Posts photos held by ipohWorld about which we have no information
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.
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 🙂
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.
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?
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?
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.
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
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
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.
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? 😉
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?
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).
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?
Duli Yang Maha Mulia Paduka Seri Sultan Azlan Muhibbuddin Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Yussuf Izzuddin Shah passed away today at the National Heart Institute (IJN) in Kuala Lumpur.
Raja Permaisuri Perak Tuanku Bainun and the sultan’s children, including the Acting Raja Perak Raja Dr Nazrin Shah, were by his side when he passed away.
The sad news was announced by Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir live on RTM1.
ipohWorld sends their condolences to the Royal Family on their loss.
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 🙂
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 🙂
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.
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 🙂
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?
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 🙂
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 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?
(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 😉
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?
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)
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.
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 🙂
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.
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.
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?
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’ 😉
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?
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.
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…
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 😉
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 😉
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]
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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….
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.
“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!
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 🙂
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 🙂
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)?
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…
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).
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?
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 🙂
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)!
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? 😉
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 🙂
Is it a stadium a school field or a swimming pool? You tell us please.
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.
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! 🙂
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?
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.
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?
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…?
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?
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!
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?).
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.
Yes, you read it right!
The above picture, taken in 1973, shows a couple at D R Seenivasagam Park. Through email, Ko-Chi Wai tells us that:
the rocks at the far side of the lake are still there today. however, the wooden platform where they are standing, and the wooden zigzag bridge across the lake are long gone. when I was a kid in the early 80s, my cousins and I used to feed the tilapia fishes from the very same platform.
Have any of you been fishing at this lake?
Does this street look familiar to you? Can you spot any famous buildings? Is this Ipoh town…or some other town in Perak?
As most of you can guess, this is Station Road. I’m guessing this picture was taken in the 50s (I could be wrong though).
We’d like to draw your attention to the row of shops on the right. What we’re trying to find out is: what was the shop on the extreme right (next to Charles Grenier)?
This picture was sent to us by Nicholas Jennings.
Familiar? This is the Taiping Bus Station, back in 1959. Has this place changed much over the years? Taiping folks, we’re hoping YOU could tell us more 🙂
This camp was built in 1949, in Taiping, to house surrendered Communists.
Does anyone know what’s become of this place? What is this place used as now? We’d love to hear more, especially from the Taiping folks 🙂
This is another landmark in Ipoh, designed by none other than B M Iversen. Yes, it is the Geological Survey department. Can you guess the year this picture was taken? Here’s a clue: the car facing the camera bears the number plate AA 3636.
Here’s a photograph of the foundation stone, sent to us by Ruth Rollitt.
This was taken in 1965, showing the entrance to Fort Telanok – one of the 13 jungle forts this side of the peninsula.
The next two pictures were probably from the same pile; one taken during a jungle op, and the other showing a troop posing next to a TUDM airplane.
We thank Chan Kok Keong for these pictures.
After WW2, Carradino D’Ascanio – the designer for the Piaggio Company – came up with a “simple, sturdy, and economical vehicle” which was also comfortable. This elegant design was named Vespa!
Here’s a row of Vespas, looking ‘pretty’ outside the shop houses. Recognise the street?
This was taken off a postcard; the date on the stamp says 1938, so we think the picture was taken a few years earlier.
Nevertheless, on the far left of the picture is the sign that reads as Huttenbach, Lazarus & Sons Ltd. Did any other business take up residence at the Chua Cheng Bok building?
Way back in 1966, this group of Ipoh teachers took a trip to Bangkok, Thailand.
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Are you in the picture? If so, do tell us where you’re standing/seated. Maybe some of you recognise your former teacher(s) here too 😉
In a follow up to a series of pictures of buildings in Kuala Kangsar (refer to Where Is It? & Where Is It? part 2),
we’d like to share two more – showing the Ubudiah Mosque and the Royal Mausoleum – which were sent to us via email from Nicholas Jennings.
This was sent to us by Keith Nelson.
Are those government quarters in the background? If so, where is this place?
Here’s another mystery for you: Do you know what building this is? Is it a government building or perhaps a Towkay’s mansion? Could this be in Ipoh? Or maybe somewhere within the Kinta district?
This picture was sent to us by Nicholas Jennings.
We have here a photograph from Chan Kok Keong. Anyone recognise the model of the motorbike? If you look closely, you can see the number plate – PK 57 – which would give you a hint as to the year.
Did any of you/your family own a vehicle with a PK number plate?
Ipoh was clearly more green back then. And there was less traffic too. Here we see a lone figure with two baskets balanced on a coolie pole, walking towards a bridge. Which bridge was this? What about the shady trees – are they still there?
We thank Alan for this 1960s picture.
Here’s a little puzzle for you: Where can this building be found? Is it somewhere in Perak? Or, perhaps in another state? We think it’s a mosque….but we could be wrong.
We await your feedback 🙂
We thank Nicholas Jennings for this picture which is from his grandmother’s album of the 1920’s.
Nicholas Jennings sent us these – showing Freda, the wife of J A S Jennings (Editor of Times of Malaya).
Freda with her friends at the Ipoh Race Course
Freda playing billiards at the Crag Hotel, Penang
What fashion trends were popular during YOUR time? Did you attempt the ‘Jackie Kennedy’ look? Or perhaps you had a pair of ‘Saturday Night Fever’ pants? 😉
Familiar? Looks like a street near your neighbourhood? Could this place be outside Ipoh? You tell us.
We thank Nicholas Jennings for sharing this photograph with us.
This was donated to us by one of our supporters – Chan Kok Keong. From what we know from the Chinese sign above the door this wedding photo was taken outside the Employee’s Association building. Does the building seem familiar to you? The letters KCCSA Ipoh under the Chinese characters may also help. Do you see any familiar faces in the photo? We await your comments 🙂
We’ve noticed that the past few blogs have prompted our fans to talk about the good food in Ipoh.
Artistic angle aside, if you look at the above picture closely you can see some ‘work’ in progress – yes, folks….the man is making Popiah!
There isn’t much background in the picture, but perhaps someone recognises this stall? As for the Popiah lovers, has your favourite dish changed over the years?
Here’s another picture sent to us from Alan.
Do these buildings seem familiar to you? I wonder where the photographer was standing when this picture was taken….
Know this street? Recognise the buildings? We await your comments! 🙂
Being an alumni of the Main Convent, Ipoh, I was surprised to note that there was once a kindergarten within the premises. Do any of the Convent alumni remember it? Is the building still there…or has it been converted into something else?
The above picture is from Dr Ho Tak Ming.
Our thanks goes out to Alan, for sharing this picture with us!
I admit I’m stumped at this one – sent to by IpohBornKid….it looks very familiar, but I can’t seem to figure out WHERE it is.
Think you could help us out? 🙂
Recognise the street? What about the building – Sun Kong Ah Coffee Shop & Hotel?
The above photograph is from Keith Nelson.
IpohBornKid shares his 3rd installment with us. Happy reading 🙂
The picture showing the first 12 grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan was probably taken in 1957, during the Chinee New Year. The location is the bungalow, the family residence of Chong Soon Fan. The background building with the tin roof is the Nanyang Picture Theatre where the daughter of Chong Soon Fan was married.
Among the grandchildren, the eldest grand daughter and grandson came from the Pun family. Ranking in seniority among grandchildren were as follows: SFPun, YFPun, SLPun, (FWong,SLian Pun, YV Chong, PL Khoo – all same age), YW Chong, KC Khoo, YF Chong, KO Khoo, YT Chong.
Among the first 12 grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan who now resides overseas are Dr SF Pun (US), Dr SL & YF Pun (Australia), SLn, F Wong, YT Chong & YW Chong (UK) , KO Khoo (Canada). At the moment, Dr SF and Dr SL are proud grandparents., More 5th generation babies will be popping out soon. After the first 12 grandchildren, many others were born after the picture was taken and at last count, there were additional 3 residing in UK, 1 in Canada and 4 in Australia.
Among the 12 grandchildren there can be found graduates in Medicine, Science, Law, Engineering, IT,Teachers, Nurses and Businessmen.
I would like to invite those of you who are featured in this photograph to give your side of the history. Later chapters in this series will talk about a day in the life of the Family in in early 1960s, the other grandchildren and the golden wedding anniversary of Chong Soon Fan.
The number of grandchildren residing overseas reflects the sad picture of Malaysian brain drain to the Western countries since 1950s but it also reflects the global spread of the Chinese diaspora in Western countries.
Nicholas Jennings sent us these pictures some time ago. They were said to be taken around the early 1960s.
Nicholas (with Bintang, the family pet), together with his mother Joyce, his sisters Alison and Christina, and Ramah the nanny.
The Amah and her 3 children
Nicholas, who once lived at 141 Jalan Abdul Jalil had this to say:
Amah was our house cleaner, while her husband was our cook. My family was extremely close to our servants–they really were like family, especially Ramah (I remember fondly the times that Ramah took our family to her family’s kampong for homecooked Malayan meals). But we sadly lost touch with them when we returned to Canada. It would be wonderful if, through the portal of IpohWorld, we might be able to reconnect with them all these many years later.
Anyone who could tell us MORE about these women, Nicholas (and we at IpohWorld too!) would love to hear from you 🙂
Ruth Iversen Rollitt sent this to us some time ago. It is said to be the house of the former Secretary of the Perak Turf Club. Ruth’s father B M Iversen designed this beauty.
…..Southern Motors? Which part of town was it? I do wonder if the shop is still there.
On an aesthetic note, I do like how the motorcycles have lined up in front of the shop….
Is this place part of one of the famous parks in Ipoh? Do you know where it is? Is this place still there?
We thank Ruth Rollitt for these pictures.
The first picture (top) shows the quarters, back in 1931. The bottom picture shows the stables.
I’ve never seen the inside of the turf club, but I’m sure those of you who have can tell us if much has changed.
Recognise this church? Do you know where it is? Is it still there?
Judging from the response to our previous posts, I’m sure you observant lot have NO problem guessing this one! 🙂
This picture was taken back in 1959 by Keith Nelson.
We thank Keith Nelson for this gem.
Just a thought: these young men were obviously checking out the sites of Ipoh Town during that time…..where were YOU back in 1959? 😉
This picture is from Ralph Khaw, who was the drum major in the SMI Cadet Band. This was taken in 1970 at the Perak Stadium – the Ipoh Combined School Bands. Among the schools which participated were SMI, MGS, and Perak Girls’ School. According to Ralph, either Raja Perempuan School or Poi Lam took part as well.
Do you guys remember this event? It wasn’t that long ago….I’m sure some of the band members remember 🙂
We had previous comments about what the Oriental Hotel used to look like. Hence, here is a coloured one of the hotel (which has sadly seen better days).
For those who don’t know, this building is now an electrical store.
…that Brewster Road was this ’empty’ back in 1959?
From the traffic I see today, I can hardly believe it myself!
This picture is courtesy of Keith Nelson, a former British National serviceman.
Keith Nelson, a former British National serviceman, sent us this picture.
This was taken in 1959. Do any of you recognise this coffee shop? Is it still around?
We’re featuring another photograph about SMJK Poi Lam. From what our donor (Veronica Woo) told us, the Poi Lam Alumni will be having a gathering this Saturday. With that in mind, how many of you former Poi Lam teachers/students recognise this (see below)?
This is a photo of teachers of SMJK Poi Lam, Ipoh during the school general assembly on 12 November, 1970. SMJK Poi Lam, a Chinese-based secondary school, was founded by the Perak Hock Kean Association in 1955. In the early years, the school started off with only three classrooms and an enrolment of 120 students. Then, in 1962 SMJK Poi Lam was granted status as a government-aided school. The first principal of the school was Mr Ng Cheng Aik who retired in 1976 after 21 years of service in the teaching profession.
This photo was taken on 17 December, 1967 during SMJK Poi Lam’s school visit to Nanyang Siang Pau office. The two lady teachers were dressed in their traditional Chinese cheongsam. The girls were wearing their white sleeveless blouse and black skirt uniform while the boys were all attired in their white short-sleeved shirts and shorts. This was the uniform common for all Chinese secondary schools then. The new school uniform policy was implemented in 1969. From that year onwards until today, female students from all types of secondary schools in Malaysia are required to wear the white blouse and turquoise pinafore uniform while the boys their white short-sleeved shirts and olive green long pants.
We thank Veronica Woo for the picture and the short story.
To all our Poi Lam Alumni out there…..do you remember this school trip? Do share some of your memories with us 🙂
This photograph is marked 1966 on the reverse but,
When was this hotel built?
Who owned it?
What’s become of it now?
Yes, we have SO many questions about this place……that’s why we’ve turned to YOU – our Readers – to help us out. 🙂
It was early in the new millenium when the Yau Tet Shin Bazaar was demolished. It now remains an empty plot and has since been turned into a parking lot 🙁 Recently we heard about some plans to rebuild it…
What the Bazaar looked like in the 90s (the Syuen Hotel can be seen in the background, far right).
The proposed design for the New Bazaar.
Has anyone heard the latest news regarding this project? Do tell us more.
Due to popular demand, we have here some of the pictures taken of the interior of the former Lido Cinema – after the recent fire.
Left to Right: the lobby; the false ceiling
Left to Right: the stairs leading to the balcony; the balcony
For more pictures, do visit our Facebook page.
I’m refering to this black-beauty……this classic Mercedes (yes, it IS a Mercedes; if you look closely you can see the sign on the hood). This picture is taken from the Yeoh Family album. Judging from the car’s number plate, I’m guessing that this was taken in the early 1940s. I could be wrong though…..you experts out there would know better 🙂
Another thing that caught my eye was the shop sign (far right) which says: Peter Chong & Co; Educational Supplies, Stationers, Printers, etc. etc. Are they still in business? If so, where in Ipoh are they?
This is Mano, with part of the cast from the movie ‘Anna and the King’. (Mano played ‘Moonshi’ in the movie)
This picture was taken on location, back in 1999, and we were wondering: WHERE are the ‘Royal Children’ now? Recognise any of them? Or maybe you recognise yourself here?
We’d love to hear from you!
…or, what happens when 2 of Ipoh’s famous sons get together?
From what Mano told us, this was taken at the Astro Recording Studio back in 1998. Lat is seen here explaining the English version of the award-winning animated series of ‘Kampong Boy’.
I know many of you have read ‘Kampong Boy’; has anyone seen the animated series?
Well, if you have…you might know which character Mano did the voice over for 🙂
Were there any other famous names doing voices for the various characters?
These pictures were taken from the St Michael’s Church Centenary Magazine. Shown below are members of the church choir – from the 1930s and 1990s.
The Choir, way back in 1935.
A 1990 picture of the new Choir.
Anyone familiar in either of the groups? Perhaps some of you may know them; maybe there were/are some famous Ipoh-folks in the pictures?
…when you could buy a Chevy in Ipoh 😉
As some of you may have guessed, the building on the far left – with the large ‘Chevrolet’ sign – is none other than Borneo Motors. Next to Borneo Motors is Ipoh Motors (formerly Cycle and Carriage Co, Ltd.) and across the road is the Brewster Road Fire Station.
Note that: Yik Foong Complex is NOT in the pictur; which means this was definately taken before the 1960s. Also observe that Brewster Road was still a two-way street (and almost FREE from traffic jams!). Could it have been the 1940s? Or earlier? You tell us 🙂
We thank Dr Ho Tak Ming for this picture.
While we’re still on the topic of movie theatres/cinema halls, do you recognise the building in the background? Can also guess what year this picture was taken? If YOU are the guy posing in front of the cinema, we’d really love to hear from you! 🙂
We pick up where we left off in our previous post – regarding the Lido Cinema – where we were told that the the top two pictures were in fact the Rex Cinema and NOT Lido. Today, we present to you MORE pictures of the inside of Lido. 🙂 We thank Ruth Rollitt for her contribution.
This was taken by Ruth back in 2009 (see below). It is said to be the inside of the former ticket booth.
And now – the Lido Floor Plans as requested.
Remember what Lido Cinema used to look like back then?
the foyer
the ticket booth
A special thanks going out to Ruth Rollitt for sending us these lovely gems! 🙂
…..these ladies decided to take a walk around Ipoh Town. Can you recognise which road they’re crossing? Anything in the background look familiar to you?
