven’t…but I have sat on a ostrich once 🙂
Belfield Street, 1930
We thank Edwin Siebel for sharing this picture with us. Yes, it is none other than the E W Birch Fountain 🙂
…and on to sports news…
The Straits Times on Thursday 25th of February 1954, while covering the Hussars Cup, reported that St. Michael’s Institution (SMI) whipped visitors Guru Nanak Institution six-nil in a first round tie in the Perak inter-school knockout soccer competition. In another first round tie, home side Anderson School trounced Junior Technical Trade School five-nil.
Once upon a villa…
Here’s a familiar villa 🙂 What’s even more interesting is the interior – where once there was a portrait of the owner! (picture below)
We thank Lennie Brookes for sharing these pictures with us.
Waller Court flats
Here’s another picture from Ipoh: The Town that Tin Built. This is an early shot of the famed Waller Court flats.
“Modern Living”
According to Ipoh: The Town that Tin Built, this is part of the Canning Garden housing estate. Any idea which section of Canning Garden this is?
Another British Resident of Perak
Here’s a picture of the Hon. Mr R. G. Watson, British Resident of Perak. This picture was taken from the G.C.V.O. Week booklet, published around 1914.
This booklet is an account of the celebrations at Kuala Kangsar from 21st-28th September 1913, to mark the presentation to His Highness the Sultan of Perak of the insignia of the G.C.V.O. (Grand Cross of the Victorian Order).
We thank Winson Saw for sharing this with us.
“going West”
Did it serve ‘western food’? Or, was this just a nickname? If you know more about this ‘western restaurant’ do let us know 🙂
ps: This advertisement can be found in a Chinese New Year booklet, produced by Odeon Theatre.
Movie Time!
If there’s one thing I look forward to during Chinese New Year, it’s probably the Chinese movies featured on TV 😉
I’ve not seen this movie – Pursuit of a Killer – but I’m sure some of you have.
We have here a scan of the synopsis as well as a promotional still from the movie.
January 2022
Guess the street
Does this street look familiar? Well, if it does…do let us know WHERE in Ipoh this is 🙂
The above picture was taken from "Ipoh: The Town that Tin Built"
The fountain saga continues…
As a follow-up to our previous post, here’s another picture of the aforementioned fountain – which can be found within a locked garden, at the Ipoh General Hospital (Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun).
We thank Edwin Seibel Nathan for the above picture.
Another fountain in Ipoh
We thank Anthony H S Law for sharing this picture on Facebook.
He also added: “Water Fountain …. This must be the forgotten Ipoh’s oldest, the rare and perhaps the only fountain of Ipoh city. Dated 1900 or 122 years old, the fountain was “PRESENTED BY LOW FOO ESQ TO THE IPOH HOSPITAL” Maker : Penang Foundry“.
Does anyone remember this fountain? Is it still around…somewhere in Ipoh?
Boon’s Iced Eau de Cologne
Did you know Boon Pharmacy had their very own Eau de Cologne?
Boon Pharmacy was run by the Chew family, as many of you know.
Incidentally, the family were neighbours with the LaBrooys.
Happy Thaipusam
The word Thaipusam is a combination of the name of the month, Thai, and the name of a star, Pusam. This particular star is at its highest point during the festival. The festival commemorates the occasion when Parvati gave Murugan (aka Kartikeya) a Vel “spear” so he could vanquish the evil demon Soorapadman and his brothers. It is also commonly believed that Thaipusam marks Murugan’s birthday; though some other sources suggest that Vaikhasi Vishakam, which falls in the Vaikhasi month (May/June), is Murugan’s birthday.
This festival was (according to one tradition) said to have been supposedly created during one of the battles between the Asuras (or to be more specific Soorapadman) and the Devas. At one point, the latter were defeated several times by the former. The Devas were unable to resist the onslaught of the Asura forces. In despair, they approached Shiva and entreated to give them an able leader under whose heroic leadership they might obtain victory over the Asuras. They surrendered themselves completely and prayed to Shiva. Shiva granted their request by creating the mighty warrior, Skanda, out of his own power or Achintya Shakti. He at once assumed leadership of the celestial forces, inspired them and defeated the Asura forces and to recognise that day the people created the festival, Thaipusam.
According to the Hindu Purana Skanda Puranam, the legend of Murugan, and Thirupugal which are divine verses on Murugan, adhere to Shaivam principles. Murugan is the embodiment of Shiva’s light and wisdom and devotees pray to him to overcome the obstacles they face, as He is the divine vanquisher of evil. The motive of Thaipusam festival is to pray to God to receive his grace so that bad traits are destroyed. (source: Wikipedia)
We thank Ann Kesselring Hamon for the above picture.
‘rowing into town’
No, this is not a picture of the recent floods that hit us. This picture is actually from 1967, in Kuala Kangsar.
Can’t believe the water level rose that much….
Keeping it clean
The above picture shows the Ipoh Town Council’s new cleaning lorries. These lorries were used back in 1960s, of course. The advertisement below may give you a better view of them.
These pictures were taken from Ipoh: The Town that Tin Built (1962)
A Japanese Document
This document dates back to 4 January 2602 (1942). We believe it is some form of proof that the Japanese Government (in Malaya) at that time found favour with Ali Pitchay and his family. Perhaps they (Japanese) viewed the family as comrades, and may have offered protection to them. Note that this document was torn in half; it is believed that the other half was probably kept by the Japanese Government.
We thank the family of the late Mohd Ali bin Pitchay for sharing this with us. If anyone here reads Japanese, perhaps you could help us with a clearer translation.
Happy Birthday!
They say it’s rude to ask a woman her age. This “lady” pictured above, however, is proud to announce her 115th birthday 🙂
Yes, Ipoh’s HIJ Convent is a hundred and fifteen years old today!
89 years ago…
…the Old Michaelian’s Association (OMA) was first formed. Yes, way back in 1933. The picture featured below, however, was taken a year later – on the occasion of the opening of the Association’s premises.
A New Heritage Trail
A map of the Ipoh Cantonese heritage trail walkable points. (15th December 2021) — RONNIE CHIN/The Star
Yes, folks! An 8km foot trail, with 32 stops, is expected to be launched in two months. This trail will be called the Ipoh Cantonese Heritage Trail. (read more here)
December 2021
Happy New Year 2022!
