“full house”
This picture was taken from the ACS centenary magazine, probably before the start of the school play. We thank our donor Ong Su-Ming.
March 2023
“caught in the act”
We thank our donor Ong Su-Ming for this picture, which was taken from the 100th Voyage 1895-1995 (an ACS, Ipoh magazine).
Do you remember this play, back in 1952? Or, perhaps you caught the later adaptation in 1962?
February 2023
“care for a drink?”
Have you been to the Sinhalese Bar in Ipoh? We’d love to hear your thoughts – especially if you know something about its history 🙂
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this picture.
“Tan Ngan Lo”
According to the donor of this picture (Chee Ong Ngai), this was taken at Indera Mulia Stadium in Ipoh…back in 1985.
Anyone here remember this promotional booth?
December 2022
Have you seen Santa?
Some say he rode on a sleigh, pulled by reindeer.
Then, there were sightings of him ‘jumping off a plane with a parachute‘. (see below)
The REME men, however, said he ‘travelled by train‘.
How did Santa deliver YOUR presents?
‘Scenes from a Nursery’
We thank Chee Ong Ngai for sharing this with us. Looks like it was part of a magazine or booklet. Do you recognise it?
A Blast from the Past
Here’s a rare find. I’m sure you recognise the building the in background (left). We thank Chee Ong Ngai for this gem.
November 2022
Charity Show
Back in 1954, there was a charity show at the Anglo-Chinese Girls’ School. It was for a good cause – to aid the educational work among the Dayaks in Borneo.
Did you catch the recital and one-act play?
Wedding Memories
Do you recognise the background? If you do, you would know WHERE this wedding reception took place 🙂
We thank Nancy Ong for sharing this picture with us.
…still in the Elections Mood…
Do you remember that time when UMNO and MCA contemplated a “grand alliance”, to contest in the Town Council Elections in Perak? Well, this article might refresh your memory…
September 2022
…ready for take-off
We thank Gary Au Yong for this picture. Seems like the pilot is making a final inspection before the plane leaves the airport. Yes, in case you didn’t recognise the building in the background…this is, of course, the Ipoh Airport.
July 2022
A Garden No More…
This was what the Japanese Garden (sponsored by the Perak Turf Club) once looked like. Of course, this picture was taken back in the 1980s. Sadly, this lovely tourist spot fell under poor maintenance and neglect over the years. It even fell prey to vandals 🙁
I don’t know what has become of this place today.
However, there was another Japanese Garden built at D R Seenivasagam Park (formerly known as Coronation Park). This garden seems to have survived over the years, and has also been given a ‘facelift’ of sorts. (read more about it here)
…high on a hill…
Did your sharp eyes see that famous symbol on the hill? Look again carefully, if you missed it 🙂
We thank Edwin Seibel for sharing this photo with us.
June 2022
The Aeroplane Comes to Ipoh!
The people of Ipoh had an opportunity to witness an aeroplane for the first time on July 1 1911! G P Kuller – one of the earliest aviators – staged a 4-day flight exhibition in Ipoh.
Thousands congregated at the race course, with 150 Europeans occupying the 1st and 2nd class seats. The 3rd and 4th class ticket-holders were largely Asian, while an even larger crowd assembled outside on Tambun Road. (read more here)
Do you recall the first time you boarded a plane?
May 2022
Dim Sum and F&N?
This was one of the pictures used in our Falim Exhibition a few years ago.
Has anyone tried this – Dim Sum and F&N? I usually have my Dim Sum with hot tea….to each their own, I suppose.
Celebration time!
Here’s another one from the Watson album. We were told that this was taken at the Ipoh Club.
April 2022
March 2022
A day at the races…
Here’s another photo from Conrad Presgrave-Payne – the grandson of Sir R G Watson. We believe the lady seated extreme right is none other than Lady Watson herself.
This photo was taken at the Ipoh Gymkhana Club, probably back in 1913.
we all scream for ICE CREAM!
We thank Shyamala Manoharan for this lovely picture. This picture was taken at a birthday party, at the Ashby Road Transit Quarters, in the 1960s. Incidentally, as our donor tells us, this ice cream seller served ice cream at many a party there.
February 2022
“Modern Living”
According to Ipoh: The Town that Tin Built, this is part of the Canning Garden housing estate. Any idea which section of Canning Garden this is?
January 2022
The fountain saga continues…
As a follow-up to our previous post, here’s another picture of the aforementioned fountain – which can be found within a locked garden, at the Ipoh General Hospital (Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun).
We thank Edwin Seibel Nathan for the above picture.
Another fountain in Ipoh
We thank Anthony H S Law for sharing this picture on Facebook.