As part of the promotion for the movie ‘Cat on a Hot Tin Roof’, the Lido Cinema featured “Maggie the Cat” 😉
I wonder how many of our followers out there saw “Maggie” (picture above)! Does anyone know WHO’s the lady in the white dress?
Do they look familiar to you? (Or, perhaps you may be one of the children in the picture?)
This picture was said to be taken in Kampar. In the background is Weng Heng Aerated Water Factory. Is the factory still there, maybe under a different name? Or, has the premises been bought over by another company?
What do you Kampar folks think? We’d like to hear from you 🙂
I’m sure many of you out there recognise this building (see below) 🙂
Do you have any stories about wedding dinners in the Imperial Rom for us please and we would also like to know what’s become of the book store? (see close-up below).
We look forward to your comments 😉
Warned that something was “up” in Gopeng Road I dropped by this afternoon. But nothing was “up” however – quite the opposite – No 62 was on the way “down”.
Yes, the Ipoh demolition team were at it again. So I dropped in on the Chinese foreman who seemed to agree with me that it was a terrible shame, but a job is a job! Well, the front still looked pretty OK.
But the back is a different story, where work is well advanced, both inside and out.
Then I noticed the left hand end and from inside saw this beautiful round room with open air designs to the garden and wondered why they had left it intact. Could they be going to rebuild and not demolish after all?
And I wondered – is this the second Iversen building to be destroyed in less than one week or do the owners have some other plan? What do you think?
[click to enlarge]
Dear Ipoh-ites…..can you guys guess the year this photograph was taken? The familiar landmarks may give you some clues 🙂
Here’s another hint: at the bottom left there seems to be some construction going on (at the back of Waller Court Flats) – this site later became S.K. Coronation Park 😉
Happy guessing!
Here’s a photograph of Ipoh Motors – yes, the same Ipoh Motors which was once a familiar sight along Brewster Road. It is said that the building was previously the premises of Cycle & Carriage Co. Ltd.
Any idea as to WHEN this photograph was taken. We think it’s the 1950s – since Ipoh Motors did move off to another premise, leaving the building empty for some time…
Believe it or not, the Pasar Besar in Ipoh New Town isn’t that ‘old’! This early 1900s picture (taken from the Kinta Valley book) is quite unique – has there been that much change since Towkay Yau Tet Shin built this place?
I’ve noticed that those large rattan baskets are still in use today….
Ok, maybe not the people in the picture…but how about the bikes?
Recognise the models? Bonus question: does anyone know the building in the background of the second picture?
Back in the early 1900s, Hoot & Company were “direct importers of motor-cycles and tri-cars” (more can be found at our database). I wonder what has become of this shop lot today? It is also interesting to note that while Hoot & Co operated at No. 93 Belfield Street, their neighbour at No.95 was none other than Hinode Photographer.
Besides the Seenivasagam brothers, Ipoh was also ‘home’ for two brothers of the LaBrooy family – C H LaBrooy & H W LaBrooy. These brothers used to live at Dulcieville Lane, Ipoh (the area which is now Parkson Ipoh Parade).
We have here a 1980s picture of the LaBrooy Building. As you can see, it was once used by UMBC. Anyone know what the LaBrooy building is used for now? Has any company bought it/renting it?
Before it was converted into the Darul Ridzuan Museum, this 10-room bungalow (along Douglas Road) was built for none other than one of Ipoh’s famous miners – Foo Choong Yit – back in 1926. Later, in 1940, two air raid shelters were constructed in the compound (in anticipation of Japanese aerial attacks). Ten years later, the Government took over this building and it became the premises for the Perak National Home Guard. Post Independence (1957), this place housed the Public Services Department, then later (1992) converted in the Darul Ridzuan Museum.
[Note: This is NOT an actual photograph of Foo Choong Yit’s mansion; it has been Photoshopped to create an impression of the original building]
One thing I do not understand about Ipoh is that here we have a beautiful hotel building used as an electrical store while so many entrepreneurs are knocking up ugly buildings all over the place which they happily call one of the three b’s – backpacker, budget or boutique hotels . Why didn’t one of them consider this fine building for restoration instead?
Do you have any thoughts on this anomaly or any stories about this building?
No, this is NOT a product of Photoshop!
There was a ‘Parkson Ria’ shopping mall in Ipoh, somewhere in the late 1980s/early 1990s. Does anyone remember it? Did it close because of the fire….or before the fire broke out?
[ For those of you still wondering, let me put you out of your misery – yes, this IS the famous Lam Looking Bazaar 😉 ]
Here’s another set of photographs from the Macduffs, taken in the 1950s (before they left Malaya).
This one shows the boys’ handicap race; Ian is said to be the boy standing 3rd from the left, while Ian and Sheila’s father – Ken Macduff – is the official in the far right (the one with the unique hairstyle).
The picture on the left shows the children standing in line, waiting to use the diving board. The picture on the right is probably the Macduff family.
Yes, folks. THIS is what the Kampar Police Station looked liked. This picture was taken by Mayfair Studio, back in 1956. I bet the Kampar-folks would have a story or two to share with us! 🙂
NEW PHOTO OF THE KAMPAR POLICE STATION (picture courtesy of Rafique)
These lovely ladies (in sunglasses) look REALLY happy! Could it be because of the ‘diamonds’? (see below)
I really can’t tell what they’re trying on/ or what they eventually purchased….but I do know that this scene took place at none other than the famed Soon Yik Goldsmith shop!
From what was written at the back of this photograph, we know that:
Any Lions Club members out there? We’d like to know MORE about this event.
PS: does anyone remember WHO the Menteri Besar of Perak was that year?
Sent to us by Norman Doctor from the UK, these aerial shots were taken in the 1950s. The shots were probably taken during the routine supply drops.
Does anyone out there recognise these forts? There aren’t that many clues, but we’re hoping someone out there knows a bit more about these places.
When we stumbled upon this picture, I couldn’t help but wonder: WHERE have I seen this place before?
Could this be somewhere in New Town? Old Town? Or perhaps even Ipoh Garden?
The interior of the store (especially the display case in front) look so familiar…anyone care to make a guess?
Thanks to Ruth Rollitt, we now have some interior pictures of the Lam Looking Bazaar.
For those of you who were curious to know what the interior looked like, feast you eyes on these! 🙂
the staircase inside the building
left to right: the top floor, which became a cinema hall; the corridor on the upper floor
….that THIS (picture above) was the ORIGINAL design of the Lam Looking Bazaar! (click image to enlarge)
Thanks to Ruth Rollitt (daughter of the late B M Iversen), we have here the drawing of this famous building. Ruth also had this to say in her email:
The firm of Keys & Dowdeswell left Singapore in the early 30’s in disgrace, after the Board of Architects had found them guilty of professional misconduct and struck them off the register. He took over the jobs that were under construction, but it was not an easy time. My father was 25 years old and for the first time in his life – his own master. He had to pay for the ‘goodwill’ and no longer received a monthly salary. But gradually things started to improve, he got more and more work and by 1932 he was well established, making a name for himself. From this period he really came into his own and started producing work that became landmark buildings.
Ruth also mentioned that her father wrote to his wife, way back in 1931, about this ‘big job’ being a ‘very smart business transaction’.
We are indeed very thankful to Ruth for sharing with us this gem. 🙂
This was sent to us some time ago by Sybil de Roquigny-Iragne. I must say, those shop houses in the background seem familiar! Recognise them?
On a different note, taking a break and relaxing (like the youths in the picture) at parks/open spaces in Ipoh was once a luxury…..sadly, some of our parks/gardens are now disappearing….. 🙁
Yes folks, your eyes are NOT playing tricks on you – that IS an F&N bottle on the rooftop of the Lam Looking Bazaar! This form of advertising seemed quite common back then; there was a similar bottle on the other side of the rooftop (front part of the building) – which can be viewed here.
We thank KKFoong for this picture 🙂
We have here Nigel Jennings, together with Cedric, Harold, his mother and aunt.
What we’d like to draw your attention to are the toys at the bottom of this picture! Notice the pedal-car, the steam engine and the Meccano set 🙂
I confess to having played with a pedal-car in my younger days; what was YOUR childhood like?
We thank Nicholas Jennings for this lovely picture.
Aaron Ong sent us this photo and said:
“Just want to show you pictures of a model tower crane I made with Meccano. Those are my kids beside the model.
The boom of this particular model tower can swivel via a manual hand crank, and the trolley (with the yellow wheels) can traverse (run along the boom).
The hook is a heavy lead hook with quadruple pulley system to engage heavy loads and can be actuated via electric motor with reduction gear, (the red box at the other end of the boom).
While kids these days have loads of virtual fun with their ipads and computers I too had loads of real fun with my meccano, besides honing my engineering skills.”
Thanks Aaron.
Here we have a picture of Nigel Jennings on the verandah of Rose Cottage in the Cameron Highlands. He is wearing a green blazer and cap both sporting a school badge. We would love to know which school this was.
Inserted in the picture bottom left you can see the badge is an “S” and then a “T” or a cross amd possibly an “M”. No prixes except that you have helped Nigel remember and enhanced our site with more information.
Incidentally, Nigel was born in December 1924 so this photo is pronbly from the early 30’s.
We look forward to your comments.
This street scene seems familiar, but we can’t quite identify the place. Could it be Ipoh? Gopeng? Kampar? You tell us! Perhaps some of the shop signs might help.
Were you part of the Hash House Harriers? This group picture (from Thomas Lee) was taken to mark their 600th run, back in July 1976 – when the Harriers finished their Kulim-Ipoh run.
Do they still have such runs today? Any HHH members out there like to tell us MORE?
Ruth Rollitt updated us about the moving of the golf club from Golf Club Road to Tiger Lane in a previous blog http://www.ipohworld.org/?p=3056. She also sent the following photographs.
Her comment that went with these photos said:
“When my father (B M Iversen) arrived in Ipoh in 1930 he was working for the firm of architects:: Keys & Dowdeswell. One of the projects he was working on was the renovating of the Ipoh Golf Club. I attach a photo of the club as it was then – from one of my albums. The other photo? Not sure?
The following year the firm folded and my father started up his own: B M Iversen – architect.”
So it seems that the original post http://www.ipohworld.org/?p=3056 was correct and the buildings shown were at the Golf Club Road site and around 1931/1932 moved to Tiger Lane and rebuilt with significant improvements by Ruth’s father.
Does anyone recognise the second photo as being part of the Royal perak Golf Club today?
This is the house that was taken over by the church from the mining company French Tekka on Tambun Road for the original Novena. Designed by my father pre-war. It was demolished and a hotel stands where it once graced Tambun Road.
Such were the words of Ruth Iversen Rollitt (daughter of the famous Danish architech B M Iversen) in a recent email. The above picture was said to be taken sometime in the late 1930s (I’m making a rough guess, say 1938 perhaps?). Those of you who remember this building BEFORE it was demolished, do tell us more 🙂
We’re proud to annouce that we have another picture of this church, courtesy of generous parishioner 🙂
Seems like this picture was taken during the church’s annual Feast Day. Can anyone guess the year?
A while ago, we featured a post about the on-going ‘renovations’ of the Station Gardens. So far, we’ve heard no news about what’s going on behind those boards. Has there been any progress lately? If anyone has noticed anything, do let us know.
In the mean time, here is a 1950s picture of what the gardens used to look like. Picture by Ruth Iversen Rollitt.
Have any of you seen this product before? I wonder if such products are used by Martial Arts students/instructors today – perhaps they use a different brand? This one was produced and distributed by F & L Medical Hall and the bottle bears the warning.
“For external use only.
Keep away from
FIRE or FLAME.”
This is a close-up of the man featured on the box of the training lotion. What interests us as the pictures were in the Foo family album. Could this have been our donor’s father from Pasir Puteh?
We thank Shuen Huey for these pictures 🙂
This picture was taken on 28th September 1922! It was in conjunction with the birthday of Confucius.
Does anyone recognise the shophouses in the background? There aren’t many clues, but perhaps someone out there knows WHERE in Ipoh this is?
Believe it or not, this is what Jalan Yang Kalsom looked like in the 50s. Is the Cathay Hotel (left) still in business? I know the SHELL station (right) is gone now. What about the Ford building (in the background)? On that same note, where is the Ritz Hotel?
Here’s a rare picture of the former Post Office (behind the Ipoh Town Hall). Notice the stalls beneath the shady tree – and the crowd of patrons too!
We thank Ruth Rollitt for this gem 🙂
Charlie reminds us (#13 below) about Savings Stamps and immediately Hasbi sent us these scans. Thank you both so much.
I never cease to be amazed and fascinated by how well our readers support us. We are so glad to have you all with us. Thank you.
These pictures were sent to us by Lam Lai Meng, an Alumni of MGS.
This first picture needs no explanation.
The second picture was taken at the Regal Lodge, Ipoh. This large group met on 16th of February 2010, during the Chinese New Year period.
Lam had this to say about this picture:
“CNY 2010 photo – no. 4 and 5 are husband and wife teachers Mr and Mrs Ho Ho Chuen. Mr Teh Chin Seong is no 6 and his wife is no. 7. This could possibly be one of the last photos of Mr Teh before he passed away a few months after Feb 2010.”
Are you somewhere in any/both of these pictures? Do point yourself out….and DO tell us about this reunion!
In a previous blog, we mentioned the Ipoh Tutorial Institute. When Ruth Rollitt sent us this picture (below), we couldn’t help but wonder: Were these institutes one and the same? If so, when did they move to the bigger building?
In case some of you are wondering, this building is STILL THERE today…but it’s not the Tutorial Institute anymore.
Lam Lai Meng sent us this 1967 picture of some MGS girls painting a 3-panel mosaic like mural, on the wall above the Principal’s office. The mural is said to depict women in various occupations. The Teacher standing on the far left is none other than Mrs Vivian Chong.
To the MGS Alumni reading this: Recognise yourself in the picture? For those who have not seen the aforementioned mural, here’s a preview (picture below).
This is the other end of Leech Street. On the left is the Sun Cinema (yes, the SAME Sun Cinema that our local cartoonist Lat drew in his cartoons!). Does anyone know the building on the right?
We thank Ruth Rollitt for this rare gem 🙂
We received this picture from a STAR Alumni. The donor of this picture also gave us a list of the marked places in this picture.
Marked in green:
1. Tiger Lane (Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah)
2. Dairy Road (Jalan Raja Muda Mahadi)
3. Sekolah Izzuddin Shah
4. Pejabat Kaji Bumi & Minerals
5. Canning Garden
Marked in red:
A. Entrance to STAR at Tiger Lane
B. Administration office, Hall and Class rooms
C. Industrial & Science Labs, Library
D. Sixth Form hostel
E. Remove Class hostel
F. Green House hostel
G. Blue House hostel
H. Black House hostel
I. Red House hostel
J. White House hostel
K. Yellow House hostel
L. Dining-hall
Those of you who pass some of these roads/places often can testify that SO MUCH has changed over the years 🙂
These pictures were taken at the Opening Ceremony of Hock Wah Tin Mining Co. in Sungkai, Perak. The opening was on 23rd February 1967; seen here cutting the ribbon is none other than HRH Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah, the then Sultan of Perak.
Our donor, Emily Lowe (www.emily2u.com/), gave us some names. In this second picture, from left to right are: Ho Mee Wan (the girl in the white dress), Ho Choon Wah; Dato Shaari bin Haji Wahab (Comptroller of the Royal Household, Istana Iskandariah, Kuala Kangsar); HRH Sultan Idris, and his consort Che Puan Negara Perak (carrying a checkered handbag). Standing behind the royal couple is Dato Ron Boxall (a Planter who worked in Sungkai).
Update: Emily sent us another picture taken at the opening of the mining company. back in 1967. This picture shows Dato Ron Boxall bidding goodbye to the Royal Couple – Sultan Idris and his consort Che Puan Negara Perak.
More of the famous car driven by Sultan Idris. Special thanks to Emily for the latest update 🙂
This is the front cover of the STAR school commemorative book – published by the Old Boys Association of Sekolah Tuanku Abdul Rahman, Ipoh. This book came out in 2007, to mark the school’s 50th Anniversary.