And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere!
And gie’s a hand o’ thine!
And we’ll tak a right guid willy waught,
For auld lang syne.
For auld lang syne, my jo,
For auld lang syne.
We’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.
(extract from Auld Lang Syne, a poem by Robert Burns)
Ballroom Dancing anyone?
I admit, what first caught my eye was the words “Dancing…Time for a Tiger”. Probably from one of the sponsors of the competition.
Does anyone remember this competition? Perhaps you were one of the dancers? Or maybe you know who the winners were. Did the organisers have more of such competitions after 1954?
Feliz Navidad!
Merry Christmas to you, from all of us at IpohWorld 🙂
The above picture (from Michael Ho) was taken at a Christmas party, back in 1970.
The party was held at the Catholic Centre.
What’s for dinner?
All set for that big Christmas feast? Will there be the traditional roast? Or, perhaps you’re doing something different this year. Maybe a vegetarian menu?
Anyway, here’s a Christmas menu from 1959. We thank Keith Nelson for sharing this with us.
Lam Chuan Co
Here’s another puzzle for you – Sharikat Lam Chuan Co.
Was it a textile store? Or, an emporium?
“Angela Flair” ?
Have you heard of this company? Was it a boutique? Or perhaps a hair salon? Maybe even a tailor shop?
In case the writing isn’t clear on the paper bag, the address was 107 Jalan Lau Pak Khuan, Ipoh Garden.
Going Shopping?
Here’s an eco-friendly tip: Use paper bags (such as the one shown above) or bring your own reusable bags when shopping. 🙂
When was the last time you saw a Whiteaways’ bag like this one?
“Happy Birthday”
…well, belated birthday actually. Nevertheless, birthday greetings to St Michael’s Institution (SMI) – born on 4th December 1912.
Here’s a 1920s drawing of the school, which was in an old Malay bungalow.
Same Street, Different Year
The one on the left was taken around 1955 (thanks to our donor Charlie Choong).
The one on the right is a screenshot from Google Maps, taken today.
Yes, it is the same street 🙂
Rumah Kutai
A Rumah Kutai only has one spacious room, with additional rooms being created by hanging cloth between the pillars. It is built for comfort in the Malay style and the tradition of sharing.
Have you ever seen / lived in a Rumah Kutai?
November 2021
Perak Academy Talk
Perak Academy invites you to a talk by Prof Wang Gungwu on his growing up years. The memories of his childhood and education years, that moulded the man to what he is today – renowned historian, sinologist, writer, his works on Chinese diaspora, the countless awards conferred on him for research done on particular subjects dear to his heart.
Don’t miss this webinar, on 9th December 2021 at 8pm.
Aulong Police Station
Here’s a group photograph with Dato Seri Yuen Yuet Leng and Datin Seri Yuen, and Staff of the Aulong Police Station. This was taken on 12th December 1979.
A Grand Opening
Here’s one from 1985, taken at the opening of Wisma Taiko in Ipoh. I’m sure many of you recognise the VIPs in this photo 🙂
Where are they now?
We received this lovely photo from Eric Low. He’s hoping for any information regarding the young people in the above photo.
In his own words:
Once upon a time there was this band in Ipoh who called themselves “The Rain People” (**) … The 1968 or 1969 picture below was taken in one of the Catholic Churches in Ipoh when and where we performed at the birthday party of Rev Bro Ultan Paul of SMI ….Enlisting your assistance to see if any of you recognise some of the faces, for me to reconnect with a couple of them …Left to right (standing): We were all ex-MichaeliansMichael Wong (with the drumsticks, whom I know is still in the UK; lost contact).Next to him – David Hew (whose family owned the Orchid Farm off Tambun Road, which he took over in running; still in Ipoh I am guessing; lost contact).Miss Wong Mei Ching (of Housing Trust, she was a 6th Former at SMI then).Yours truly. to Mei Ching’s left ….Guy in the glasses was my best friend, Richard Chan, who sadly passed away many yeas ago; I managed to get him Aussie citizenship in the 1970s.And in centre frame (always wanting to be different), sitting down, is Zainal from Kampung Manjoi (someone whom I am desperately trying to reconnect with …)I am praying that some of these innocent faces of a yesteryear ring a bell with someone out there …
Nice day for a wedding
The photograph shows the wedding day of John Arthur Stuart Jennings and Rose Winnifred Jennings, which took place at St George’s Church, George Town, Penang on November 10th 1910.
What did YOU wear to your wedding? 🙂
A Blaupunkt Radio
Ever owned a radio like this? What were your favourite radio stations/frequencies?
From Across the Padang
Yes, this is part of the famous Ipoh Padang. And the building in the background is of course the Ipoh Club. This was taken off a postcard, which seemed to date back to 1912. Hence, we believe this picture was taken around 1910.
Armistice Day
Those of you who are familiar with Armistice Day (or Poppy Day) would know that it falls on the 11th of Nov.
The Armistice, an agreement to end the fighting of the First World War as a prelude to peace negotiations, began at 11am on 11 November 1918.
Armistice is Latin for to stand (still) arms.
As such, here is a close-up of the Cenotaph (War Memorial) at our very own Ipoh Railway Station.
As a tribute to the fallen, here’s an extract from that famous poem by John McCrae
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Blue Cross
No, not a variant of Red Cross 😉
This is in fact a paper bag advertising Blue Cross condensed milk. We thank Ipoh Remember for this picture. Does anyone remember this brand?
This was 1878
Yes, you read that right. This was the view of the town, from the Old Residency.
October 2021
“my day out”
Would anyone like to identify this black beauty?
A Street Parade
We thank Charlie Choong for these photographs. These were taken during a parade in Ipoh.
Could it have been during the Nine Emperor Gods festival? Can you guess the year?
That famous pipeline…
We thank Mun Chor Seng for sharing this picture with us. Yes, it’s Gopeng Pipeline! (and we believe the handsome young man in the picture is none other than our donor, of course)
Alpine Milk?
Heard of this brand? I haven’t…probably from before my time 😉
I thought it was rather interesting that the saucers are printed in 4 languages.