He also added: “Water Fountain …. This must be the forgotten Ipoh’s oldest, the rare and perhaps the only fountain of Ipoh city. Dated 1900 or 122 years old, the fountain was “PRESENTED BY LOW FOO ESQ TO THE IPOH HOSPITAL” Maker : Penang Foundry“.
Does anyone remember this fountain? Is it still around…somewhere in Ipoh?
89 years ago…
…the Old Michaelian’s Association (OMA) was first formed. Yes, way back in 1933. The picture featured below, however, was taken a year later – on the occasion of the opening of the Association’s premises.
December 2021
A PPP Membership Card
Here’s an interesting find – a membership card for the People’s Progressive Party!
Also note the signature of a VERY prominent historical figure….
November 2021
Where are they now?
We received this lovely photo from Eric Low. He’s hoping for any information regarding the young people in the above photo.
In his own words:
Once upon a time there was this band in Ipoh who called themselves “The Rain People” (**) … The 1968 or 1969 picture below was taken in one of the Catholic Churches in Ipoh when and where we performed at the birthday party of Rev Bro Ultan Paul of SMI ….Enlisting your assistance to see if any of you recognise some of the faces, for me to reconnect with a couple of them …Left to right (standing): We were all ex-MichaeliansMichael Wong (with the drumsticks, whom I know is still in the UK; lost contact).Next to him – David Hew (whose family owned the Orchid Farm off Tambun Road, which he took over in running; still in Ipoh I am guessing; lost contact).Miss Wong Mei Ching (of Housing Trust, she was a 6th Former at SMI then).Yours truly. to Mei Ching’s left ….Guy in the glasses was my best friend, Richard Chan, who sadly passed away many yeas ago; I managed to get him Aussie citizenship in the 1970s.And in centre frame (always wanting to be different), sitting down, is Zainal from Kampung Manjoi (someone whom I am desperately trying to reconnect with …)I am praying that some of these innocent faces of a yesteryear ring a bell with someone out there …
October 2021
“my day out”
Would anyone like to identify this black beauty?
Ipoh’s Twin City
This year on 21st March 1989 marks another milestone in the history of Perak. It was the signing of the declaration to accord twin-city status to Ipoh and Fukuoka of Japan.
The declaration is expected to strengthen the bonds of friendship between Japan and Malaysia. It paves a new era of strong economic and industrial cooperation and social, cultural and youth exchanges.
The declaration of the twin-city status was signed by Datuk Bandar(the Mayor) Datuk Haji Umar Abu and Fukuoka Mayor Keiichi Kuwahara at a special function in Japan. It was witnessed by Perak Sultan, Sultan Azlan Shah, the Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ramli and top officials in the state. (read more here)
June 2021
“seated in style”
Here’s another picture from a magazine. This was taken during the Triumph Owner’s Club AGM, back in 1966. The meeting was held at the Century Motors Ltd Showroom in Ipoh. Do you recognise anyone here? Guests aside, what really caught my eye were the chairs; they don’t make chairs like these anymore, do they?
“pulling a stunt”
This photo was taken during the 1980 HRH Sultan of Perak’s Castrol-TOC Motorkhana. The ‘stuntman’ is none other than Adrian Boudville, who drove his Citroen BLINDFOLDED!
For those who a suffering from boredom during this MCO, PLEASE DO NOT try this.
Have you read a book lately?
Here’s an advertisement from Charles Grenier & Co Ltd.
Are you an avid reader? What was the last book you read?
Do you prefer fiction or non-fiction? I personally enjoy fiction 🙂
March 2021
A Hair Salon at Canning Estate?
Here’s another photograph from Ruth Iversen Rollitt’s collection. This 1950s photo shows “Margaret Ladies Hair Dressing Salon”, which was said to be in Canning Estate. Does anyone remember this house/salon?
February 2021
Time for a staff photo
This is a photograph of Maxwell Kenion Cowdy and Jones Staff, a famous legal partnership, taken on the 23rd of March 1953. Do you recognise anyone? 🙂
Dancing into the New Year
Here’s something we may have missed this Chinese New Year, due to the MCO. We thank Ann Kesselring Hamon for these pictures.
August 2020
“New” building…
Believe it or not, this was the first church building for Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Ipoh. This photo dates back to 1905.
Famous Names (11)
He had been part of the SMI family since 1939 and had helped to rescue vital equipment before the Japanese took over the school buildings. As a musician himself he gave personal encouragement to the Military and Cadet bands, as well as to stage productions. For more than 40 years, he served the students, the staff and the school with great respect, understanding and love.