This picture shows the very first batch of teachers – way back in 1957!
STAR alumni out there, we’d like to hear from you! 🙂
We would like to express our thanks to the STAR Old Boys Association for gifting this book to the ipohWorld library.
…that this was Pasir Puteh back in the 1960s? Yes, take a GOOD LOOK at the pictures below 🙂
Shops with zinc roofs.
Mercedes Benz Bus, Ipoh Omnibus Co.
These pictures were provided by Mano, while SK gave us a little write-up:
Mano stayed at No 7, New Pasir Puteh & LMS 136 further down the road at 94, New Pasir Puteh. I stayed in 429A, New Pasir Puteh behind the row of shops hidden by the trees. Dont know if this was the ice kachang stall. LMS136 moved out from here in 1958, Mano in 1963 and me in 1966.
The Sundry shop, Tong Huat which was opposite Mano house diagonally had a coffee shop where the coffee shop owner had a shining bald head like marble top. We used to have coffee there & my father would pour the coffee onto the sauce plate for us to drink as it would get cooler & faster this way. Lat drew this in his cartoon. I liked the noodle & the bean curd pieces which was wrapped in mengkuang & fish paste ( foo peh ) Just in front of Tong Huat Sundry Shop , there was a man selling a round pan kueh made of flour, margarine & grounded nuts ( Tai Kow Meen ).
Opposite the road would be a bicycle shop where we watched the Black & White TV of Man landing on the moon. This is the part I am not too sure. It stated the 1st landing on the moon was July, 1969 but I recalled it was much earlier. Unless it was something significant, maybe 1965 or 1966 as I shifted to Jalan Pasir Puteh, near Jalan Pasir Puteh School in 1967. I remember standing outside the bicycle shop with my brothers & neighbours watching the event as only a few household had TV & this one was for public viewing unlike now where public viewing is catered for football fans in mamak shops.
Coming to the date of watching landing on the moon on TV in front of the bicycle shop, since it was July 1969, which I had left New Pasir Puteh, it could be the first American man that came out from the capsule walking in space then.
NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration … the Gemini 4 mission on June 3, 1965, Ed White became the first American to conduct a spacewalk. This was more likely. I was still in 429A, New Pasir Puteh.
On the left side of Tong huat, after a break road from Tong Huat, was this factory making Coconut Candy. Remember the ice ball which cost us only 5 cents. The ice-seller would roll it & put the sugar coating & at times, she would put some read beans inside the middle. If we sucked the coating too fast, we have to throw the ice ball away as the sugar coating had not reached the middle. Yeah, I think the Indian Shop owner was a shame to cheat young boys. Next to the shop was the barber where we cut our hairs. I think there was one Indian grocery shop along the same row.
The end shop Picture No 1, there was a corner bungalow with a big compound occupied by a Malay Family. One of the daughter’s name was ” Puteh”. There was also a small road leading inside Lat’s Kampong & in that row of houses, which was where the Ham brothers lived. (The Fabulous Falcons)
All these were gone when I visited these places a few months ago. A complete change & if Mano picture had not captured it, that moment would be gone with the wind.
Some time ago, some of our Readers talked about the ‘Novena Church’ along Tambun Road. Here are two pictures of the said church, taken during the annual procession.
The ‘Novena Church’ moved to a new location in the early 1970s – now known as the OMPH Church in Ipoh Garden. The building at Tambun Road has been demolished and on the same plot of land now stands Heritage Hotel.
Can anyone tell us which year these pictures was taken? We’d also like to know more about the church/event…..also, if anyone has MORE pictures of the actual building (interior/exterior) do let us know.
Those liviing in and around Lim Gardens would be familiar with this school (see picture below).
Yes, it’s none other than Tarcisian Convent – which was yet another ‘sister school’ of the HIJ Convent.
We don’t have much about this school, so if anyone out there knows more we’d love to hear from you. Maybe you’re a former student/teacher; if so, do share your memories with us! 🙂
Yes, folks. Time to test your Geographical knowledge of Ipoh 🙂
We were told that this is part of Greentown. Do you know WHERE in Greentown this is? Is 3rd Avenue still there, or has this road been renamed?
We’d like to draw your attention (away from this lovely couple 🙂 ) to the large signboard in the background. Yes, it says ‘Tanjong Rambutan’ in 4 languages! Similar signboards are very hard to come by these days. I do wonder: is this particular signboard still there?
Incidentally, this picture was taken at the former TR railway station. Rumour has it this station will soon ‘disappear’ as Perak continues to develop……..sad but true 🙁
We know him as Rocky Teoh – a Taiping-born lad who loved singing and entered many talent contests. Shown here is the front cover of his album, which features two of Rocky’s famous songs: ‘There’s Always Me’ and ‘Crying In The Chapel’. Rocky and the Fabulous Falcons have performed in Cathay Organisation Theatres throughout the country; they even toured Thailand back in 1965 too!
Has anyone seen Rocky and the Falcons perform LIVE? I’m sure these boys had their fair share of screaming fan-girls (and boys too?) 😉
And to the members of the Falcons – we’d LOVE to hear from you!
The Perak Motor Club‘s history goes back as early as 1907. The popularity of the club can be owed to the “large numbers of European tin miners and rubber planters and the ubiquitous, wealthy, mining Towkays” in Perak – who ‘contributed’ to the vast number of motor cars in the state. This picture was taken during the Tapah/Cameron Highlands Time Trial, which was one of the many events organised by the club.
From the number plate (PK 6207), we can deduce that this was before the war. Note how the passenger leans out to the side as the driver takes the corner; this is done to balance the car as it turns.
Sometimes, the driver can’t really control his car…..as this second picture shows. (We hope both the driver and his passenger escaped unharmed)
Such races did go on well after the war (you can read a little about Tom Wilson’s experience here). Does the Perak Motor Club still organise such events? Have YOU witnessed/taken part in any of these events? We’d like to hear your views 🙂
These pictures are from Yeoh Lam Swee
To the alumni of NTPS Pasir Puteh: does this (picture below) ring a bell?
The lady seated in the front row is none other than the ‘elusive’ Mdm Chow. How many of you remember her? As SK (our donor) told us, Mdm Chow keeps a ‘low profile’. Nevertheless, I’m sure her students will always remember her dedication and patience in ‘shaping’ the future leaders. 🙂
Suffice to say, the picture explains it all 🙂
I especially like the doll attached to the hood of the car (which is rarely seen today). Well IpohWorld fans: do you remember YOUR wedding car?
This picture was taken back in the 1950s – around 1952/53. I wonder how many of our Readers out there remember this antique radio. Don’t forget the cabinet which this radio is sitting on! I’ve been to houses where such cabinets are still in use; also take note of those miniature liquor bottles too 🙂
And what about that television set behind this lovely lady? Could it have been a PYE set? What other unique deco can you spot?
This is yet another gem from Huey Foo’s collection, which has been lent to us so generously. The lady in the picture is Huey Foo’s aunt who once lived at Pasir Puteh, Ipoh.
…..folks in Ipoh witnessed the 9-Goddess Celebrations. The procession passed through one of Ipoh’s busiest roads, back in 1982/83.
As you can see in this picture, they are passing by the Perak Chinese Foundry Association (building on the left). Anyone have any idea about the other building in the background – the one under construction?
Here’s another picture of the procession.
In this picture you can see the crowd standing at the sidewalk. And for those of you who (still) don’t recognise this street – check out the building on the left: yes, it is none other than the Times of Malaya building!
We’d like to thank Shuen Huey Foo (of Ipoh) for these pictures 🙂
This cute picture is from Shuen Huey Foo, of Ipoh. Recognise this place?
The signboard in the background says “Taman Didekan Kanak2 Wesley, Pasir Pinji, Ipoh”.
I’m guessing this was probably in the early 1980s (could be wrong, though). Is this kindergarten still around? Was it another branch of the Wesley Kindergarten along Lahat Road?
You tell us 🙂 Perhaps, someone in this picture remembers his/her face and could tell us more?
The top picture is said to be Form 5 Science, back in 1967. The bottom one is the Anderson School Library Prefectorial Board, also from 1967. Do you see yourself in any/both of these pictures? We’d like to hear from you – perhaps tell us a tale or two about your years at Anderson School, Ipoh 🙂
We’d like to thank Lai Wai Mun for these two pictures.
But can anyone tell us when they will open again please. The world misses this famous hostelry which has been closed for restoration since 1 March 2008 – almost 4 years!
But what a night the 29th February was – the last night. Were you there?
By the way, for more photos of this grand old building and its history I have just put up a new album on our Facebook page.
Photographs kindly supplied by Weng Ong Lee.
One look at this picture (click to enlarge), and I’m sure many of you out there are already grinning – yes, this is a VERY familiar street in Ipoh 🙂 But what we’d like to know more about is the shop in the background (far right) – ‘Any & Co Gift House’. What’s become of this shop?
We thank the Yeoh family for this picture – which is actually part of the Funeral Procession of the late Yeoh Kuon Joo, back in 1947.
We received these interesting pictures from Ralph Khaw (from Perth, Australia). He also emailed us a short explanation for the above pictures:
“I can’t remember the date of the singout organised in MGS , involving students from MGS,ACS,SMI. I played a small part as a member of Choir. The teacher singing is Eddie Chin,teacher of MGS. One of female lead singer is Lim Siok Kim.( who later became my
sister-in-law and now residing in St Albans,UK). Miss Devi was the teacher and conductor/director of the musical “Sing-out”. A few months later it was performed in KL, due to its popularity but can’t remember the hall /venue. I can’t remember the name of the other female lead singer. The songs were from Oklahoma, and a few musical plays.
According to Ralph, he was also in this choir (back row, top from right). Anyone remember this singout? It couldn’t have been that long ago. Perhaps, some of the singers are reading this now? DO tell us MORE about this singout 🙂
Anyone remember this van? Was this the van that delivered movie reels to the various Shaw cinemas? Or, perhaps this van was used for advertising?
We think that the man in the photo is the father of Shuen Huey Foo (our donor). Thanks Huey Foo 🙂
Our donor Chooi Lau Fai had this to say, regarding these pictures:
“Both photos were taken in either 1952 or 1953. The scout master was Mr Sohor. The first photo was taken on the Iskandar Bridge on our way to the Istana Kuala Kangsar. The second photo was taken in the grounds of the Istana. Back then, some of us did not even have the money to buy scout uniforms.”
All you Scouts out there, what were YOUR memories like? We’d like to hear from you 🙂
Note: The students in both photos were said to be from the ACCS (Anglo Chinese Continuous School), later known as the Methodist Afternoon School.
This one should bring back some memories 🙂
Can any of you guess what year it is? What about those in the picture? Were they your teachers? (click to enlarge)
We’d like to thank Shuen Huey Foo, from Ipoh, for this picture.
Yes, you read it right! These are the kiddies from the Sam Tet Kindergarten – back in 1980 🙂
See yourself in the group? Maybe you were one of the teachers?
We can’t wait to hear from you 😉
We’ve come across many photographs of Ipoh. With a little ‘detective work’ and some help from our fans, we usually can guess the places/streets. But this one (picture above) has left us stumped :O
Do you know WHERE in Ipoh this place is? Is this place still there now? Amd what about the date?
We thank Shuen Huey Foo of Ipoh for this picture.
And here are Ruth’s photographs received today. See her comment below.
…seen the inside of the Projector-Room?
Perhaps someone out there knows which cinema this is? If YOU are the gentleman in this picture, DO tell us about your experience!
We thank Shuen Huey Foo of Ipoh for this picture.
Sometime back we stumbled upon this advert – with the two dragons and what seems to be a ball of fire between their mouths. I’m no feng shui expert…but I’m sure this symbolizes something good? You tell us 🙂
You read it right, this advert is courtesy of the Odeon! Yes folks, it’s that time of the year again: family reunions, feasting and merry-making, ang-pau collecting 😉 …etc.
Remember this antique vehicle? This ambulance was apprently donated by Towkay Choo of Kampar, for the St John’s Ambulance (Perak Centre). Does anyone know this generous Towkay?
The next picture (below) shows what was probably the first building – before the present hall near YMCA today. From what we know about the St John’s Brigade in Perak, we think that both these pictures were taken in the 1940s.
We thank Bill Adamson from Australia for these pictures.
Come on Sleuths! I’m sure some of you have seen this unique traffic light (far back) SOMEWHERE in Ipoh 🙂
Know the place? It is at a park? You tell us 😉
Ah yes! MORE pictures showing Ipoh’s pretty lasses 🙂
For those of you who are wondering, this picture was taken at the Tambun Hot Springs – sometime in the early 1970s.
A special thanks to Sophie for this picture. Sophie, if you’re reading this: are you in this group? Could you tell us the names of these lovely lasses?
These were sent to us all the way from the US of A by Ian Latham. They show his father (top picture) and mother (bottom picture), during the early 1970s.
Do you recognise the shop house in the second picture? Where in Ipoh is this place?
Here’s something for the football fans out there!
Did any of you watch this game? Who were these two teams? Where was the match held? We suspect that (given the trees in the background) perhaps this was at the D R Seenivasagam Park…..but we could be wrong.
If one of the players from either team is reading this, DO tell us MORE 🙂
We have here the PCADA String Orchestra. Do you remember them? Perhaps they performed for the public (something like our Malaysian Philharmonic althouh a little smaller)? What’s become of them now?
Yes, this archway was decorated specially for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II.
Notice the building that says ‘Borneo Motors’ (which is now a restaurant/pub called ‘OverTime’). Brewster Road was rather quiet in those days, wasn’t it? 😉
I wonder…..when was the facade of this archway renovated to it’s present design?
Any idea WHO is the gentleman giving a speech (picture above)? What about the other man next to him?
I’m sure we have some scouts who are reading this now…..were there frequent gatherings like these in Ipoh? If so, do tell us more. What about the building in the background? Was it a common meeting place for the scouts? I know the Girl Guides sometimes meet at the Wisma Pandu Puteri, opposite the Jalan Abdul Jalil field 🙂
Fancy having your wedding picture taken in front of a cinema hall! That’s what these people seem to have done 🙂
Notice the sign above the entrance which says ‘Malayan Talkies’. To what we know, the former Sun Cinema was the first in Ipoh to screen ‘talkies’ (movies with sound) – which was way back in 1929. On the far right, there is a poster advertising the movie ‘South of Pago Pago’, which was released in the US in July 1940….and that would mean that the movie only made it to our shores towards the end of that year or in the early half of 1941.
Now that we’ve roughly established the year this picture was taken. what we’d like to know is: WHICH cinema this is and WHERE it is?
A special thanks to Charlie Choong for this picture 😉
I see a familiar building (towards the bottom of the picture). Recognise it? What ELSE can you ‘detectives’ see? Come on Ipoh-ians 🙂 put those thinking caps on!
Note: We thank Charlie Choong for this picture 😉
Calling all alumni of ACS Kampar!!! 🙂
When did THIS happen? Are YOU in there somewhere….?
For those of you who recognise the uniform, yes….this is indeed part of the ACS Kampar school band!
A special thanks to Jeremy (a.k.a. Paloh Chai) for these pictures.
Yes, folks…..this was what Panglima Lane (or Concubine Lane, as some Ipoh-natives call it!) looked like a year ago. 😉
Yes, folks…this is what the People’s Park used to look like in those days!
click on picture to enlarge
Today, we’re featuring the Form 5 Class of 1966 – from Ave Maria Convent, Ipoh.
Do you recognise them? Are YOU in this group? I’m sure we have some former students reading this 🙂
Somewhere along Chamberlain Road, Ipoh…..there is a Post Office. The picture here is what the post office looked like in the 1960s – we think it’s the 1960s, since there is a car parked on the far left, bearing the number plate AC 8426 🙂
From the picture, the main mode of transport in those days was still the faithful bicycle (notice the stands outside the post office).
Ladies and Gentlemen, we present to you 99 Anderson Road, Ipoh!
This building was originally owned by Foong Seong. Later, the Cheong family bought it. When the Cheongs lived here, the front part of the building was a men’s hairdressing salon while the back portion was a famous tailors shop from where hundreds of made-to-measure school uniforms would emerge. Any of the old girls remember Mdm Loong Foon Yoong who used to measure all the girls herself?.