…all in a row…
Here’s another blast from the past – rickshaws in a row, in Taiping nonetheless. 🙂
Famous Names (16)
At 21, he inherited his father’s estate. His enterprising approach and advantageous connections combined to bring him early and continued success as a miner. In 1898 he contributed $1000 to establish the Perak Mining and Planting Association. He developed eight mines in Kinta : two at Kampar, three in Gopeng, and one each at Papan, Tronoh and Chenderiang employing 8,000 coolies in total. The richest mines were at Kampar where lit by electricity the mining could continue day and night. He became very well established in Kampar as the leading towkay, became President of the Chinese Club, built a magnificent mansion and jointly with fellow miner Chung Thye Phin he establishing a Chinese Theatre. With this friend he also built a grand bungalow on Gopeng Road named Forest Lodge…(read more here)
I think that last sentence gave it away. Yes, folks. The gentleman above is none other than Eu Tong Sen himself 🙂
Taiping, late 1800s
Believe it or not, this picture was taken in the late 1800s in Taiping.
Bet the experts have already identified these buildings 🙂
…Meng Lembu…?
No, I’m not making fun of the name. The original caption for the picture below actually reads as “General View of Mine at Meng Lembu”. I do wonder how this name came about…and when it changed to its present name….
September 2021
Tauge from Buntong?
picture source: Star Online
Yes, you heard it right! Buntong is not only famous for kacang puteh, they have bean sprouts too!
Read more here.
A day at the market
Thanks to Chor Seng Mun, we have a lovely photo of the Gopeng Market. From all those flags/posters above the arch, I’m sure some of you can guess what was going on at that time 🙂
….that house at Anson Road…
The caption at the top left corner reads as:
192 Anson Road, Teluk Anson. Built in 1900. Sold in 1955.
I think the artist did a pretty good job, don’t you?
Mid-Autumn Greetings
Wishing you a Happy Mid-Autumn Festival.
From all of us at IpohWorld 🙂
“Koo Hon Chok”
Why is the title of this post as such? Well, here’s an interesting story by Francis Cheah regarding his paternal grandparents – in particular, his paternal grandfather.
A millionaire building contractor, family sources said he helped Ah Cheong build the iconic Clock Tower. He was 30+yrs then. Being a successful contractor he built the Teluk Anson District Hospital in 1917 along Jalan Anson(now demolished) and owned houses in the Durian Sebatang area. Also once owned the biggest sawmill in Teluk Anson now still standing by a different name. He also built a college along Jalan Changkat Jong… But the WW1 took its toll and the building was abandoned. That much I know.He was known to be an astute, shrewd businessman and frugal too. Story has it one day he was inspecting at the Hospital worksite.. He picked up a stray nail at the worksite and admonish the workers for wastage. Thenceforth he was nicknamed ‘Koo Hon Chok’ ie Stingy Poker. His name was Cheah Pak Chok.He died in 1927 when my father was 13 years old. Maybe others in town may know more. He died in 1927. My father died in 1985.
Here’s a picture of Cheah Pak Chok
And his wife
Thank you for sharing the above story with us, Francis 🙂
“…next stop – Ipoh”
Here’s an early 1900s view of the Ipoh Station. So different from what it looks like today, eh?
…THAT famous used car mart….
This picture needs no introduction. Wonder what happened to the cars once this business ceased operation….
August 2021
Selamat Hari Merdeka!
We have here a lovely 1957 photo from Mohd Taib, showing part of Hugh Low Street.
HAPPY MERDEKA to all of you, from all of us at Ipohworld!
The Perak State Council
In the early 1900s, these ten gentlemen formed the Perak State Council.
They were:
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Raja Chulan bin ex-Sultan Abdullah
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Mr R. J. Wilkinson (Secretary of the Resident)
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Mr E. W. Birch, C.M.G. (British Resident)
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Towkay Foo Choo Choon
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Mr C. W. H. Cochrane (Assistant Secretary to the Resident, Clerk to the Council)
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HH Sultan of Perak, Sir Idris Mersid-El-Aazam Shah, G.C.M.G. (President)
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Towkay Leong Fee
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Towkay Chung Thye Phin
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The Orang Kaya Kaya Sri Adika Raja Shahbandar Muda, Wan Muhammad Saleh, I.S.O.
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Towkay Heah Swee Lee
A wet, wet day…
Here’s another picture of the Teluk Intan district hospital….taken during a flood.
The Teluk Intan District Hospital
Here are two rare pictures of the Teluk Intan District Hospital. I’m sure some of you can guess which year these were taken 🙂
Tapah Road Station, 1893
The caption says it all, really. Special thanks to “Daerah Batang Padang” – a Facebook page, where we found this rare picture.
When was the last time you took a group photograph at a railway station platform? 🙂
Looking Smart!
Here’s an early 1900s view – of what a policeman wore back then!
Too bad this picture is not in colour…
A 90s view
This picture was taken from a 1990 souvenir magazine. (Do ignore the red arrow 🙂 )
Do you recognise some of the iconic buildings shown here? Can you identify which part of Ipoh this is?
A test of strength
We have here Mrs Southwell, ‘flexing her muscles’ as it were. She must have been really strong, to attempt pushing a Triumph Vitesse Six! Looking on is her husband R. J. Southwell.
This picture was taken back in 1966, during the Triumph Owners’ Club (TOC) Gymkhana.
July 2021
“side view”
Here’s an easy one for you: Do you know which building this is? It’s in Ipoh, of course 🙂
The year was 1963
Here we have the Mercantile Bank building, all lit up for the big day back in 1963. I’m sure you history-buffs know WHAT the big event was 🙂
Photo courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
“commercial break”
…and now, a word from our sponsors 🙂
Jokes aside, anyone here owned/rode an Ariel Motorcycle?
We thank Ipoh Remembered for sharing this advertisement with us.
The Other Side of Dong Hua Cave Temple
A long long time ago, there was a wooden temple built onto the side of a limestone cliff. It had a zinc roof. Members of the Perak Heritage Society had visited the place in October 2007. It was located at a limestone hill halfway between Tambun town and Tanjung Rambutan.
This modern structure has since replaced the wooden one. We thank Charlie Choong for the pictures, as well as the short excerpt above.