The Michaelians are already grinning at this entry 🙂 Yes, boys (and girls), our featured celebrity is none other than Bro Ultan Paul!
July 2020
The SMI School Play
Remember this play?
Perhaps the next picture might jog some memories. This second picture shows part of the cast.
We thank Michael Ho for the above pictures.
June 2020
Express Mail
Remember when the Perak Postal Service started a special express letter service between Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur? It wasn’t that long ago; apparently, there were two dispatches daily (except Sunday and Public Holidays). And the letters would reach the SAME DAY!
VIP visit
Back in 1952, Countess Mountbatten visited St Michael’s Institution. As President of the St John Ambulance Association in London she toured Malaya, visiting centres where St John Ambulance activities were organised. In this photograph, she’s addressing an assembly at the school hall – where she declared a half-holiday (much to the students delight!).
Do you know the Bairds?
Here’s a rare find: note that the name and address of Mr & Mrs Baird are written in both English and Mandarin!
Perhaps someone out there knew the Bairds?
Robin Hood in Malaya?
When the 1939-45 war in Europe ended, in which Police Lieutenant Dick Villiers had visited the continent more times than a peacetime tourist, he was dropped into Malaya as a member of Force 136. When the Japanese capitulated in 1945, Dick left the jungle in Lower Perak and by accident met the Loh family at Telok Anson (now Telok Intan). This was the beginning of an enduring friendship.
With nourishment in short supply at the end of the war, the Loh’s three month old daughter, Diane, was facing a bleak future. Dick began to feel peckish too when the army refused to put him on rations due to his ‘unofficial’ status. Similar situations had cropped up in Europe when he had ‘dropped in unannounced’ and so, like Robin Hood he solved the problem by using his special skills. (read more about his story here).
Yes, we had a ‘Robin Hood’ here in Malaya too! 🙂
May 2020
Opening of the New Library
This photograph was taken during the official opening of the new ACS Library and wing, on 11 June 1955. The gentleman unveiling the tablet is said to be the Perak Deputy Menteri Besar. Does anyone know who he was?
Also in the photograph are: Methodist Bishop Raymond Archer (left) and school Principal Ralph Kesselring (right).
Special thanks to our donor – Ann Kesselring Hamon.
The Birch Club House
Have you heard of the Birch Club? The Birch Club was sited on Connolly Road, adjacent to the first railway station and the Government Rest House.
Anyone seen the inside of this building? Perhaps you have a picture or two?
April 2020
More medical musings…
The characters across the top simply read “Chinese Sinseh” while the central panel provides the doctors name as “Zu Yong Chu” in red and his specialities below in black. These include “Physician, Pediatrician/Gynaecologist and Pulse”!
Down the left hand side the patients are assured of of “Accurate Prescriptions”, while on the right “Careful Diagnosis” is promised.
This doctor must have been popular… 🙂
March 2020
Perak Mentri Besar gets a promotion!
Remember Mohamed Ghazali bin Haji Jawi? He took over as Mentri Besar of Perak back in August 1957 (after Dato Panglima Bukit Gantang resigned).
This newspaper cutting was taken from The Straits Times dated Tuesday, 1st of March 1960. According to the article, Mohamed Ghazali was appointed Malaya’s Ambassador to the UAE.
The OMA, 1934
This photograph was taken on 3 March 1934. It records the members of the Old Michaelian’s Association (OMA), first formed in 1933, on the occasion of the opening of their Association’s premises – located directly behind the group.
‘Men in War’
Lieutenant Benson’s platoon finds itself isolated in enemy-held territory after a retreat. Soon they are joined by Sergeant Montana, whose overriding concern is caring for his catatonic colonel. Benson and Montana can’t stand each other, but together they must get the survivors to Hill 465, where they hope the division is waiting. It’s a long, harrowing march, fraught with all the dangers the elusive enemy can summon. Starring Robert Ryan, Aldo Ray and Robert Keith.
It’s alright if you’ve not seen this movie. What we’d like to know is…can you recognise WHERE this large billboard may have been? 😉
Ipoh – The Untold Story
Mark your calendars, folks. Come witness the launching of a unique book by H. Berbar on 21st March 2020, at Tin Alley (3 Lorong Bijeh Timah, 30000 Ipoh).
February 2020
A ‘First’ for Perak
Believe it or not, this was the first all-women Constable trainees who arrived in Ipoh back in 1957!
Back in Action?
We came across this article in the Star newspaper. If this plan goes through, perhaps we’ll be able to see the once iconic Station Hotel back in all its glory.
Here’s a recap of the inside of the Station Hotel, from the early 1920s, when a retirement dinner was given to the 14th British Resident of Perak, Lt. Col. WJP Hume.