The Cheong family then moved away, thus the shop became a computer shop.
This picture was taken back in the late 1970s, when Utama Computer Centre sold Apple Computers. Probably the only Apple Store in Ipoh then – unless you know different! 🙂
What is it now?
N.B. The story of the Cheong family growing up in Anderson Rioad is in the book “Ipoh, My Home Town”.
A big ‘HELLO’ to all Writers out there! I’m sure some of you have done strange/awkward things when trying to overcome writers’-block. I recall one of my online buddys telliing me that he attempted growing his beard and didn’t shower for a week – just to write about a homeless man! Well, what ever works for you, I suppose!
Some of us don’t usually go to such an extreme 😉 Here we have a 1960s picture of Cedric Jennings (son of Times of Malaya Editor J A S Jennings) working hard on his piece. Perhaps the garden and the tropical climate of Malaya inspired him at some point?
A special thanks to Nicholas Jennings (from Toronto) for this gem. Here we have Nicholas’ father Cedric (holding a briefcase, with some documents tucked under his other arm) talking to a businessman. Anyone knows who this businessman is? While you’re busy with that, can you also guess the building in the background?
Come on ‘detectives’… 🙂
First an SMI Sports Team, but who, which team and when?
And next another SMI Class but that is all we know.
What we really need here on ipohWorld is a greater number of SMI boys to help us. We have lots of SMI stuff which comes under the category of “Unknown”.
Please help if you can.
Remember this company? Recognise this street? Well, this picture was taken around 1961/62……I’m sure some of you remember 🙂
Today, we’ll try something different. Take a look at the picture (below) and tell us what you think! Just out of interest…. the words on the cart say “Japanese Doby FMS Laundry Ipoh”.
Yes, this is a 1963 picture of Shen Jai Secondary School. This picture was taken from a book which recorded the 1st batch of students who sat for their LCE!
The shop 3rd from left is ‘Chop Cheong Chin’; next to that is ‘Syarikat Perak Travel Agency’, which is also an agency for Singapore Airlines. That’s about all we could make out from this picture. Now, across the street from this row of shop houses…..(see picture below)
….is another similar row. Notice also that at the end of this street is what seems to be the roof top of the Market.
Could anyone help us with the name of this street. While you’re at it, what is that tall building in the background (seen in both the pictures)?
Photograph G
And Photograph H
Please, anything you can tell us about these will be helpful. Thanks.
Photograph E. Yes, we need help again please, but this one is quite different, a sports team and trophies but who, when and where?
Photograph F. And now another class – Class 5B. Definitely SMI but we still need some help with who and when.
Please click on the pictures to enlarge.
Both photos were taken on the patio of the restaurant. They had put up the piece of cloth and a screen to hide their equipment.
Now the question is, do you recognise any of these partygoers from 1962. After all, it is only 50 years ago!
Here we have two contrasting Ipoh photographs from Sophie. The first she calls “Dressing for the 1940’s to 1950’s. It is no wonder that Ipoh got the name for having all the pretty girls. Just look at these!
Sophie describes the photo as
“Dressing for 1940’s to 1950’s.
Four young ladies, two of them are sisters. The second from left is my mother.”
And next comes an intriguing old bottle in which Sophie’s father used to keep nails and screws..
But this is where you are reader comes in for try as I might I cannot identify what it once held. Can you?
Sophie tells us;
“The height of the bottle is 4 inches plus.On the side of the cover it’s written ( Do not accept if this band is broken) so I guessed it’s something we can eat.It is Cola Cream not Cold Cream! Hope you can identify the bottle now.”
Here are two more school photos with almost no information.
Again we seek your help please: Which School, Which Class and What Date?
Photograph C. THis one said to be Class 3C, 1971, but which Convent?
Photograph D. Said to be Class 4B but when?
We look forward to your advice.
More to come over the weekend. Keep on looking!
We recently received a batch of 10 school photographs with almost no information. In order to add them to our database archive we really need your help. If anyone out there can identify the school, class and year that would be a great help. If of course you have names that would also be a great bonus. Here are the first two to tax your brains.
In order to help you, please click on the photos to see them full size.
Photograph A
Photograph B
Good Luck. And there will be more tomorrow.
Here we have Form 5 Arts 1, of Anderson School Ipoh. The year was 1975, and their Form Teacher was Puan S Koshy (seated, centre). The donor of this picture is Othman Sabirin (seated, second from left).
Here’s a list of names….just to help you out (click to enlarge).
Calling all Andersonians! Do you recognise your classmates? Where are YOU in this picture? Do share with us your fond memories……and perhaps tell us more about your Teacher too 🙂
We have here the 3rd installment of UV’s account….about his teaching experiences in and around Ipoh. Happy reading 🙂
the waterfall at Buntung
Teaching In and Around Ipoh
Episode 3
Teaching is not merely the passing on of knowledge to students. It involves and interaction that is rather complicated. A student learns through various ways. [This article, being mainly for lay people, will not dwell into pedagogical terms but would be using layman’s terms.] Unfortunately, many teachers during my time still depended on the textbook or the ‘chalk and talk’ method. That is, the teacher would write on the board a lot of notes and try to explain and idea by merely talking.
Most of the students will be busy scribbling notes onto pages and pages of their exercise books, word for word and trying desperately to listen to their teacher. Sometimes, the teacher would scribble and talk (facing the blackboard) at the same time. This is when some naughty students will do cheeky things behind the teacher’s back.
Such teaching methods should be obsolete by now but unfortunately old habits die hard and many teachers today are doing the same. Another batch of teachers don’t even bother to write notes, they merely open the textbook [insisting that every child must have one too, if not the child would be punished] and read from it, and from time to time, instruct the students to underline important sentences or phrases. To ensure passes in their subjects, these are the parts they will set questions on during the examinations.
These are teachers that do not prepare their lessons or had done so once [underlining their own textbook so that he or she remembers where to tell his or her students to do so]. For years, until the textbook is changed, they would use this same old textbook [facts may have changed a lot] to ‘teach’!
However, there are others who would prepare their lessons meticulously and bring along to class maps, charts and models to make their lesson interesting. They would involve their students in activities necessitating them to move to the front of the class or into groups for group work and discussion. The lesson is different every time the teacher steps into class. The students are never sure what to expect. Motivation for learning is high.
Many teachers too resort to interesting anecdotes or simple but unforgettable stories related to the theme of the lesson. Students may forget the facts but will never forget the stories told and eventually recall the facts the story is based on. Some teachers use a joke to set the mood for teaching, but sometimes this would backfire on the teachers. The students are set wrongly and look forward to a period of fun and follies!
In MGS Ipoh in the 60s and 70s we have all sorts of teachers as described above. Boring teachers or interesting ones are remembered. The in-betweens are forgotten. When I started teaching, I modeled myself on some of the best teachers I had in ACS Ipoh. My Geography teacher, Mr. Yee Sze Onn impressed me so much that I gave up a place in Business Management when offered to me to take up Geography as my major from the Second Year of my Degree course instead. [I was called directly a ‘fool’ by the head of the Economics Department then.] When I started teaching in MGS Ipoh, I was one of three graduates, the most junior of the lot. I decided to emulate Mr. Yee and asked for a Geography Room to be set up and it was granted. I had a sand tray set up so that I could make landscape models to explain to my students what features I was teaching. To my horror, stray cats made it their toilet!
I had a map tracing table specially built so that I can trace maps and diagrams. MGS was one of the few schools with an epidiascope that could project pictures or diagrams from text book on to a screen [but the bulb was so powerful, if we leave it on for too long it would singe the page the map or diagram is on] and this was used for projecting maps, diagram and pictures in class or in the Geography Room and used for making charts. There were storage places for rolled up maps and drawers for topographic maps. Globes were available for teachers to take to class. A fantastic collection of pictures and charts, made by me with the help of my senior girls were available as teaching aids.
I give credit to the other teachers of Geography that came before me for a good collection of Geographical materials. It made it easier to put them into a room and made available for all teachers of Geography to use. Unfortunately, teachers being human would borrow items from the room and not return them to the proper places. Very often they became the ‘property’ of those teachers who kept them in the Staff Room beside their favourite place of perch for ‘easy excess’ whenever they go to class. This I consider as selfish as it deprives other teachers of the use of those items.
I also took it upon myself to take my pupils to field trips. Geography is not a subject you learn in the classroom alone. You need to make the students see what is really outside on the surface of the earth. When we teach the rivers and their various stages, we could show them a real river at its various stages. On one such field trip to a waterfall in Buntung [Guntung], we climbed up the steep slope of the waterfall and on descending; a student slipped and slide down to the base of the fall. Luckily for me, she only sustained a small cut to her chin which she wore till today. We rushed her to hospital and sent her home after that. It cut short our field trip. I never took my later students to the same waterfall again!
Visits to places of interest were another thing that made studying of Geography interesting. I organized [like Mr.Quah Guan Teik an ACS Geography teacher of Lower Secondary classes] field trips to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Lumut and Penang just to name a few places. These trips were to visit port facilities, factories, airports and other major landmarks in Malaysia. I even organized a trip by air to Penang and back just to ensure the students could see the landscape from the air. We raised funds to subsidize the fare for selected pupils who were the ones involved in fund raising.
Many of these were organized in the name of the Senior Geographical Society of the school of which I was the advisor. I remembered in those days, the USA Presidential Election was on and I would allow my students to hold elections for positions in the society based on the American Presidential Election system. This enabled them to learn about the American Election System, part of what is termed Political Geography and compare it with our own system.
I continued teaching Geography even when I became the Senior Assistant of the school. My love for this subject never faded until now. I wonder how many of my students went on to teach this same subject and did what I did when I was teaching it. I would love to hear from some of them who did.
Was this part of a play? Perhaps a Talentime Competition? All we know is, these pictures below were taken at an event hosted by the Y-Men’s Club!
Did you attend this event?
Familiar? Well, we believe that this was part of the Jubilee Park ……..yes, the FUN-Section where there were carousel rides, game stalls..etc.
How much did such a ride cost? Did they have a day-pass or something similar (as what Lost World of Tambun has today) ?
the famous Bridge
a view from the Bridge
These are from the collection of the late Geoffrey Clark. Believe it or not, Ipoh DID look like this about 64 years ago; the bridge (1st pic) definately looks different now…..even the view from the said bridge (2nd pic) has changed so much.
According to the donor of this photograph – Sybil de Roquigny – this was taken in 1945, sometime after the war.
Seated on the left of the Indian girl (wearing a plain samfoo) is Sybil’s aunt Linda Leong Kam Leng (daughter of Leong Eng Khean and granddaughter of Towkay Leong Fee). Seated on the far left (wearing a hair clip) is Linda’s best friend Lily. Incidentally, Lily and her husband owned a textbook and school supplies store in Old Town; across the road from the Ipoh Sar Hor Fan/Satay coffee shop (Thean Chun).
Recognise anyone in the picture? Perhaps your mum/aunt/relative is one of the pretty girls?
Seen this place somewhere? Know where it is? Do tell us….
From what we know, this place was probably one of the houses where the British soldiers were billeted after the Japanese left (the photo is dated December 1945). Is this building still around? You tell us 🙂
This was taken in 1945 by the late Geoffrey Clark (of the 4th Regiment Signals Troop). Here we have 3 dulang washers, complete with their wide hats and long sleeved shirts, working hard along the river.
On the reverse of the photo he identified the place as Ipoh and guessing that this was taken from a military vehicle, it is interesting that the land was so wild.
Where are those wide coolie hats now? Maybe they are in the same place to which the Japanese “invasion” bicycles went. I wish we could find examples of both!
Recognise this street?
Well, put those thinking-caps on, people 🙂 I’m sure some of you are grinning madly…while typing away your answers!
This picture is part of the late Geoffrey Clark’s collection. (We featured one of his pictures in a previous blog post) Clark served in Malaya from about 1945-1947 under the 4th Regiment Signals Troop (which arrived in Malaya just after the Japanese surrendered).
This was sent to us by UV, as part of his Teaching in Ipoh series. In the above picture, seated in the centre, is Mr Teh Chin Seong (mentioned in the story below). This picture was taken in 1968 and published in The Argosy 1968 (the school magazine). The lovely lasses in the picture are members of the St John’s Ambulance Brigade from MGS Ipoh.
Episode 2
Teaching is a vocation where those taking it up must be prepared to sacrifice. However, it can also be a vocation where those who are not really dedicated can exploit. I would like to deal with the negative aspects of some teachers as many today can only see this dark side of the noble profession. I want to deal with it now and put it to rest and in the rest of my story, I would want readers to put aside the image of a bad teacher and concentrate on teachers who have dedicated their lives to teaching pupils.
The teaching profession was at the time I joined it, a vocation you work for half a day only. Most schools would end at the latest by 1.50 p.m. Some lower secondary classes ended even as early as 12.30 p.m. and of course Primary classes ended around that time most days. This enabled the teacher to have the rest of the day free. Many would take this opportunity to give extra tuition for a fee. Others would mend their homes or used it for social events (usually a game of mahjong at home or in a club. To the detriment of the students and the profession, such activities usually result in neglect of the much needed correction of assignments given or better preparations that should have been made before a teacher teaches the next day.
Teaching provides a teacher with long vacation. In those days there were three terms per year and normally at the end of the first and second terms, a two week vacation is given and at the end of the final term, a four to five weeks vacation is in the offering. Of course, self-centered teachers would spend such vacations for their own purposes whereas those who love their students may organize special educational outings or provide remedial classes for the weaker ones.
When I joined MGS Ipoh in 1968 I was most impressed by the caliber of students there. Classes were streamed according to academic excellence but they were also divided into Science, Arts and Domestic Science streams from Form Four onwards. There were very little differences in academic performances between the best of the Science classes and that of the Arts.
When I was in school in ACS Ipoh, one can see a mark difference between the Science Stream and the Arts Stream with a few individuals in the Arts Stream showing equal academic abilities to those in the Science Stream and these were usually those who chose to take up Arts subjects even though they qualify for the Science Stream.
I was given the best Arts class in Form Five. I thought Geography there. I was really taken up by the diligence of the girls not only in doing their assignments, following the lessons as you teach but also the amount of extra time they are willing to put in after school to create and produce charts and models with me to enable the teaching and learning of the subject to be easier. To these girls, a big handful of them, the learning process was not restricted to the classroom alone but in extra activities related to each subject they can garner outside the classroom. They were keen on outings, to visit Geographical features on actual ground. We climb up waterfalls in nearby Buntung. We walked along the Kinta River banks, we visited caves and limestone hills and we went to nearby factories to see how things were made and took trips outside the town to study production of rubber and palm oil as well as tin ore. Such then was Geography taught and learned that year and years to follow in MGS. It is not the teacher alone that can give rise to this form of teaching and learning. It takes interested students to want to follow the teacher around to see for themselves what is actually happening in real life.
I have the good fortune of meeting these students after 40 odd years recently in Kuala Lumpur and these were the same group that took special interest in my subject as well as those of other teachers. They did very well in their SPM and went on to do well in life. Many were top civil servants and some captains in the commercial sectors. Yes, they were girls turned top ladies. When we talked of school days, what do they remember most, the extra-curricular activities we had. I felt very happy and satisfied that what I did was not in vain.
MGS Ipoh in 1968 had a small collection of male teachers. They were usually involved in the teaching of Science and Mathematics. I was the only Arts male graduate. The other men teachers were the Bahasa Malaysia teachers. Men teachers are very popular with girls’ students. They tend to take advantage of the men teachers but some of us were rather stern and many students learned the hard way when they do not put in enough effort.
Men teachers of course could not lay hands on a girl pupil in anger nor in affection but there are various methods well established in MGS Ipoh for them to take to punish recalcitrant girls. There’s a lady discipline teacher to deal with such girls. MGS Ipoh is also famous for detention classes where girls are detained after school or had to come back on Saturdays to perform some duties. In this manner, girls are kept in line.