June 2021
Perak Automobile Club
This picture was said to have been taken during an Ipoh Motor meet – on the occasion of the formation of the Perak Automobile Club, back in 1907.
House-boats by the river
This picture, taken back in the early 1900s, shows Malay house-boats on the Perak River.
Has anyone been in a house-boat before? If not in Malaysia, perhaps in another country?
The Straits Trading Company
The Straits Trading Company (STC) was established in 1886 by two partners, James Sword of Glasgow, Scotland and Hermann Muhlinghaus an entrepreneur from Wiesbaden, Germany. The partnership was formed to set up a tin smelting business in Malaya to meet the obvious demand for a large and efficient smelting business to replace all the small, inefficient smelters in use at that time. The partnership evolved successfully to become one of the largest tin smelters in the world. To raise capital for expanding the business, The Straits Trading Company Limited was incorporated in Singapore on 8 November 1887 with an initial capital of S$150,000. Their first smelting shed was in Telok Anson (now Teluk Intan), previously owned by the Shanghai Tin Mining Company….(read more here)
This picture shows the Straits Trading Company office building in Kampar, Perak. Is the building still around? Or, maybe it’s been converted into something else?
Kinta Ice Works
Here’s a picture of Kinta Ice Works, probably taken around 1905. Shaik Adam (the founder of Kinta Aerated Water Factory of Taiping, Kampar and Ipoh) established the Kinta Ice Works. This establishment boasted a large plant which churned out tons of ice daily. It was managed by Ted Hodges, brother of the Perak district surveyor.
“have trishaw, will travel”
We thank Bee Leong for allowing us to share one of his photos here. Yes, there seems to be a tiger riding in the trishaw…and the cyclist seems to be part of the entourage!
Who said animals don’t travel in style? 🙂
“everlasting peace”
We have here a 1987 article about how Taiping got its name. Special thanks to our donor Lim Bor Seng.
According to the article, Taiping was established in 1874 after the end of the Larut War which marked peace between the mining groups at war – the Hai San warriors (led by Capitan Chung Ah Kwee a.k.a. Chung Keng Kwee) and the Ghee Hins (led by Capitan Chin Ah Yam). The name means “Everlasting Peace” in Cantonese.
Anyone here with a memory (or two, or more) of Taiping? We’d love to hear from you 🙂
“seated in style”
Here’s another picture from a magazine. This was taken during the Triumph Owner’s Club AGM, back in 1966. The meeting was held at the Century Motors Ltd Showroom in Ipoh. Do you recognise anyone here? Guests aside, what really caught my eye were the chairs; they don’t make chairs like these anymore, do they?
“pulling a stunt”
This photo was taken during the 1980 HRH Sultan of Perak’s Castrol-TOC Motorkhana. The ‘stuntman’ is none other than Adrian Boudville, who drove his Citroen BLINDFOLDED!
For those who a suffering from boredom during this MCO, PLEASE DO NOT try this.
Posing with the champions?
We thank Ho Hoo Wan for this photo, taken in 1959. Do you recognise anyone here? We’d love to know more. This was taken in Batu Gajah, by the way…at the Sultan Yussuf School.
RIP Joe Chin
Our condolences to the family of the late Joe Chin – who was once part of the Fabulous Falcons. Click here to read a lovely tribute to this musician.
An S.C.S. teapot?
Correct me if I’m wrong…seems like this advertisement is offering a special teapot to go with the Red Label Tea. (or, perhaps I’m reading it wrong?).
May 2021
“my orange school bag”
Ever had one of these school bags when you were younger? I confess that I’ve never had one of these; by the time I started school, I recall Swan brand school bags were all a rage 🙂
The Tale of the Petition Writer
When Dad finished his Junior Cambridge Examination in ACS in the early 1930s at aged 17, he was highly educated in English in those days. He could easily get a comfortable Civil Service clerical job but he was adventurous & easy going. He got his first job as a Page Boy in a local hotel. Then World War II came & he laid low. He lost his third brother in the War.
After the War in 1945 with the British administration back in place, he would frequently be called upon by his friends & colleagues to fill up governmental forms which were all in English. Not many could read or write English in those days. Dad was in such great demand doing it for free; he decided to make a living out of it. (read more here)
We thank the Chan Family for this lovely story.
Going somewhere?
We thank our donor (Tom Turnbull) for this photo – apparently showing a “road to nowhere“. We believe this to be somewhere in Tronoh…
Believe it or not!
This photograph shows a view of the first timber building of the Anglo-Chinese School (Ipoh) at Lahat Road. Completed in May 1896.
Amazing, innit! 😉
Still in the Raya mood…
Celebrations have been muted this year, due to the MCO. However, we’d like to share an old photograph of what seems to be a Hari Raya party.
On the back of this photograph are the words: “Hari Raya Dinner 10th May 1958, MJC ”
Quench your thirst
Here’s a 1958 advertisement from F&N / Red Lion, courtesy of Ngai C O.
It’s the second day of Hari Raya…have you had your favourite F&N drink yet? 🙂
Snooker League…in Ipoh?
Engraved ‘Snooker League’ on the front and ‘Ipoh 1946’ on the reverse, this was probably awarded to the winner of the local snooker league that year.
Have you heard of this Snooker League?
Much ado about noodles
There are different ways of cooking mee. The most common are by frying, by stewing and by steeping it in boiling water for a few minutes and transferring it to a cold bath. If we wish to have the mee fried or boiled, we add meat or fish and some spices to make it tasty. It is important to use a little pepper dust. Mee steeped in boiling water and then washed in cold is the most popular form of mee. It is generally served with hot tasty soup.
I am sure many people would like to know which is the best mee stall in Ipoh. According to my taste the best mee is sold in a stall in Leech Street, at the entrance to Panglima Lane, and by the side of a restaurant. The owner of this stall is a Cantonese. He has been selling mee the greater part of his life and his mee is very delicious. He has a wife and a son to help him and is generally surrounded with customers. [read the full article here]
We thank Kong Tet Siew for the above article, which was featured in the 1952 edition of The Michaelian. While we’re on the topic of noodles and such, does anyone know which mee stall the writer was referring to?
Familiar brand?