The men teachers are also useful in providing transport for girls when they fall ill or when they need to go somewhere for an activity. Of course some lady teachers do likewise. The men are expected to handle the heavier duties of physically shifting furniture (with the help of men manual workers) and are responsible for many games. The Sports Secretary when I was there was a man teacher and he did a wonderful job all those years.
Mr. Teh Chin Seong was a male icon that no MGS student can forget. He was there before I joined MGS Ipoh and he remained there until he retired many years after I left MGS Ipoh. Not only was he a very efficient Sports Secretary who ran the Annual Athletics Meet every year without a hitch, but he was also good in coaching volleyball, basketball, and many other games MGS was involved in. In addition he was also the Band Teacher.
Is that all? No, Mr. Teh was also an officer in the St. John’s Ambulance Brigade and was in-charge of the MGS Ipoh Company. Many girls became nurses after joining this movement. Some of them went to England to take up nursing and continued working there. I had the good fortune of meeting one Operation Theatre Sister from my batch of 1968 Form Five during the last reunion of this class.
Mr. Teh Chin Seong passed away last year (2010) leaving much fond memories in the hearts of many who had served with him and who were his students. He was an excellent Mathematics teacher too despite all the extra-curricular activities he had to handle and any girl having gone through the LCE or SPM Mathematics papers would have him to thank.
To round up the appreciation of a well rounded teacher, I would like to add that Mr. Teh was a wonderful ballroom dancer and on many occasions he demonstrated his skill to the school in our Prize Giving Day Concert and Teachers Day Celebrations. He really added colour to MGS Ipoh.
We have here a picture from Helen Philip (who’s in the far right, with her partner Teh Jung Siang). Also in the picture are: Rosalind Goh (4th from right), and Teng Yoke Leng (10th from right).
This event is said to be the ‘most exciting’ event during the RPS annual Sports Day. (Some of you might remember one of our previous posts titled “Let’s March“).
Does RPS still have this event lined up as part of their Sports Day programme? Calling all RPS girls (past and present) and teachers too! 😉
We thank Howard Tang Hoy Wah (from Falim, Perak) for this picture. Howard now lives in the US, and was formerly a student of ACS Ipoh. He was also well connected to the Wesley Methodist Church – his brother, Tang Kin Wah, once served as a Methodist Pastor before he too left for the States.
This picture was taken in the 1950s. Are you in it? Do you know anyone in it?
We received this from Sophie via email. This was taken during Chinese New Year in 1969 – showing the Class of Form 3C of RPS.
Sophie has, unfortunately, lost touch with her friends (those in the picture) since she left school. Are you one of those in the picture? Do let us know…..and Sophie if you’re reading this, do point yourself out to us 🙂
PS: Can anyone guess WHERE this picture was taken?
The quality of the picture may not be that good….but I’m pretty sure that the building in the far right is the back portion of the Grand Theatre (which once stood at Brewster Road and Cowan Street).
Of course many of us remember that the Grand Theatre was also part of Jubilee Park; with that in mind….I’m taking a wild guess as to the date of this picture – perhaps 1930/1931? Keeping in mind that the Shaw Brothers began Jubilee Park around 1932, hence I feel that this picture was before the Jubilee Park was built.
Anyone with other theories? Perhaps someone out there could tell us MORE!
Here’s a picture of the PCADA (Perak Chinese Amateur Dramatic Association) Building, taken on the day of the association’s Golden Jubilee. At the time the picture was taken (some time in 1953) the 3rd floor had been completed.
Foh Sun restaurant used to occupy the groud floor, before it moved. I do wonder what’s become of this building now? Care to tell us MORE?
This was taken by the late Geoffrey Clark, of the 4th Regiment Signals Troop (one the the early British army groups to arrive in Malaya after the Japanese surrendered). Clark served here from about 1945-1947, and sadly passed away in 2006.
Look at the picture carefully…..WHERE do you think this place is? We’re stumped ourselves, but we know some of you out there know Ipoh so well – so, start typing out those answers! 🙂
This photo was provided by the Cheong family for use in “Ipoh, My Home Town” but it was not used as there were much more appropriate images to use for their story.
The banner reads something like “Professor Shu Tong Zen, Exhibition of his Chinese Paintings including an exhibition of his Malaysian Students’ Work”.
Now the questions are: where was this Guild, when was the photograph taken, who are the people and where does the Guild have its premises today?
No prizes, just the glory of being able to show that you know the Ipoh of days gone by.
Some time ago, we featured a picture from the Jennings Collection – showing part of Panglima Street, which was under water in 1919. Here we have another look at the same street.
This was taken in 1926/1927, when yet again Ipoh suffered another great flood. Notice any difference from the 1919 photograph and this one?
We’ve had the great fortune of receiving some lovely photographs from the collection of the late Percival Moss (which can be found on our database, under the title ‘Moss Collection’). Mr Moss was a tailor who was stationed in Taiping from about 1890 to 1910. He was a tailor who sewed uniforms for the Malay States Guides and other military organisations in those days.
From his large collection, we have here a portrait of Mr Moss, done by the ever famous A. Kaulfuss.
front view
back view
Do anyone of you have such portraits…perhaps handed down from your grandparents or great-grandparents? We may have gone into digital photography, but there’s nothing like these old gems! 🙂
note: picture is RTM Copyright
Familiar? Well, for those of you who are still wondering, this is the Perak RTM building 🙂
I heard that there’s some renovations going on at the present site….perhaps anyone who knows more could help us out. Also, we’d like to know a little more about the history of this place.
We received this photograph from Sophie. It was probably taken in 1969 and those in the photograph (left to right) are Sophie’s brother, cousin and neighbour. She also told us that:
“The boys are standing facing my house in Jalan Pasir Puteh…..the building behind them used to belong to the late Dato Cheah Fah”.
And what about the toy? Some of you may recall Esso giving away these ‘tigers’ to customers, probably upon purchasing a certain amount of petrol. Did YOU have such a toy? Perhaps some of you had a little ‘collection’ of such toys 🙂
This was sent to us by YKChoong, via email. He also had this to say…
….not sure if it was a Ford or a Peugeot.
I think the foto taken around 1953-54, car was parked beside my parents home
in Pasir Pinji (No. 267, Queen Street to be exact).I remembered clearly the front portion was rented out to a Indian barber and
used to have my haircut and the traditional massage and pat on the
shoulder/back, and got a twist(left and right) of the neck to complete the
ritual. Not sure nowadays, but my eyebrows were well shaven at every visit.
Intention was to made them more thick and bushy ??Initially it was the ‘bucket’ system for the sewage collection and disposal
of the ‘night soil’, and our source of water is a deep well right at the
back portion of the house. This was where the kitchen and bathroom were
located. Can barely remembered the neighbours but I could still remember
there was a PIGSTY at the other corner of the block!! Imagine the stench
and the aroma surrounding the area of which all were forgotten, luckily. And
remembered a man leading a big male pig(boar) for mating purposes passing in
front of our house to its intended destination !Also bullock carts used as transportation for eg. tree logs which were used
as fuel in the kitchen …I was told I had the luxury of siting in a rickshaw to school and also in a
car (Vauxhall) with the back seat converted to a ‘double-decker’
by placing an elevated wooden plank across it. Cannot forget it, the ‘taxi’
driver was a CIGAR smoker and hardly saw him without the cigar, smoke or no
smoke emitting from it.
I wonder when THIS fashion trend began! The picture was taken from the bountiful collection of the late Percival Moss (some of which can be found on our database, under the title ‘Moss Collection’).
Imagine our surprise when we stumbled upon this picture – two locals dressed in Western clothing 😉
To our male readers out there….did YOU ever adopt this fashion trend? What about the ladies……I do know some women tried the ‘Jacky Kennedy’ look once upon a time 🙂
We’ve had comments about the (sadly) forgotten cinema at Kampong Simee….here’s a recent picture of the building (see picture below).
Anyone know WHEN this place closed down? What is it used as now? Perhaps some of you out there could share with us some of the better memories of this place……
I remember playing with lanterns such as the one this lovely lady is holding. It was one of the things I looked forward to during the Mid Autumn Festival…..other then eating mooncakes 🙂
But our question for you guys out there today is: What is the building in the background? Where in Ipoh is it? Or, perhaps it’s not in Ipoh….?
Keep those comments coming 😉
..well, not quite!
This 1914 picture shows the Gunong Cheroh Taoist temple (in the background) and part of Anderson Road (just after where the present YMCA building is).
The one driving however is Freda Jennings, wife of Jack Jennings (Editor of Times of Malaya). She can be seen driving (a lovely white car) along the wooden bridge over the Kinta River. Yes, this same road is still there today – with MORE traffic though – but the wooden bridge has been replaced.
We thank Nicholas Jennings for sending us this picture 🙂
What a treat for a youngster to have an icecream on a hot Ipoh day. Just look at the small boy’s face.
But here is another clue to the location.
And just look at the face of the mother with folded arms on the left. What is she saying to her daughter? Care to guess.
For your further enjoyment, although http://www.ipohworld.org/search8/result.asp?strid=303 is not a good photo, it shows the 1963 version of an Ipoh ice cream man,
We thank ipohbornkid for these great memories of time gone by.
Yes, these are girls from Ipoh and Raja Perempuan School. It is 1973 and this is the Community Service Club.
It was kindly sent in to us by Helen Philip who we think is standing fourth from the left and next to the tall girl with pigtails directly behind the teacher. Thank you Helen for the photo.
Now ladies, it is your turn to work. Who are the others and where are they standing/sitting. We look forward to hearing from you.
By the way, note the mural on the wall behind them, one carrying the national flag. Could that be 1Malaysia 1973 style?
You just KNOW you’ve seen this building somewhere before….but can’t quite put your finger on it!
Well, put your thinking-caps on folks 🙂 Perhaps a closer look at the picture might give you some clues……
Looking for fresh food with a good bargain? Nothing like visiting the local markets, eh? Here we have a couple of pictures (taken in 1988), showing hawkers at a local market….YOUR task for today – tell us WHERE these pictures were taken! 🙂 Perhaps there are some clues in the background that might help you.
These pictures were sent to us by IpohBornKid.
IpohBornKid also wrote the following:
The attached photos were taken in the late 1950s, during the local primary school’s song and dance performances.
It is a tradition in Chinese schools to perform traditional song and dance as opposed to the Western arts performed in English schools.These performances were well attended by the school children, teachers and parents. Many teachers spent hours of their free time teaching the young to sing and dance. Unlike today where you can buy colorful costumes from China, most of the costumes were locally made by parents and volunteers. The dancers should be in their 50s and 60s now. I believe that the “old girls” who left the primary school were asked to perform on these occasions. It is more like a town performance ratherthan a school performance. As a kid, I did attend all these performances as my family members were involved in the stage production and performance.
….the Abdul Samad Building? (see picture below)
Was this what the building looked like in the early 1900s? Or, perhaps its an entirely different building altogether?
We’d like your ‘expert’ opinions on this one………
This picture is taken from the collection of the late Percival Moss, who tailored the uniforms for the Malay States Guides.
We thank Nicholas Jennings for these lovely pictures.
Here we have ‘Rosedale’, a cosy Malay-style house on Kledang Hill. This house was once owned by J A S Jennings (better known as Jack Jennings) – the former Editor of the Times of Malaya.
Do notice the two gun holsters on Jennings’ belt! Standing next to Jennings is his wife Freda.
The second picture shows another view of the cosy abode – notice the style of the roof!
Is this house still there?
(This was sent to us by IpohBornKid)
This picture was taken way back in 1961. That’s about the only thing we’re sure of. Maybe someone out there could help us with the following questions:
Was this taken at the Ipoh Padang?
Who are these pretty girls?
What was the occasion for the costumes?
Come on! I’m sure someone out there remembers this (probably somewhere in the picture too?) 🙂
Yes, these boys seem to have found a solution for the hot weather 🙂
This picture was sent to us by Edwin Siebel. Apprently, this was taken at Teluk Anson (Teluk Intan). Anyone know WHERE in Teluk Anson this is? Was it taken at a swimming club?
Note: This picture was taken on 31st May 1956 😉
MI
You may have noticed two comments and a Chatterbox entry from a new reader Yip Chee Whye (Chee Whye Yip) who is looking to find his old school friends of 1956 and in particular he is seeking Mr. Ooi Kim Huat and Mr. Eddie Che. He presently lives in UK but says he will be back in Ipoh soon.
He sent us this photo today and if I understand it correctly he is the one circled in the back row and Eddie Chee is circled centre in the row in front. So readers all can we help? We have done well so far with reuniting the Old Salts from ACS and the HIJ Convent girls. Can we do the same for SMI?
As you can see we now have a clearer picture of that sent in by Yip. This was kindly donated by AFR1970. He says, “It is from my late father’s collection of photos. He doesn’t seem to be in the photo. I have Form IVA and Form IVD but he is not in those photos either. Sadly, Form IVB is missing. That could have been his class but I could be wrong.”
Thank you so much. I hope it helps us find the other classmates.
Here’s a lovely coloured postcard of St Michael’s Institution. Care to guess the date of this picture? Needless to say, those palm trees aren’t there anymore….and the space behind the school building is now where the new Primary Block is.
You can also see St John’s Anglican Church; notice also a green-roofed mansion (top most of the picture). Wonder whose house it was?
Here’s another little sharing by IpohBornKid, about a school trip to Penang with his friends!
This picture was taken in the 1950s where Mr Quah Kuan Teik took a bus load of ACS boys to Penang. It was a most memorable trip and of course, we gave the old boy heaps but he remained firm and show exceptional tolerance to all of us. For example, when you go to sleep at night, someone will squeeze some toothpaste in your mouth. On the journey to Penang and back, there were no toilets in the bus (an old ACS school Bus) and the boys would literally go to the back of the bus and “washed” the windscreen of an unfortunate car following behind the bus. If any of you recognised yourself in the photograph please own up.
Mr Quah also told us the story of how some of the boys were lost during the night on a trip to Emerald Island, an island west of Pangkok. Those adventurous ACS boys decided to venture across the island through the thick growth and into the other side. There was a big panic, alarm bells were raised and search party was organised. The boys were finally found safe and sound. Any normal teacher would have said ” I had enough of the buggers, no more trips for you fellas”. No, Mr Quah totally forgotten what had happened and continue the next excursion as if nothing had happened..
On an excursion to Cameron Highlands, Mr Quan took us to visit a vegetable farm. One is supposed to ask the farmer to cut the cabbage if you want to buy it (only 20c each). No, ACS boys were different. Several boys gave a swift kick at the cabbage and it rolled down the hill until it hits an embankment. I cannot remember whether they eventually bought the cabbage.
Nicky Chin, Mano, Me and Z.. : off to Penang we go on an ACS Excursion, if you see yourself in the photo, please hands up.
IpohBornKid
We seem to be getting quite a few old photographs to identify recently and therefore decided to give you all a treat today with an extra Tuesday blog.
This well-worn photograph was taken somewhere here in the 1940’s. Just look at the fashion of the day! The question is – where is it? The owner thinks he knows but he really does not seem too certain.
Perhaps you can put his mind at rest.
We know some of you out there love mysteries! Well, here’s one for you (see picture below).
Familiar? At first I thought it was the Shaik Adam Mosque (along Clayton Road, next to St Michael’s Institution)…..but then, could there be another building around the country with a similar design?
By the way, this picture was taken by the late Percival Moss. We thank his grandson Bernard for lending it to us!
You, our smart readers from across the world have so far managed to identify almost anything we have thrown at you. Now we are becoming so well known that we are being sent some photos that could be anywhere in Malaysia, like this one.
But actually it is thought to be in the Ipoh area although it might just come from the Cameron Highlands. The clue must be the distinctive colouring of the facia and the Air Conditioned transfers on the windows. I really cannot see any more even when the picture is enlarged, so WYSIWYG.
Who’ll be first to enlighten us?
Well, by special request of sm (below) here is a full frontal (pardon the expression) of the Star Barbers.
So what are the differences and where is the original picture situated?
Can anyone guess the street? We think this picture was probably taken in the 1960s (we could be wrong though).
Notice the banner that says ‘Clearance Sale’…..I wonder which store was advertising their goods on this day?
Familiar? Recognise any landmarks? Let us know 🙂
By the way, this picture was sent to us by IpohBornKid……
I know some of our fans out there love looking at old photographs. Well, here’s a nice panorama for you!