Have you heard of this brand of hair oil? Was it sold in shops…or was it an exclusive product at barbers/hair dressers?
April 2021
A 1929 Invoice
This is an invoice addressed to Towkay Chew Chooi Kooi of Teluk Anson (Teluk Intan), showing a rough quotation for a cement foundation. Included also are charges for cement and piling. This invoice is dated 6th May 1929. Also note the unique stationery it was written on…
The Songkok
It is called “songkok” in the Ethnic Malay cultural sphere in the Malay peninsula, Sumatra, and coastal Borneo. However in Java it is called “kopiah” or “kopeah”. In Indonesia it also known nationwide as “peci”. The name “peci” was probably derived from the Dutch word petje means “small hat”. Whatever the name they are all the same shape and style. (read more here)
While we’re on the topic of songkoks, here’s an article of interest.
‘me and my bike’
We thank Ngai C O for sharing this advertisement with us. How many of you remember this 1954 model?
‘keeping tabs’
Ever since the corona virus hit our shores, there’s been a constant need to keep a check on our movements; for our own safety, of course. However, this is not the first instance where movements were monitored. Here’s a sample of a record for movement of persons, from 1956. This record was necessary to control the movement of people because of the Malayan Emergency.
Endowment Fund Receipt
This is a receipt issued by University of Malaya Endowment Fund on 11th October 1949, for the amount $1. The fund was in support of the construction of one of the first buildings in the University of Malaya. Donations were made by “buying” a building brick for the cost of $1. (read more here)
The Junior Technical School
This bulletin called Young Malaysians was published on Wednesday, 23rd November 1949. There are a number of journals and essays in this bulletin and one of them was the “Trade Training for a Career”
read more here
A bit of nostalgia
When was the last time you had a nice cold drink of Kickapoo? 🙂
An Interesting find…
This letter was sent from S.Seenivasagam, Advocates and Solicitors Ipoh to S.A.A.Lathif, Proprietor of the Lathif Store in Batu Gajah on the 24th April 1930.
Of course, we all dread receiving a lawyer’s letter…but this particular letter was from a very famous law firm 😉
Have you paid your taxes?
Don’t worry. We’re not reporting you to the Inland Revenue Board 😉
Instead, here’s an income tax receipt from 1959. I wonder if they still issue such receipts, now that everything is done electronically…
R I P Mr Maniam
PS Maniam, as he was fondly known as, was Headmaster of Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) in the mid 70s.
We at Ipohworld extend our heartfelt condolences to his family.
Pearl Gardens?
According to this article, Pearl Gardens was off Ashby Road (also known as Jalan Hospital). Anyone know which part of Ashby Road it was?
March 2021
A Hair Salon at Canning Estate?
Here’s another photograph from Ruth Iversen Rollitt’s collection. This 1950s photo shows “Margaret Ladies Hair Dressing Salon”, which was said to be in Canning Estate. Does anyone remember this house/salon?
-under construction-
Some of you may have already guessed which building this is. For those who are still wondering, we’ll give you a tiny clue: this picture was taken in 1932 (according to our donor), and it was designed by the same person who designed Lido Cinema 🙂
Perak Ladies’ Rifle Association
Yes, I’m not kidding. There was such an association in existence in the early 1900s. Why do I say early 1900s? Because we got this gem from the book “Twentieth Century Impressions of British Malaya”, 1908.
A Carnival in Ipoh?
Our donor (Charlie Choong) told us that these were taken during a carnival. Can you guess which part of town this is?
I admit, I’m stumped 🙁
The 1st School Badge?
SMI’s badge had an excess of symbols: the Fleur di Lis of France, the Irish Shamrock, the British crown, the lamp of learning, a monogram of the school’s name, a Malaysian sunrise and the star is repeated. (read more here)
SMI students, past and present, we’d like to hear your thoughts! 🙂
More bills…
A while ago, we featured an old water bill. Today, how about another utility bill – issued during the Japanese Occupation!
Celebrating Women!
Today being International Women’s Day, we’d like to extend our wishes to all the amazing women – both in and around Ipoh, as well as the rest of the planet. Our featured post today is about women in sports:
Here is S P Seenivasagam, presenting trophies to Yeow Phaik Poh and Doreen Seow. This photo was taken around 1964. (picture courtesy of Angie Yeow, Ipoh)
Pearly Tan (right) and M. Thinaah (photo courtesy of Star Online). These ladies won the Swiss Open title yesterday.
Have you heard of the White Tiger Festival?
Apparently, devotees visit the Paloh Koo Miu Temple in what was once known as the People’s Park, Ipoh, to pray and make offerings on the White Tiger Festival which falls on 5 or 6 March every year. The day is also known as “The day the White Tiger Opens its Mouth” and is celebrated by Taoists who pray to ward off evil and bad luck. Have you heard of this festival?
A Wedding to Remember
This completed application form, to be part of the second Perak Hakka (Khek) Association mass wedding, records that the wedding took place on 28th March 1954 at 12pm. This was the third application to be submitted for this date and it is believed that their were thirteen couples that took part in the ceremony. The applicants on this form were Chen Jiu (Male) aged 32 and Zheng Kui Lian (female) aged 21.
February 2021
Time for a staff photo
This is a photograph of Maxwell Kenion Cowdy and Jones Staff, a famous legal partnership, taken on the 23rd of March 1953. Do you recognise anyone? 🙂
Teal Tonic Essence?
This colourful bag has got us stumped. Have you heard of this brand? Was it similar to Brands Essence of Chicken? Or, was it a completely different product?
Dancing into the New Year
Here’s something we may have missed this Chinese New Year, due to the MCO. We thank Ann Kesselring Hamon for these pictures.
Before Yik Foong complex…
…there was the Lok Lum Club. Yes, before Yik Foong complex was built there was a club house in that same premise. Undoubtedly the most prestigious Chinese club in Ipoh, it was officially registered on 12 February 1915. Perhaps some of you may remember what the club house looked like. Here’s a picture to refresh your memory.
(You can read more about it here)
Then and Now – water bills
Some of you might remember your water bills looking like this (above picture). This of course being from the 1970s or so.
Compare this to the present water bill (sample taken from Google images). Quite a vast difference, isn’t it?
Lady Treacher Girls’ School
The Perak Government established a Girls’ School at Taiping in 1889 with 8 girls and in 1891 there were 12 girls which was followed by an average enrolment of 36 each month by 1898. The school was named Treacher Girls’ School after Mrs. Treacher because of her special interest she took in the school. (read more here)
Welcoming the Year of the Ox
May the spirit of the year of the Ox fill your heart with peace,
love and serenity for all those around you.
Taking a break
We know some of you are rather busy getting ready for the Reunion Dinner tomorrow. How about taking a short break, and having a cup of tea?
PS: Any recommendation for a good brand of tea? 😉
Weng Kwong – Watch-makers & Gramophone Repairer
This is a receipt/advertisement from Weng Kwong Watch-makers and Gramophone Repairer, issued on 19th February 1957, for the amount $53.50. It pledges 6 months guarantee to all watches sold. This receipt was issued for the sale of a Titoni Swiss watch.
Anyone remember who was the owner of this business?
Loggers’ Wine & Dine?
This advertisement from the Loggers’ Wine & Dine introduces Joe Chin (formerly of the Fabulous Falcons) as the organist in their live entertainment from Monday to Saturday from 8pm to 12 midnight. This pub and grill in the late 70s was situated at 40-42, Jalan Kampung Simee at Fair Park, in Ipoh, Perak. It was a new establishment and was owned by four partners one of whom was K K Chan. However, it is no longer in business.
Have you heard of this place? Know what happened to it?
Famous Names (15)
When he arrived in Malaya, this gentleman (pictured above) became Chief Architect to the Federated Malay States (FMS), but would later return to the United Kingdom to begin his military career. It is often said that he was the first British Architect to achieve the honour of the rank of Brigadier General.
The following are some of his notable works:
- The White House of Klang (Now Galeri Diraja Sultan Abdul Aziz, under the auspices of the Sultan of Selangor)
- State Secretariat Building, Seremban (Now State Library)
- The Old City Hall, Kuala Lumpur (Now Panggung Bandaraya)
- Ipoh Town Hall Building, Perak
- The Railway Station, Ipoh, Perak
I think the last two mentions would have clued you in on WHO our featured celebrity is. Yes, folks…he’s none other than Arthur Benison Hubback.
January 2021
Famous Names (14)
Previously the Senior Assistant of Victoria Institution, Kuala Lumpur, when he came to Ipoh he brought with him one member of his Kuala Lumpur staff and 5 former pupils from his old school. A keen sportsman who had represented Selangor in both football and hockey and quickly introduced both sports to his new school in Ipoh….
Who might this gentleman be? Well, he’s none other than Lieutenant Colonel John Howard Tyte – the 1st Principal of Anderson School, Ipoh 🙂
A Little R&R
Ever been to a spa? How about a massage parlour? Well, there once was a massage saloon along Jalan Tokong, Ipoh which offered the following services (see below):
If you’ve been there, we’d like to know how good the service was 😉 We’re also wondering if this place is still in business…
For a brighter smile?
While we take extra steps wash and sanitise our hands, have you been paying attention to oral care?
Here’s a 1950s design of a famous toothpaste (or dental cream, as they call it) brand.
And here’s what the same brand looks like today 😉
Dressing for the occasion
Since Chinese New Year is just around the corner, let me pose this question: have you bought your new year clothes yet? 😉
We have here a cheongsam from the 1950s, courtesy of Mdm Ko.
Compare this classic to the more modern cheongsam today (picture from Google)
Back in 1941….
….a nearby Shell Oil Depot was bombed by the Japanese. The depot was ablaze for 3 days. On that same day, an ammunition train near the Railway Station sidings was also bombed. The impact damaged this church (pictured above) and the vicarage. The explosion shattered the glass panes at the high altar; and a wheel from the locomotive hit the bell tower.
Of course, this picture was before the bombing. In fact, this picture dates back to 1912. I’m sure you know which church I’m talking about 🙂
A Trishaw Procession
Do you remember a trishaw procession in Ipoh, back in 2000? The procession, in aid of the Xim Phou Moon Welfare Society’s ‘Caring Day’, took place in Ipoh in the first week of January 2000 (we believe Sunday the 2nd). It was formed by the last 10 trishaws that still existed in Ipoh, nine of them representing an Asian country. Here’s one of the photographs from that event:
Do you recognise the street? If you’re one of those who witnessed the procession, we’d love to hear from you.
“Paging for Dr Ngoh”
Dr Ngoh Lean Tuck made a significant contribution to the reform of Chinese society in Malaya in terms of education and culture. He was a Queen’s Scholar from Penang graduating with the highest honours in medicine from Cambridge University.
Besides medicine, the reform of the education of girls was also important to him. He promoted debate of such issues by speaking to Ipohites in 1904 at the launch of the Perak Literary and Debating Society at the Kinta Chinese Club.
Sounds familiar, doesn’t he? You’d probably know him by the Mandarin rendition of his name – Dr Wu Lien-Teh 🙂
‘congratulations’
This photograph, taken on 7th January 1919, shows Dr A C Kathigasu and his 19 year- old bride, Sybil Daly on their wedding day at St John’s Church (now St John’s Cathedral) in Bukit Nanas, Kuala Lumpur. The page-boy is Eric Jeremiah, the 6 year-old son of a family friend Iris Jeremiah.
Khek Community Association Building
This photograph shows the headquarters building of the Perak Khek Community Association, a Hakka dialect group also known as the Hakka Association. Is this building still used by the association? Or, have they moved to another place?
December 2020
Goodbye 2020, Hello 2021!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
from all of us at IpohWorld 🙂
Of concerts and dramas…
The press cutting from the Japanese single sheet propaganda paper the Perak Shimbun dated December 20 2604 (1944) speaks of tickets which are on sale for the popular patriotic play, “Oh Chinta Yang Chantek” (“O Beautiful Love”) which was to be staged by Sri Arjuna Bungsawan at Kyoto (ex The Capitol Theatre) in aid of the Indian Welfare Fund. Selected members of the Indian National Army will also participate in the play which is expected to draw bumper crowds. Seats may be booked in advance by getting in touch with the IIL Ipoh.