Bet some of you are already trying to guess WHERE this place is! 🙂
Yes, it was WAY BACK in 1957…..when we saw Gregory Peck play the role of Captain Ahab!
They don’t make movie posters like they used to…..same can be said for the ‘cinema-experience’ that made cinema halls like Rex, Ruby, Lido, etc. favourite haunts.
The poster we have here is from Edwin Siebel.
Here’s another gem – the Iskandar Bridge, Kuala Kangsar!
Anyone care to guess the year? Perhaps you could tell us MORE about this bridge…..
Bet you didn’t know that THIS (picture above) was what the Turf Club‘s grandstand looked like back in 1919! 😉
Of course it’s different now, after all those renovations. But we’re lucky to have such a unique picture to add to our collection. A special thanks to Nicholas Jennings who sent this to us 🙂
Ah! Some of you might be recalling fond memories of this place 🙂
Yes, this is none other than the Japanese Garden, along Tambun Road (Jalan Raja DiHilir).
For those of you (the younger generation like myself!) who didn’t know, THIS is what the Hugh Low Bridge used to look like 😉
Yes, this was before those strange towers were erected along the bridge….
We thank Edwin Siebel for this beautiful picture.
And that is just about all we know about this picture which we are led to believe was taken in the 1960s. So come on guys and girls, stop looking at all those Bersih videos and photos and help us out with this one please. Judging by all the cups, shields and other trophys they must have been pretty well known.
No sooner had I asked for a photo of the above group’s reunion photograph, Merrill Leong provided this one.
Merrill added the following:
“Attached is a single photo of the reunion mentioned by CK Leong. The lunch meeting was held at a room in Mun Cheong Restaurant which was being prepared for a wedding dinner; the two names on the wall have no bearing on the group of guys gathered. Let’s see whether your readers can match up who’s who from the two photos. Of course not all present in the black and white picture are in the newer one, and there is one person in the coloured photo who is not in the other.”
You know the Sri Maju bus station? Well, this was what the main building looked like before the bus company took over (see picture below).
To what we know, this mansion was once the family home of Dato’ Yeoh Kian Teik (Michelle Yeoh’s father).
We thank Ian Latham for sending us this picture 🙂
We thank IpohBornKid for this story of Chong Soon Fan, who was the Penghulu of Menglembu during the Japanese Occupation in Malaya.
Mr Chong Soon Fan, JP, The Penghulu of Menglembu
The “Kapitan Chinas” in the Kinta Valley or Tin Mining Towkays, in Ipoh, have been well described by Dr Ho Tak Ming, the author of “Ipoh, when Tin was King”. For example, Foo Nyit See, Foo Choo Chong, Foo Choong Yit, Yau Tet Shin, Chung Keng Kwee etc. were well known philanthropist in the late nineteen century.
Some Ipoh streets were named after them.
The next generation of successful tin miners and philanthropists in Ipoh include Lee Loy Sang, Lau Pak Kuan, Fung Seong, Foo Yet Kai, Chong Soon Fan etc. This article only focuses on the late Chong Soon Fan, JP, for the simple reason that Mr Chong was personally known to the author. The author also recognized other Towkays in Ipoh who have contributed significantly and substantially to the community.
There are many stories about education in Ipoh and most of them which appeared in the English language media involving English language schools rather than Chinese Language Schools. In this article, I wish to present a visionary person who is also a philanthropists, educationist and social worker in his times. He was the late Mr Chong Soon Fan, JP, and in his heydays, was Chairman of the Board on several Chinese language schools in the Ipoh municipality viz Man Wah Primary, Yuk Choy High School, Perak Girls Primary and High School, Sam Chai High School etc. Before Menglembu became part of the Municipality of Ipoh in the 1960s, he was also the “penghulu” or village headman of Menglembu. He was also a Director in the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong Association.
Prior to Merdeka, the township of Ipoh was run by an Englishman Mr Lee, who was the colonial administrator of Ipoh. After independence, the Seenivasagam brothers DR and SP later controlled the Ipoh Municipality. It is interesting to note that DR (a well-known Ipoh lawyer) was also famous for owing an American convertible with a golden ignition key.
According to published record, Mr Chong Soon Fan, born in China in the 1890s, migrated to Nanyang (Malaya) from Xihe (West River) region in Guangdong Province, China. The current location would be north east of MeiXian City, 8 hours drive from Shenzhen via the highway. He was a “Tai Poo” Hakka and was determined to seek his fortune in “Nanyang”. At the age of 17, Mr Chong came to Perak state with minimal clothes and cash. He had a humble beginning and he started to work in Soon Foh Wu Lang, a Menglembu tin ore extraction establishment which collected tin ore from the dulang washers as well as extracting tin ore from the sandy resides which settled in the tail end of the palongs. (Note: in an open cut mine, the alluvial sand containing the ore is washed down by strong jet of water and the slurry is pumped to the top of the long wooden“slip-dip” structure. As it flows down, the tin stayed at the top of the palong and the smaller tin granules flow to the bottom. This bottom residue is rewashed for more tin). Dulang washes can earn up to $3 a day selling their tin to the collector.
At the Soon Foh, he was intelligent, literate and a hard worker. As the story goes, the late Mr Foo Choon Yit, OBE, the owner of the establishment, was so impressed by this young man’s talent that he allowed his eldest daughter to marry him. From then onwards, the young Mr Chong learned about the tin mining business in Ipoh and prospered. He later became the Manager of the establishment.
The two storey bungalow family home of the late Mr Foo Choon Yit, a Fujian Hakka, is in Kuala Kangsar Road and is now a museum for tin mining. There is an air raid shelter built in the compound. One of Mr Foo’s nephew is the late Mr Foo Yet Kai, another famous tin miner in Ipoh.
As a Hakka, Mr Chong was very traditional in his thinking about education and has a high degree of empathy for his fellow clansman. He was the President of the Perak Hakka Association in Jalan Datoh (Sam Chai school is located in the land owned by the Hakka Association) and a Director of a prominent Chamber of Commerce in Ipoh. His contemporaries were famous tin miners in Ipoh. Mr Chong’s passion for education was the driving force behind the fund raising and building of Chinese schools in Ipoh. Together with his peers, they managed to raise funds totaling $2M to build schools in Ipoh. He was recorded to have donated at least $200,000 himself.
Several important schools that come to mind were and they were the Yuk Choy High School, Perak Girls Primary and High Schools, Man Wah Primary (Menglembu). Mr Chong and his contemporaries have left a great legacy behind for the future descendants of the people of Ipoh. Many parents who have migrated from China were determined to send their children to schools in Ipoh. Some parents insist that their children learn their mother language first before English. Hence, the Chinese schools satisfied the cultural needs of the Chinese immigrant. They endured the hardship and sacrifice in order that their children will be better off than them. Together with the other generous philanthropists who built the schools, a great opportunity was created by these visionaries. Today, many Ipoh people have benefited from a good education. Hence, we should remember our pioneers who brought us the great gift of education.
In erecting the Chinese schools in Ipoh, the generosity of the Hakka clan played an important role since Hakka tradition is strong in education. Hakka people originate in Henan Province in China over 2,000 years ago. In a particular Hakka clan, their history dates back to the Zhou dynasty, having 92 generations in Henan, 17 generations in Guangzhou (as Hakka =guest people) and 7 generation overseas. Most Hakka occupations in Henan Province (China) were either military or government officials. They excel in literature and military tactics. They were Sung Dynasty’s refugees (Mongol invasion) and most groups migrated south to Guangzhou.
It is interesting to note that recently, a second Chinese Primary School (Man Wah No 2) was built at the foot of Kledang Hill in Menglembu. I was informed that one of the grandsons of Mr Chong was involved. It is good to see a continuation of commitment in education by a third generation Chong.
As Headman of Menglembu during the Japanese occupation, Mr Chong walked a tight rope in saving a lot of people from the Japanese. He had to deal with the Japanese authorities and at the same time, not to offend the communist hiding the jungle. In those days immediately after the Japanese left, there were a lot of revenge taken against “Han jian” or Han traitors. Mr Chong stood tall and his trustworthiness, courage and fairness earned him respect from all sides.
There was another aspect of Mr Chong’s work in Menglembu which is not well documented. In the 1950s, his family home in Menglembu (the bungalow opposite the Man Wah Primary School) was open to his constituents on Saturday mornings. Many villagers would bring their family problems to him. He was a peace maker & conciliator; and many benefited from his wisdom to get the family back together. In the gangster era, he was instrumental in bailing out many young mis-guided youth and kept them out of jail. The Police would release these youths under the guardianship of Mr Chong.
If one sat on the front door of Mr Chong’s house, you will see the 3 famous mountain peaks which were framed under the archway of the Man Wah Primary School. Those mountains peaks represent good fungsui. Mr Chong had good reason to build his bungalow opposite the school. Reliable sources said that Mr Chong told her eldest grand daughter that he wanted to keep an eye on the school and watch it grow. He wanted his grand children to go to that school.
Most of the villagers have no proficiency in English and filling a form is a difficult task. Mr Chong provided Menglembu villagers with form filling assistance for citizenship & IC card applications as well as other government correspondence. . These clerical services were an enormous task and required a good typist with a good command of English. His eldest son filled this position well with dedication and efficiency. According to reliable sources, his teenage grandson, an accomplished ACS trained typist also assisted his uncle in preparing the forms and typing letters.
Mr Chong was treated with utmost respect in Menglembu. When he walked the streets in Menglembu, the villagers often greeted him with respect. Mr Chong received wedding invitation from the villagers at least once every fortnight. Sometimes, he would send his eldest grandson to represent him in these events when he was unable to attend.
In writing this article, I want to create awareness among later generations of Ipoh people about a pioneer, a visionary person who has given so much to the community. He should be remembered for his role in saving people during the Japanese occupation, building schools in Ipoh municipality for future generations, and providing much needed community services to his constituents.
For his exemplary community work above and beyond the call of duty, the Sultan of Perak made him a Justice of the Peace and a member of the Privy Council.
Mr Chong passed away in 1969 and today, more than 40 years passed, I wish commemorate his passing and acknowledge his exemplary dedication and commitment to public education. He was indeed a pioneer and a humble servant of the people. Lest we forget.
AP@IpohBornKid
We have yet another school picture here – but we don’t know the year nor the school. Care to give us a hand? 🙂
Familiar? Well, those of you who followed the fashion trends of the different eras would know this look 😉
Fashion aside, do you recognise the place? Where is this fountain, where the lovely ladies are standing next to? Judging from the school buses in the background, this was probably a school field trip….
This was brought to our attention by Mark Lay of Kinta Heritage.
Apprently, there’s been some ‘activity’ going on along Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri (New Town) recently. From the notice that MBI put up, it appears to be “small renovation works”. Really? Well, we’ll let the pictures (below) be the judge of that!
So much for Ipoh garnering a place as ‘UNESCO World Heritage Site’……. 🙁
We had some comments in one of our blogs regarding those weight-cards – the ones which had a picture of a celebrity in the front and the weight written on the reverse. Well, here’s a sample of what some people might called an ‘artifact’ 🙂
Front of card
Back of card
Yes, we have another class photo! This time, we’re clueless about the year; all we know is these smiling faces seem to be Prefects from St Michael’s Institution. Are you in this photo? Or, do you know anyone in this photo?
Looking forward to your comments 🙂
For those who have been waiting patiently, here is UV’s Episode 8 of ‘Schooling in Ipoh’! 🙂
Episode 8: Schooling in Ipoh
Life in Lower Six quickly went by. Soon we became the seniors and new Lower Six students were coming in. Many of those, especially those from MGS Ipoh were my friends from MYF (Methodist Youth Fellowship). ‘Ragging’ was the usual activity for these new Form Six students. It was really mild as each one had to appear before the whole Upper Six and was asked various questions. It was more like an introduction of themselves to their seniors.
With that done with, academic work became our priority. We have the HSC (Higher School Certificate} Examination to worry about. This is one hell of a tough nut to crack! We sat for four main subjects: English (English Literature), Geography, History and Economics as well as General Paper. There were 3 papers in English and Geography and History and Economics had two papers each. The minimum requirement for entry into local university (Only one then in Malaya – University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur) was two A Levels Principals and two A Levels Subsidiary passes (equivalent to an Ordinary O Level pass). If one does not pass with at least a Six in all the papers in a subject, one would be given a subsidiary pass.
Most of us would be concentrating on getting at least two Principal passes or three at best but the brighter ones would strive for 4 and even try to score distinctions in as many subjects as possible. Arts students are not noted for academic excellence and to get one or two distinctions would be very outstanding in those days. I decided to go for three and decided to leave English out, merely hoping to score a Subsidiary pass in that subject. Why? Our English teacher was Mrs. Teerath Ram Senior. She was boring to tears and I could never appreciate her teaching. I think the only thing I learned from her was the title of the poem about Omar Kayam! Until I started teaching poetry to some students as a private tutor, I really did not know what the content was!
In order for us to pass those three papers even at Subsidiary Level, we had to beg Mr. Chin San Sooi to give us extra lessons on poems. Passing the paper based on Shakespeare’s plays was not difficult as we could learn on our own with the help of guidebooks (something very popular in the 60s among students). However, the Romantic novels were left aside by those, like me, who didn’t want to get a principal pass. Thanks to Mr. Chin San Sooi, many of us were even able to get a principal pass, the writer included!
I banged on getting a distinction in Geography, as it was my favourite subject and taught by my favourite teacher. History was great when we had the late Ms Tye Soh Sim (Mrs. Eddy Chin) teaching us in Lower Six, but unfortunately she left for a scholarship to do her higher degree in Canada at the end of our first year. Ms Chong Nyuk Mui took over the subject. I was her ‘artist’ drawing those Historical Maps on the Board for the rest of the pupils to copy. I vaguely remembered they were European maps (rather difficult to draw) as we were doing European History from the 15th Century till Modern Days!
Economics was taught by a Ms. Wan and later a Ms. Tan. I remember Ms.Wan as someone who would come to class wearing cheongsam. She has a ‘unique’ way of pronouncing certain words and names. I can always remember how she would call Chevarani (Mrs. Siva now). Most of us would try to suppress our laughter each time she called her to answer a question. Many a times, the class almost brought her to tears! She left teaching after a short period with us. Ms Tan took over and was a direct contrast. She spotted the then fashionable slanted white framed glasses. She wore mainly Western dresses and was slim and petit. Many of the boys must have ‘fallen’ for her (writer not included). Her teaching was excellent as most of us did well in this subject (except for some girls)!
General Paper was taught by Rev. Butler White, a pastor of Wesley Church but also taught as a teacher in ACS Ipoh. His lessons were never dull. I did not shine in this during my Form Six days. I was only a moderate writer then and still is now.
In Upper Six, the Prefects were being scrutinized to be selected as Head Prefect and Deputy Head Prefect. Manogaran would has slotted easily into the Head Prefect slot and the post of Deputy would go to a Science Stream Upper Six Student (if any qualify) or an Arts student when they fail to get one from the Science Stream or the Girl Deputy Head comes from the Science Stream. However, Manogaran was a playful character and very often seen by the teachers to ‘misbehave’. His greatest sin was to go around poking girls on their side of their waist to make them scream and was caught doing so, one day, by a teacher! He was therefore not made the Head Prefect but the Deputy Head Prefect. The Head Prefect posts went to Yap Teong Aun (became an Engineer later) and the Girl Deputy Head Prefect went to Ung Swee Kim (daughter of the famous Mathematics teacher from Anderson School, Ipoh, Mr. Ung Kwek Chow).
At the end of the year, we sat for our examination in MGS Ipoh. Yes, the Arts HSC Centre for us was in MGS Ipoh and not in our own school as we had no hall big enough to accommodate both the Form Five Examinations and the Form Six Examinations. I already had my scooter (Lambretta) license in Lower Six and I transported my good friend, Loh Chin Hin from Rose Garden, to MGS every day we had a paper.
The examinations were soon over and it was a period of waiting for the results which came some time in March the following year. Some of us went to work, others took up various courses. I did neither but lots of church works – helping in the office, etc. When the results came, most of us qualified to enter university but some couldn’t because of financial restrains and so had to go into teaching colleges.
I was fortunate to get into University of Malaya, although at first I wanted to opt for law in University of Singapore, but because PSA sent me a set of application forms for University of Malaya and stated that I was on the reserve list for a Teaching Bursary, I submitted my application for an Arts Course in University Malaya instead. They never granted me the bursary! My parents struggled to pay for my fees and boarding.
On a sad note, Mrs. Teerath Ram died before the results came out. It was rumoured that she took her own life by burning herself at the back of her house. When my results came out, I dreamt of her walking from her house (in the school compound) towards the porch of the Main Building of ACS Ipoh and asked us for our results. I was there, in the dream, with a few of my classmates. I woke up with a start! It was so real. She was dressed in her usual flowing saree!
Life in school as a student ended in December 1964. I would return to ACS Ipoh not as a teacher but as a Principal 46 years later! I never taught in ACS Ipoh although I was a teacher, Senior Assistant, Afternoon Supervisor and Principal in other schools in and around Ipoh before returning to ACS Ipoh.
We know that many of our fans out there know Ipoh inside out! Well, could you tell us WHERE this part of town is? (picture below)
This picture was taken during the great floods….perhaps you may find some clues in the shop signs?
Happy guessing 🙂
We thank Ignatius Chew for these pictures – taken at the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) Ipoh, in the 1930s.
Perhaps Ignatius or any of the other ‘Old Salts’ (as they call themselves) could tell us MORE? 🙂
Looking forward to your comments!
We did better than just comments for AP(at)IpohBornKid sent us the following picture and words.
Re:ACS 1930s
Dear ACS Old Salts
Having read ACS 1930s and looked at the photos, I suddenly remembered that I am in possession of an 1932 ACS School Certificate Class photo of my late father. He was in the first standing row fifth from the right. Would someone bother to comment on the similarities and differences between the photograph already published and the one I just sent. Can someone name the teachers or the students?
My mother showed Mr Kesselring the photograph and I was immediately accepted to ACS Primary School at the age of 6, one year earlier. The old school tie system always works and what a great British tradition. Maybe UV@Valiant Knight might be able to explain to us what Form would the School Certificate Class be equivalent to?
PS:I was born in Ipoh General Hospital , hence the name IpohBornKid.
We have here a picture of the interior of Soon Yik Goldsmith shop. This picture was apprently taken when this famous duo (the lady with a knee length dress and the gentleman in a suit) visited the shop. Do you know these celebrities? I’m sure there’s a little story that goes with this picture – if you know more, we’d like to hear from you! 🙂
Here’s a sample of an old Soon Yik receipt…sent to us by ‘Ipoh Born Kid’
Dear Ipoh Old Timers:
Re: Soon Yik Tukan Emas in Hugh Low St
My mother bought a jade bracelet from Soon Yik in 1973, nearly 38 years ago.
My family members used to frequent this store.
Their receipt s clearly described what you bought, how much and who is the person that sold it to you. I agree with SY Lee that this is a truly honest shop.
AP@IpohBornKid
This picture was sent to us by Hasbi, who also provided us with some information:
1. 6th December 1927 – The Grand Hotel building which housed The Anglo-Chinese Girls School turned again into hotel.
2. 29th December 1928 – Grand Hotel new Dance Hall and Lounge were opened Saturday night by Mrs. E. A. Dickson, wife of D.O. Kinta.
3. 1st May 1936 – Voluntary liquidation of Grand Hotel, bought over by a wealthy Chinese syndicate, manager Mr. Lim Hee Jee.
4. 16th December 1937 – Dance Hall re-opened at Grand Hotel.
We thank Hasbi for the picture and the little details. Sadly, the Grand Hotel is no more…however, judging from the picture…..it was quite a magnificent building indeed!
Calling all Sam Tet alumni!
Can you guess the year this picture was taken? Do you know WHO they are? Maybe someone out there was once in this happy group…. 🙂 And, what about the flags?
We look forward to hearing from you.
From the recent comments we’ve had, some of you love looking at old photographs. Well, today you’re in for another treat!
We estimate the date of this photograph to be 1926, around the time of the great flood. The picture shows part of Station Road – notice the sign on the far right “Charles Grenier & Co Ltd”.
Making a rough guess, I think this was taken in the early 1940s (although I could be wrong). Is the arch still there in the present Kinta Swimming Club building? Tell us MORE….especially all you Ipoh-natives out there who know your hometown so well! 🙂
I’m sure many of you are grinning and nodding your heads at this picture!
Yes, this is what Medan Kidd looked liked in the late 1960s. Some of the buses shown in the picture have seen better days, but they still make their way round the town 🙂
There was some talk about giving this place a ‘face-lift’……I wonder what’s become of it?
We had a request for a picture of the famous Rose Villa. Here is one taken around 1982 (to see what it looked like inside, click here).
This mansion was once owned by Towkay Leong Tian – a miner and philanthropist. Sadly, the mansion (which was along Gopeng Road) is not there anymore. After it was demolished, the area became the site for 6 new houses.
We have here a rare picture of the Capitol Cinema, which was along Anderson Road, Ipoh. From what we’ve found out, this cinema was a ‘victim’ of a fire almost 20 years ago. Since then, the vacant site was turned into a car park. Sometime last year, the car park closed and the site is now under construction for a row of shop houses.
Can you guess the date of this picture? One clue would be the Kuomintang Flag flying above the large sign. Another clue would be the movie poster.
Here’s part three of our little series! Can you guess the street? There are quite a number of clues in this one…so, keep those comments coming! 🙂
Recognise this street? I’m sure you do…..especially those familiar landmarks on either side of the street 😉
For those who don’t know where this place is, keep following our blog – look out for the comments from those who know Ipoh like the back of their hand!
The picture may not be that clear, but do YOU know which part of Ipoh this is? The aerial view shot dates back roughly to 1967/68.
On the far left of the picture is the Ipoh Motors Ltd building…THAT should give you all a clue!
Happy guessing 🙂
We have here a Malayan Airways airplane, parked near the permetre fence of the airport. I’m sure it brings back memories of the Ipoh Airport a long time ago!
From what we’ve heard, there have been plans to revive this airport – anyone know MORE about this? Do share it with us…..it would be a shame if the airport is just left to waste away…..
This item was used by an Ipoh based, Kinta Valley surveyor in the 1950s. What is it? Sadly we have no budget for prizes – indeed, very little budget for anything, but if you get it right at least you can walk tall among your friends as the man who knows his Ipoh artifacts.
A second picture clue will be posted tomorrow if nobody has guessed it correctly.
So – Whatsit?
Well guys, you are all too smart for me and so I don’t need the second picture clur, do I? However the least I can do is put up the original item in both the closed and open position. So here it is.
So what about the most popular place in which it was probably used?
We have here a picture of Cedric and an antique car (note the number plate!). This picture of Cedric and the Austin 7 was sent to us by Nicholas Jennings.
Now, what about the building in the background, which is under construction? Here’s a tiny clue: this picture was taken around 1961….so, this building was opened to the public the year after.
I know some of you have the answer already! We’ll be looking forward to your comments 🙂
I’m sure some of you remember what this part of Ipoh looked like – way back in 1967/68.
Of course, now….a LOT has changed! The SHELL station has been renovated a number of times. As for the row of shop houses beside the SHELL station; well the half nearer to the junction is now Maybank, while the other half has been demolished (sadly). Across the road is Jubilee Park, which seems to be a shadow of its former self. 🙁
So, what was it like in the late 1960s? We’d love to hear your many stories!
Yes, there was a Rex cinema in Kampar! Of course, it’s not in use now….last I checked it was boarded up.
Anyone care to tell us MORE about this place? We look forward to your comments!
Do you know what / where this place is? Any clues? Well, I’m sure there are some sleuths out there who are cracking their brains – trying to figure out this little mystery!
Good luck to you all….we hope for LOTS of feedback/comments 😉
Those of you who grew up in Kampar might recognise this landmark. Yes, this is the Great World amusement centre – almost like Ipoh’s Jubilee Park!
We’d like to hear stories (as many as possible, of course!) about this place….I’m sure some of you out there have fond memories……
…..that back in 1956, the Anderson Road Playground was affected by floods? (see picture below)
Notice the cars….as they drive through the water-logged road. Anyone recall this incident? Got any stories to share?
Fancy ‘IPOH’ being written in 4 different languages! To what we know, this picture was taken in 1958; we don’t know the place nor the people in the picture. Have you seen this multi-lingual signboard around the town? We await your comments and feedback!
Here we have a picture of the Ipoh Golf Clubhouse, which was printed on a postcard.
Care to guess the year (a rough estimate will do)? I for one don’t remember the club house looking like this…
Is this the same club house along Tiger Lane today? Or was there another club house somewhere else in Ipoh?
Back in 1919, there was a terrible flood in Ipoh town (as you see in the picture here, sent to us by Nicholas Jennings). This part of Ipoh is just off Panglima Lane (or Concubine Lane, as it were). What we’re curious to know more about is the name of this particular shop in the background – Japanese Curios. I believe the building is still there today (though I could be wrong); I do wonder what’s become of it?
This was sent to us by Nicholas Jennings. Does anyone recognise the building in the background? The only clue we have is that: upon close inspection, we noticed that this building was built in 1914. Other than that, we’re stumped!
Looking forward to some feedback 🙂
We have here a 1966 class photo from the National Type Primary School of Jalan Pasir Puteh (NTPS JPP). Our donor, Rosebud, told us that Chan Wan Seong (featured in a previous blog – ‘Badminton Hero from Ipoh’) can be seen standing in the back row, 6th from the left.
Can you spot anyone else in this photo? Perhaps one of you might have been in this photo too….. 😉
Recognise this place? Here we have a van advertising Sam Poh Medicated Oil – if you look closely, this same van was in the picture of the ‘Mercedes Hill’ (which was featured in an earlier blog post).
The van here is seen parked outside an unknown shop. Next to this shop is Sharikat Kin Wah Motor. Does anyone recognise the place? Perhaps there are other clues as to which street this is and as it also came with last Mondays “Mystery Street” blog it could be the same place?
Looking forward to your comments 😉
We have here a picture which is said to be the Kinta Swimming Pool. As many of you know, this pool has undergone quite a make-over (as stated in the previous blog). More about the Kinta Swimming Club can be found here.
Do you know which year (roughly) this picture was taken? Do share your thoughts with us….
We thank Nicholas Jennings for this gem – yes, there was a great flood in Ipoh in 1919!
I’m sure some of you recognise the street and the famous white building in the background.
Notice the hill in the background? Yes, this is the SAME hill which once ‘advertised’ the Mercedes symbol 🙂
Of course, now the symbol is gone….apparently it’s been replaced with 4 large white letters which spell out IPOH – almost similar to the famous HOLLYWOOD sign in California!
But I will always remember the Mercedes symbol which once stood proud on this hill – it was a unique landmark in a way. Does anyone have a picture of this hill with the Mercedes symbol? We’d like to hear from you….perhaps there’s a little story that goes with it as well 😉
From the recent blog posts, we know some of you out there know almost EVERY street in Ipoh! Which is a good thing, since today we have a little mystery for you – do you know which street this (picture above) is?
Looking forward to all your comments! 😀
I’m sure many of you recognise the bridge in these two pictures.
A lot has changed, hasn’t it? The bridge doesn’t look like this now – and the traffic has increased too! Can anyone guess the year these pictures were taken?
Looking forward to your comments 🙂
Can you guess this street? It’s somewhere in Ipoh, to what we know. Anyone knows WHERE?
We have here a picture taken outside the Grand Hotel, Ipoh. This picture was taken on Christmas 1917, according to our donor Nicholas Jennings. Recognise anyone in the picture? A relative perhaps? Do let us know.
We thank Nicholas for this picture via email.
Here we have a 1960s picture of the Ipoh Swimming Club. Yes, I found it hard to believe it myself! This picture was sent to us by Nicholas Jennings.
This is a picture of Chan Wan Seong, a former student of Anderson School, Ipoh. This former Perak Junior Champion (badminton) was featured alongside the Veteren Men’s Doubles Pair of Ong Sin Oong & Woon Tong Yeong – in the Metro Sports section of the Star newspaper (dated 14 August 2010).
We thank S K Ong who highlighted this to us via email. According to S K, Chan has achieved World No.3 status in the Men’s Senior Category. He has also trained with another badminton legend – Datuk Tan Yee Khan. We were also told that Chan will be taking part in a number of upcoming events, such as: the All England Men’s Senior in Milton, Keynes, London (April 2011); the BWF Men’s Senoir in Richmond, near Vancouver, Canada (August 2011); and the World Chinese Badminton Championship, Shunde near Guangzhou, China (November 2011).
These two extra pitctures courtesy of SK.
There’s been requests of pictures of J A S Jennings’ gravestone. Thanks to Nicholas Jennings, here are an old and new picture of the grave. Hope this helps in terms of trying to find the grave. If anyone can provide us with more details, please do! All we know is that these pictures were taken at the Connolly Road Cemetery.
We received this from Diana McGavin. This picture was taken at her christening, in December 1947, at St Andrew’s Church. In the background is the manse (featured in a previous blog), where Diana and her friends attended Sunday School (around 1955). Like some of our readers, she too hopes that this building will be saved!
This scenic haven can be found just outside Ipoh – on the Simpang Pulai/Cameron Highlands road. This dam is rather unique, because it has a hot spring at the picnic area (further downstream).
We thank Coleman Chin for the picture and the short description. Have anyone of you been to this place? We’d like to know more – especially since such places are fast disappearing!
Aren’t they cute? Well, this adorable pair are the de Lucy twins (once featured in our blog).
When was the last time YOU played dress-up? I’m sure you have some fun stories to share!
We thank Charlie Choong for this postcard – featuring an aerial view of Ipoh.
From the building at the bottom left, you can certainly guess which part of town this is! Also notice that there was once a roundabout near the Ipoh Padang….
Here we have a picture of St Joseph’s Church, in Batu Gajah. From what we know, the church was built in 1882. This picture was taken around 1957.
Today’s feature is none other then the Star Barbershop, at Belfield Street.
Star Air-Conditioned Hair Dressing Salon,
97 Belfield Street (now Jalan Sultan Yussuf) IPOH 30000
The Star Hair Dressing Salon came into being in 1927, it was started by Megarai Karuppiah with just 2 barbers – Katchiappan and Manickam – and the premises were shared with a Japanese tailor before it was fully owned by the barbers.
It is a very old and well- preserved hair salon, with two 4th generation barbers still working. One of them started working at the salon in the 1953. The exterior of the shop is quite old and the building is old though there were few changes made to the structure of the shop over time. The shop has a unique style of tilted mirrors which run across the right side of the wall when entrance is made
through the front door, according to Thirunavu Karasu a/l Krishnan, the 4th generation barber, the mirrors were tilted for a better view for the customers. Right opposite that wall, there are 2 gorgeous ceramic basins without any damage of cracks over all these years.
There are electric hair trimmer and hair dryers ( Italian made) in the shop though rusty and old but still in working condition. There are few remaining chairs in the shop which look absolutely fine and strong, these chairs were imported from Japan, with the grey embossed letters “TOKYO – TAKEHANA CO – KURAMAE” on the metal frame of the foot rest, where Kuramae meaning “as strong as a sumo wrestler”.
Leaning against the back wall of the shop is a wooden cabinet with slots cut on the drawer fronts. These slots were used by each of the barbers to put in the daily takings from the customers.
Initially there was no electricity supply in the shop, so the cooling used to be provided with a Punkah Wallah to fan the customers before the ceiling fans were installed. Then in 1954, a ducted air-conditioning system was installed which was then replaced by 3 window air-conditioning units after 10 years.
The shop once employed 14 barbers and they used to live above the shop where they were provided with food as well. Their records were adequately kept and at the end of the month, each barber would be entitled to a salary depending on number of haircuts achieved, minus food and laundry allowance.
There is a framed group photograph (above) of all the barbers and the valued customers, hung from the top edge of the mirror and dated 1965. In the centre is Dr. Moreira who would normally ask for a barber to visit him in his office.
The salon has been given a notice from the property owner which means that there has to be end to its service after 84 memorable golden years.