With all the restrictions on mass gatherings and such, when was the last time you attended a live show? 🙂
Much ado about Bovril
There’s Marmite. There’s Vegemite. Then there’s Bovril. Flavour enhancer, sauce, marinade…etc. Oh, so many uses!
Which is YOUR favourite? (Someone once mentioned Marmite on toast 😉 )
What’s brewing?
Rake from a tin mine? That’s what I thought…at first. But it’s not dirt nor tin ore that’s stuck on this rake.
And no, this man is not raking coal. In fact, he’s in the midst of roasting coffee beans. Read more here.
Teluk Anson, 1934
These photos (courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt) show shop houses in Teluk Anson. Any Teluk Anson (now Teluk Intan) folks reading this? Any idea what business occupied this premise?
Perak State Operations Room
Here’s an inside look of the Perak State Operations Room. We thank K S Wong for this photograph.
The King visits Perak
Back in 1977, the Yang Di-Pertuan Agong visited Perak. His Majesty is seen here shaking the hand of Dato Seri Yuen Yuet Leng. (This picture was taken from Dato Seri Yuen’s album).
Anyone out there ever had the opportunity to shake hands with Royalty? 🙂
The Gandhiji Memorial
According to this Malaya Tribune article, published on 27th February 1948, a public meeting of all the communities was held at Kampar Recreation Club on Monday March 1st – to consider a fitting memorial to the memory of Mahatmaji.
Anyone know what was the outcome of the meeting? Was there a memorial eventually?
November 2020
Syonan Times
Have you heard of The Syonan Times? “Syonan” was the name given to Singapore by the Japanese (during the Japanese Occupation). The Syonan Times (printed in Singapore) acted as the local newspaper, and was also part of the psychological warfare the Japanese were using in Malaya.
Here’s a sample of one of their editions, from 1942, (courtesy of Philip LaBrooy):
“work in progress”
We were told that this building was along Togo Street. Our donor (Ruth Iversen Rollitt) also told us that this photograph dates back to 1933. Do you know what building this is? 🙂
Perak Commercial Institution?
We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for sharing this with us. Have you heard of the Perak Commercial Institution? From what we know, it was at Cowan Street. Any idea if the Institution still exists?
…dirty jobs…
We salute all those who have the least-liked jobs: the garbage collectors, the road sweepers, the janitors, and of course (as seen in the above photo) the Nightsoil Bucket Collectors.
Of course, we don’t have such bucket collectors today…but imagine what would happen without them?
A Royal book…
Have you ever owned such an exercise book – with British Royalty on the front cover? Personally, I’ve never seen one so unique. Was it common stationery back then…say in the early 1950s?
Incidentally, today also marks the 73rd wedding anniversary of HM Queen Elizabeth II and HRH Prince Philip 🙂
Kampar?
Our previous blog entry showed an early depiction of Batu Gajah’s main road. Today, we are featuring Kampar Town. Do you know which part of Kampar this is? (if it’s still there today…)
Believe it or not…
…this was once the Main Road in Batu Gajah! Yes, I can’t believe it myself!
Poppy Day
We have here an appeal letter for Poppy Day. This letter is dated 1957.
Poppy Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member nations since the end of WW I, to remember those in the armed forces who died in the line of duty. Poppy Day falls on 11 November, recalling the end of the hostilities of WWI in 1918. This day was inaugurated by King George V in 1919; WW I ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.
Read more about Poppy Day here.
Guess Who?
No, he’s not a famous actor. This handsome gentleman is actually Mr Creet – Founder of the Grand Hotel.
UM’s 1st Medical Grads, 1969
SMI was proud when the first group of medical students to graduate from University of Malaya included five Michaelians. They are pictured above with another Old Michaelian, Mr Vincent Ooi Eu Sen FRCS, Head of Department of Ophthalmology at the University.
They are, from left to right:
Doctors Chin Kit Kong, Ooi Eng Aun, Chong Min Sin, Vincent Ooi Eu Sen, Thong Yee Heng, Chua Chin Tong.
October 2020
Famous Names (13)
He made the best use of his time in the colony by learning Cantonese, and later Mandarin and travelled extensively in China. He held a number of Senior posts in Hong Kong, British Guiana and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), before being appointed as Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner of the Federated Malay States in November 1929, taking up the appointment in February 1930, in place of Sir Hugh Clifford who had retired due to ill-health. (read more here)
Who’s our featured celebrity today? He is none other than Sir Cecil Clementi!
that Brewster Road photo studio….
No, I wasn’t talking about Chan Sam Lock. I was referring to Majestic Photo Service (130 Brewster Road, Ipoh). According to the above receipt, the customer bought one set of R. C. A. 23″ Newport television for $1,030.
A photo studio seling televisions? Hmm……
What is it?
Here’s something to keep you occupied this weekend. What do you think this is?
Famous October celebrities
Some of you may already recognise these men, famous brothers in the entertainment world (oops, gave away a big clue there!). Coincidentally, both were born in the month of October. Have any of you had the privilege of meeting them?
Now Here is Something Different
It is in our collection, but not yet listed in the database and may be difficult to guess. So let me give you a couple of clues:
Probably unique, it came from a tin mine near Lahat and was invented by a British Mining Engineer! It dates from the days when appropriate machinery was not yet available in Malaya.
…more haunting tales…
In keeping up with the Halloween theme, here’s a familiar landmark that may have had its fair share of spooky tales…
Somewhat triangular in shape the Odeon is adjacent to St Michael’s Catholic graveyard and like the post-war Rex Theatre, rumours that it is haunted abound. One popular rumour is that if you ever take off your shoes inside, you will never find them when the light comes on — even if nobody has sat in front, behind or next to you. Although the theatre was air conditioned, management would occasionally conserve energy by opening the doors on the side facing the graveyard creating a rather spooky feeling. The Theatre seated 850 on its main floor and in the balcony.
“That’s the spirit!”
Blythe Spirit is a comic play written by Noel Coward which takes its title from Percy Bysshe Shelley’s poem “To a Skylark” (“Hail to thee, blythe Spirit! / Bird thou never wert”). The play concerns socialite and novelist Charles Condomine, who invites the eccentric medium and clairvoyant, Madame Arcati, to his house to conduct a séance, hoping to gather material for his next book. The scheme backfires when he is haunted by the ghost of his annoying and temperamental first wife, Elvira, following the séance. Elvira makes continual attempts to disrupt Charles’s marriage to his second wife, Ruth, who cannot see or hear the ghost.
On that note, do you have any ‘memorable’ ghost stories to share? 😉
Ipoh Town, 1950s
Looks familiar? Then perhaps you could tell us where in Ipoh this place is. We’d like to thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this gem.
Ruth, if you’re reading this…SHHHH! Don’t give the readers the answer yet 🙂
‘chasing ghosts’ ?
Some people associate October with ghouls, spirits, and similar spooky stuff. Perhaps it’s because Halloween falls on 31st October; it could also be that we’ve just past the ‘Hungry Ghost’ month. Whatever the reason, some cinemas take advantage of the season by showing a variety of horror films.
That being said, does anyone remember this Chinese film – “The Ghost Chasers” ? It was shown at the Mayfair Theatre.
Indoor Games
Stuck indoors because of the weather? Or, perhaps forced to stay at home because of the MCO?
Well, here’s an idea of what you and your family could do to pass the time 🙂
When was the last time you played such a board game?
September 2020
‘Ipoh Supermarket’
This ‘Ipoh Supermarket’ opened on 1st September 1960. Anyone remember where it was? Is it still there?
A Trip to Thailand
This is a pass issued for permission of entry into southern Thailand, valid until 29th January 1978. The holder of the pass has used the pass several times, as can be seen from the chops on both sides of the pass, spanning the months July, August and September 1977. The pass bears the signature of the holder as well as the signature of the Officer issuing Pass (Official Post: Head of Immigration Post, Padang Besar, Perlis).
“PK 798”
Your ‘homework’ for today: Which street is this? Do you recognise the car?
(What about the man driving it?)
“for the love of Milo”
This is an example of what one can do with a used Milo tin – turning it into an oil lamp 🙂
Which brings us to this interesting article in today’s Star newspaper.
Any ‘collectors’ reading this? We’d love to hear your thoughts…
‘Discovering’ Perak…
Here’s your “homework” for today: Study these pictures carefully. How many of these places do you recognise?
Some clues can be found here. 😉
Famous Names (12)
This is part of a portrait picture of a gentleman who had the wellbeing of all people of all races at heart. This picture was taken from an article, which describes our ‘celebrity’ as “a good-hearted, unpretentious, scrupulous and honest man who led the Indians in the fight for an independent Malaya”.
I think our history buffs are already ‘yelling’ out the answer. Yes folks, this is none other than Tun V. T. Sambanthan 🙂
Coat of Arms
This hand-carved Coat of Arms was carved by Ho Mun Wai as a school project when he was in Standard 6 in 1976.
Here’s a little quiz for you: do you remember what each section symbolise?
August 2020
“From Chinese Nationalism to Malaysian Chinese”
“The Malaysian Chinese Association (MCA) was officially founded on 27th February 1949 by 16 men, two of whom were from Perak – Tun Leong Yew Koh and Woo Ka Lim of Ipoh.” – read more at Vicinity Perak – From Chinese Nationalism to Malaysian Chinese – Volume 2 Issue 12, September 2006
The above photo shows the Resident Commissioner (left) and Tun Leong Yew Koh (right).
Beginning of the MIC?
While we’re still on the topic of Merdeka (since 31st August is just around the corner), did you know that: “local Indian activism started in the early 20th century with the formation of associations such as the Taiping Indian Association, which particularly focused on the concerns of plantation workers” ? (quote from – Vicinity Perak – From Indian Nationals to Malaysian Indians – Volume 2 Issue 12, September 2006)
The above photo shows Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru (President of the Congress Party of India) speaking to the local Indian community in Kuala Kangsar, Perak in 1937.
Of Women and Merdeka…
Meeting of Kaum Ibu members in Ulu Selama, Perak (1958).
The confederation of Kumpulan Kaum Ibu into independent organisations later brought about the creation of Pergerakan Kaum Ibu UMNO (renamed Pergerakan Wanita) in 1949 when the party realised the importance of a permanent women’s auxiliary body. Its leader Puteh Mariah was a dedicated and feisty who took this body to greater heights and she fought for women’s rights thus creating new ventures for women in many areas.
Kaum Ibu also provided classes for betterment of its women and this resulted in some of them being appointed to senior party positions….(read more here)
“New” building…
Believe it or not, this was the first church building for Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Ipoh. This photo dates back to 1905.
Famous Names (11)
He had been part of the SMI family since 1939 and had helped to rescue vital equipment before the Japanese took over the school buildings. As a musician himself he gave personal encouragement to the Military and Cadet bands, as well as to stage productions. For more than 40 years, he served the students, the staff and the school with great respect, understanding and love.
The Michaelians are already grinning at this entry 🙂 Yes, boys (and girls), our featured celebrity is none other than Bro Ultan Paul!
guess the movie star…
Movie-buffs, do you recognise her? She once starred in “Ruby Gentry”, together with Charlton Heston 🙂
Familiar artifact?
Remember these fans? I still have one at home (which is worn, with age). But the one I have doesn’t have a motif like this one (pictured above). When was the last time you saw or used such a fan?
July 2020
Aidiladha Greetings
From all of us at: 
‘current affairs’
This Pamphlet, issued by the National Electricity Board’s Information Section, is all about electrical accidents and how we can avoid them. It was published in July 1967 and the pamphlet sketches were by Ibrahim Ismail.
The publication was most likely prompted by the 1966 statistics which showed that 16 people died as a result of electrical accidents and, according to the Chief Electrical Inspector, the majority of these accidents were found to be due to carelessness and faulty apparatus.
Some of the hazards, shown in the above picture, include:
EPF Records, from 1957
Does anyone recall what the Employees Provident Fund (EPF) records looked like back in 1957? Well, here’s a sample.
‘watchman’
No, we’re not talking about security guards. Have any of you used a Sony Watchman?
Swatow Coffee Shop
While we’re still on the topic of coffee shops and kopitiams…some of you may have heard of Swatow coffee shop. From the picture below, we know that this coffee shop operated at No.8 Aylesbury Street in Ipoh.