This is a summary of the full story and a great selection of photos submitted by Peter Shaoming Wang. The full story and photographs may be found here.
On the left, we have Mr Thiru’s grandchildren. A traditional family they are seen saying their prayers. On the right, is Thiru (today) with his wife and granddaughter, Saathana.
Some of our fans out there love old photos. Hence we decided to feature this one on our blog today.
Here’s one of J A S Jennings (Editor of Times of Malaya) and his wife Freda – being chauffeur driven round the town. In the background is the first Times of Malaya Building.
Yes, folks! Today’s blog is a tribute to the Ipoh Tree – the picture we have here was taken (by S Y Lee) just outside the Ipoh Railway Station. Below is the plaque with an explanation.
Besides the Railway Station, the Ipoh Tree (also known as the Epu / Upas Tree) can also be found at the D R Seenivasagam Park.
It is said that the main building of the Angle Chinese School (ACS) was ‘erected and opened in 1914’. It was also said to have a ‘landmark, Edwardian-style building’ which stood ‘parallel to Lahat Road’. Interestingly, this building was designed by C H LaBrooy! (for more on ACS, click here)
This picture here was sent to us by Ignatius Chew. Do you recognise anyone?
Here’s a Day and Night shot of Cathay Theatre (when it was STILL a cinema) – notice that the mall behind Cathay was Ocean (now, it’s The Store). We thank Valerie for these pictures who has now provided the following additional information:
“The dayshot was taken in the morning of October 1998 when the street was not busy.
The building was just freshly repainted with new color shemes that combine the
best of traditional art deco and modern day glitziness. The “C” on the right hand
side of the marquee is the Cathay logo that was not yet put back up after the paint job
but was up for the night shot.
The nightshot was taken that same day right after Ocean turned off their lights
to close up for the night. The timing of the nightshot was perfect as it made the glittering lights of Cathay stand out elegantly without the distractionof Ocean in the background.”
Thank you Valerie.
We have here a picture (sent to us by Phoebe) of the Kinta Lodge. Notice the members in their Freemason Regalia – particularly the interesting designs on the Aprons!
From what we’ve gathered, the first Masonic Hall was along Maxwell Road. The building was later taken over by Anderson School. Then, the Masons moved to their new building (in 1931) along Tiger Lane (this building is still used today).
However, the building shown in this picture seems rather different from the former and latter Lodge. Was this the interim building used while the new Masonic Hall was being built? YOU tell us 🙂
By the way, we are currently putting up a large collection of freemasonry items on our main database all related to one Ipoh planter, Dato’ Ronald Boxall. Just go to http://www.ipohworld.org and search for “All” and “Boxall”. Although all the 150 items are not up yet there is plenty to see there and you may be able to help us improve the descriptions.
Here we have two pictures from S Y Lee – teams of the Perak Chinese Recreation Club, Chung Thye Phin Road. You will notice the old wooden building in the photo of the footballers. The present building is quite ugly but functional and built at the minimum price.
The Inter CRC Ladies Hockey Champions (1951)
SY says: “For the ladies hockey team, I can only remember Ms. Lim Suan Gaik who is standing at the extreme right. She is still around for I saw her a few days back. I remember the Ooi sisters, there were three of them but I can’t remember who are the ones in the photos.”
Ipoh League Champions (1958-1959)
And for the photo of the footballers he says, “I know some of the nicknames but not the actual names except for Mr. Yee Seng Choy, who represented Malaya or Malaysia. He was recruited to Hong Kong as a player. He is second from the front row. Second from the extreme right is Mr. Wong Kam Seng, another national player. My father, Mr. Lee Kang San, is standing at the extreme left.”
Does anyone know more names of these star players, or more about the Recreation Club? If you’re one of them in these pictures, we’d like to hear from you too 😉
…there was this corner shop (see picture below).
Your task for today: tell us a little more about this shop. Is it still there? Perhaps it’s been turned into something else?
There also seems to be a tiny booth just outside the shop. I wonder what the booth was for…..
Here we have another picture from Robin Tan’s collection. He is seen here (in red) with some friends at the Ipoh Airport. In the background is the Jetfox 97, and on the extreme left is part of the airport’s control tower. As stated in the caption, Tony (white shirt, with shades) used to airdrop payrolls in the 60s (ref. to our previous blog post).
From the smiles on their faces, it must have been a great reunion 🙂
The proud owner of this beauty is none other than William McKenzie (the man with the hat, standing by the car). McKenzie, as we were told, was the Manager of the Ulu Piah Mine in Ipoh. This picture was taken in the 1920s.
A big thanks to Phoebe for the picture and the little details.
Today we’re featuring the charming ladies from the AIA Sports Club Christmas Eve Party. Yes, don’t they look lovely 😉 Anyone of you out there remember them? We’d like to know their names (and perhaps, a little more about the party too!).
We would like to thank Ed Cheong for this photograph. 🙂
Some of you might remember this bungalow – at No.50, Gopeng Road (also known as Midhurst). The bungalow belonged to J A S Jennings (Editor of the Times of Malaya).
These pictures (below) were sent to us by Jennings’ grandson Nicholas. We were told that this bungalow was built in the late 1920s. After Jennings’ death, it was sold to the Perak State Government in 1937. It used to be the residence of the State Secretary of Perak, and the land behind it was the Istana (Perak Sultan’s Palace).
The driveway leading to the house.
Jennings outside his home.
We thank Nicholas for the pictures and the little details.
The Cubs from NTPS, 1960
We thank SK Ong for the above picture. Perhaps some of you out there are in this picture; looking smart in your Cubs uniform and cap 😉 I remember being part of the Red Crescent Society – it took me a while to learn the RIGHT WAY to tie an arm sling! But learning some basic First Aid was quite fun.
Speaking of school clubs, which club/society did YOU join?
Familiar? For those of you who are stumped, this is the Raja Perempuan School (RPS) – which is along Chung Thye Phin Road (opposite Main Convent Primary School).
We’d like you to have a guess at the date of this picture (we don’t know ourselves!). Maybe if anyone of you know the history of the building, you could share with the rest of us? 🙂
I’m sure the Ipoh-ites out there are grinning at this picture (courtesy of Jeffrey Liew) – especially those who frequently travelled along Club Road (Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang)!
Remember the Milano Tailor? I wonder where he is now…..since this building is no longer around (so much for ‘development’). Yes 🙁 sadly this is now an empty lot which houses abandoned/wrecked cars.
Anyone care to fill us in with MORE information?
This is the staff of the Anglo-Chinese School (ACS), Ipoh.
Could anyone tell us the year (a rough guess would do too)? And, perhaps if you can remember these teachers – we’d love to hear from you 🙂
I’m sure some of you ACS-alumni out there are already searching your ‘database’!
We thank Joshua Anantham for sending us this photograph.
We have here a picture of a dredge in Pengkalan. This picture was taken quite some time ago, when it sank and rested neatly on the bottom of the pool, hence it probably looks different today.
I do wonder what’s become of this dredge: were there plans to save it, like the TT5? Or, if not maintained…it might just capsize, for they do turn over sometimes and then they are lost. (ref. to our website here).
If anyone out there could provide us with more details, we’d be glad to hear from you!
This was sent to us by Robin Tan. According to Robin, Mr Radcliffe (in white shorts) used to take him sailing when they were not gliding.
Yes! Gliding – as the Kinta Valley was a suitable place, since it was blessed with many hills. Even the climate gave the much needed thermal boost for gliding. Plus, the Ipoh Airport wasn’t so busy then. This was back in the late 50s and early 60s.
Sadly gliding activities in Ipoh slowly died off as the years went by. For those (like me) who have never had the experience, Robin describes it as “…peaceful, serene and quiet way of flying without vibration and noise…” and that “…the only sound you hear is the whistleling of the wind over the wings..”.
Ahh, what bliss! 🙂
Still in the party-mood? Well, these girls are! Looks like they’re all doing the Conga…. 😀
I’m sure some of you recognise the place (judging from the background). The year was 1964 – were you in the Conga line too? Were you at this party?
This was taken at the Ipoh Girl Guides’ Hut (Wisma Pandu Putri), at Greentown – near the Jalan Abdul Jalil football field. The girl guides appear to be dressed in national costumes from around the world, while dancing round the May Pole.
Are you in this picture? Do point yourself out – and maybe tell us more about the costume you were wearing too!
Remember the old fire brigade at Brewster Road? Here we have two pictures of the fire brigade’s compound – showing the girls from the Main Convent.
These girls were part of the Firefighter Cadets Club, which was established in the school in the 1980s.
The fire brigade has moved to another premise (opposite the Perak Stadium), but the old building still remains. Anyone know what’s become of the old building?
Thank you to Puan Zora, a former student and teacher from the Main Convent, who lent us these pictures!
We have here the front page of the Times of Malaya, dated 7 December 1936. Yes, the Times of Malaya was Ipoh’s FIRST NEWSPAPER – which began publication in 1904. Two years after its first publication, the paper welcomed a new Editor; none other than J A S Jennings (picture below).
For the next 30 years or so, Ipoh (and Perak too!) regarded Jennings as their ‘voice’ – Jennings was particularly concerned about the social happenings in his adopted home state of Perak. Sadly, after his passing the paper declined. It was eventually bought up by the Straits Times Press Pte Ltd.
We thank Nicholas Jennings (grandson of J A S Jennings) for sharing these pictures with us.
This myterious bungalow was supposedly built during British rule in the early 20th Century. It was once the home of a rubber estate Manager. Later, a Chinese Miner bought it. Since 1 January 1960, the Perak Local Defense Force used it as its base. Now, this bungalow has become the HQ for the Markas Rejimen 503 (Regiment 503 of the local Armed Forces).
Where is this place? The main entrance is along Tambun Road, just before the Ipoh Specialist Hospital. Of course, they don’t let anyone enter the army base – hence this picture was taken from a nearby high rise building.
Does anyone know MORE about this bungalow? Who owned it BEFORE the armed forces took over?
Here we have Miss Telekom (centre), with the 1st and 2nd Runners-up. This was back in the 1950s. Do you remember them?
The winner and queen of the contest is Ms Asmah and her runner up on the right is Lee Lai Quan (or Kwan). Can anyone give us the name of the other runner up please?
Are they still around? Perhaps……one of the contestants is reading this right now? 😉
After ‘reuniting’ those from ACS, Anderson and NTPS Pasir Puteh……we’re now calling out to the “Sons of St Michael’s Institution ” !
Here we have Std. 6 D, all the way from 1969. Come on, Michaelians….don’t be shy. We KNOW some of you out there might have been in this class. Do point yourselves out…and maybe tell us about your fellow classmates too 🙂
This is No.14, Tiger Lane (Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah) – back in 1948. To what we know, the Clemetson family lived here and they were well known to the Iversens (B M Iversen‘s family).
After the family left, the house remained empty. Sadly, now it is almost ‘invisible’ from the main road – with the grass growing wild, and creepers scaling the walls (see our previous posting on this mansion). Does anyone know WHO owns the land now? How come nothing has been done to prevent the house from ‘wasting away’…..or at least keep the lawn in order?
A watch tower? Or maybe (yet) another clock tower? I’m sure you’ve noticed this tower, which is still under construction. The question is: Why? We’re clueless ourselves – why build, not 1 but 4, towers along the Hugh Low Bridge? If you have more information on this project, do let us know!
The Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) was the first English school (and first Christian mission school too!) in the Kinta Valley. This school was established by the Methodist Episcopal Mission in 1895. It was said that just five days after his arrival, Rev W E Horley opened ACS in a small attap-roof Malay house rented from Datoh Panglima Kinta Muhammad Yusuff.
Here we have Std. 5C, from 1968. Our donor Mr Sundralingam is somewhere in the picture. What about you? I’m sure we have some former ACS boys out there (especially from this class!). What about the teachers shown here – are they still around?
This is the first Times of Malaya building, which was along Post Office Road. The first issue of Ipoh’s first newspaper was published on 9th March 1904. 2 years later, the newspaper was taken over by J A S Jennings – who remained the paper’s most influential editor for a good 30 years!
In the early 1930s, the Times of Malaya moved to a new building, along Brewster Road (see picture below).
After the war (after 1945), this building was used by the Public Works and the Department of Drainage and Irrigation. What’s become of it now? Can anyone fill us in on the latest?
We thank Nicholas Jennings – the grandson of J A S Jennings – who sent us a copy of these rare pictures.
This picture was sent to us by Ruth Rollit, the daughter of the Danish architect B M Iversen.
Familiar? No? This is what the interior of the Lido Cinema looks like today – as you can see, it’s not longer a cinema. Lido has now been converted into Florex Restaurant.
In this picture, the raised level shown was where the bar used to be. Has much of the interior changed? I noticed that the original floor tiles are still there. What about the rest of the place?
At that time, this $ 600,000 cinema was considered luxurious. It was declared open by His Highness Raja Sir Izzudin Shah ibni Almarhum Sultan Abdul Jalil (the Sultan of Perak), on the eve of Chinese New Year. Designed by B M Iversen, this fully air-conditioned cinema (with its ‘colossal 75-foot tower of jade tiles’), stood proud along Cockman Street – the same area which was once ‘home’ to rubber trees!
This picture was taken on the opening night; after the grand ceremony, the patrons were treated to Darryl F Zanuck’s ‘CinemaScope 55’ production of – you guessed it – The King and I. How many of you out there were at the opening ceremony? How many of you ‘fell in love’ with the movie?
We’d like to thank Ruth Rollit (the daugther of B M Iversen) for sending us this precious photograph.
Recognise this? This picture was taken outside the Secondary School Assembly Hall, of the HIJ Convent, Ipoh. We were also told that this was the 1964 Senior Cambridge Class. It was sent to us by Sybil. Thank you for sharing it.
Calling all Convent girls – are you somewhere in this picture? If so, do tell us where you’re standing…and perhaps name some of your friends too. We’d also like to know who the teachers were (seated, front row); not forgetting the Nuns as well!
Now here’s a sight for sore eyes! It is 1963 and the boys and girls (boys in drag!) of Pasir Puteh are putting on “Old King Cole”. Which one is you? Do write in if you recognise yourself or anyone else.
And here we have Standard II in 1961. Wah didn’t you all look like little angels then! Ms Wan is the class teacher and next to her is the headmaster Mr. Bhagwan Singh. S K Ong who kindly sent in these photos, and two more from later years, is standing in the second row, second on the right.
So who else can you recognise?
Those were the days: when the traffic in Ipoh was rather scarce, and riding around the town on a bicycle was SAFE! Here we have some youngsters riding past the Lido Cinema. This Iversen building is no longer a cinema now; if I’m not mistaken it’s been turned into Florex Restaurant.
Playing in the cinema at that time (1958) was ‘Rock, Pretty Baby’. This movie starred Sal Mineo, John Saxon Shelley Fabares, Luana Patten and Edward Platt. It was a simple story about a teenager who, despite his father’s objections, formed a rock and roll band with his friends. He later tried his best to obtain bookings.
Did anyone out there watch this movie? Did the movie start a trend among the younger generation – as in starting their own band? Or, perhaps it started a fashion trend?
Once upon a time, at the YMCA in Ipoh…..
….men and women (young and old) danced the night away! Was it a competition, or just another social event? When was this event held at the YMCA? Perhaps, some of you out there are in the picture!
We await your feedback, especially if you were one of these dancers 😉
Wery well known and a beauty from young, when I came across the picture I could not resist putting it up.
Who is she and what can you tell us about her.
Here’s a scene from the old Ipoh Airport. As you can see in the background, there’s an airplane with the words ‘Malayan Airways’ on it. Hence we think this picture was probably taken in the early 1950s – by 1963, the airline was renamed Malaysian Airways Ltd (MAL).
I remember in the late 1980s or early 1990s, there were joyrides for the public at the Ipoh Airport – needless to say, my brother and I never stopped talking about it after our first ‘adventure’ in the air!! Don’t know if they have this service anymore. I wonder what’s become of the Ipoh Airport these days; heard that they’ve started a flying school there (but I may be wrong…).
What were YOUR memories like? Perhaps someone out there could tell us more about the Ipoh Airport…..
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