Our donor tells us that, Lt. Col. Hume is in white, seated at the head of the table. Seated in the middle of the right row is J A S Jennings, the Editor of Times of Malaya.
A Royal Visit
The gentleman in the centre (with glasses) is none other than His Majesty Sultan Idris. The lovely lady is His Majesty’s Consort – YTM Che Puan Negara Aminah.
We believe this photograph was taken at a factory, probably sometime in the 70s. Could anyone tell us more please?
January 2020
Next on Sharpened Word…
Zunar’s session in January was just as exhilarating and we have a full crowd to start the new year.Taking about star power ! Not to be outdone, our theme for February will be equally exciting i.e. Local Animation.Sharpened Word is proud to bring in the creator and director of the multi-award winning short animation movie BATIK GIRL , Irwan Junaidy, to Ipoh to share his experience and journey with us. The 9 minute animation has certainly created a lot of publicity since launch last year and received rave reviews, not to mention that the animation has been shortlisted in multi film festivals across the globe.And to add icing on the cake, Hassan Muthalib, Malaysia’s Father of Animation, will join us as the other panelist and both of them will go the whole nine yards and give us an overall view of the local animation industry.It will be interesting to hear their respective takes on the evolution and development of the local animation industry as both of them come from a different era of visual story creation, with the more senior Pak Hassan now establishing himself as an renowned movie historian and reviewer.This is a session especially suited for those who are keen to get involved in the industry and those who want to know more about animation. Again,the topic will be centered on storytelling and creativity, or perhaps creative storytelling?
“The Great Malaysian Bake-off”?
Not quite 😉
This photograph was taken at Ave Maria Convent. The lady in the centre is Mdm Poon Kim Chin (aka Poon Ah Thye), together with the girls from her homescience class.
Anyone from Mdm Poon’s class here? We’d love to hear about your “adventures” from the homescience class…
A Royal Visit
We thank Lim Bor Seng for the above photos. Any members of St John’s Ambulance reading this? We’d love to know more about this royal visit…
Wedding Invitation?
That’s what I thought at first. But actually, this is a greeting card for Christmas and New Year – from The Season Store Ltd.
We thank Wendy Dowell (nee Harley), from the UK, for sharing this with us.
December 2019
Something for the Andersonians…
Hello there, Andersonians! Do you remember this letterhead? Note the address of the school – Ashby Road. That should give you a clue as to which year this was….
We thank Barat Kumar for sharing this with us.
‘new beginnings’
Did you know…that the foundation stone for the present building of St John’s Church was laid on 15 December 1910? Here’s a picture of the church when it was just completed (in 1912).
August 2019
Local Football Heroes
The picture shows the Perak XI Football Team (back 1957), in Ipoh. Do you remember them?
Merdeka Tournaments
These are the Champions and the Runners-up, the Yoke Hong Blue and Yellow teams, of the Perak Table Tennis Merdeka Trophy Tournament. The photo was taken on 22nd September 1957. Were there other such tournaments held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Independence Day?
July 2019
A Tribute to Nurses…
We have here a lovely photo from Shuen Huey Foo, showing some of the nurses from Ward 8 of the Ipoh General Hospital. Do you recognise them? What about the person in the portrait?
Dentists’ Association?
Apparently, we had a Dentists’ Association in Ipoh – along Theatre Street (from what we were told). Is the building still there? Or, have they moved? We’d also like to know more about this association…
‘on tow’
Forget tow-trucks, how about using an elephant? 😉
Yes, an elephant is towing this military aircraft…at the Ipoh Airport (it’s NOT a fake photograph).
May 2019
Delayed Exam Results?
Imagine waiting in anticipation for your exam results – only to be told they’ve been delayed!
Well, it happened back in 1954…
Spelunking?
Anyone here a fan of spelunking? Hmm…maybe I’ve lost you guys for a minute 😉
Spelunking is the exploration of caves, especially as a hobby. So, back to the question in hand; anyone here been spelunking before? If so, have you come across this cave (picture below)? This place is somewhere in Ipoh, by the way…
What became of the Pedestrian Mall?
This news article (dated 10 June 1985) reported that the Ipoh Municipal Council planned to turn a length of Jalan Osborne into a pedestrian mall temporarily for three months. The mall will be a permanent feature only if there is not much objection from the traders. If made into a permanent feature, the mall will be re-surfaced with multi-coloured tiles.
Hmm….does anyone remember this plan taking form? Could this be the same area where the present “Gerbang Malam” is?
26th Ka Yin Association Meeting
Do you remember this meeting? It was back in 1971. Perhaps someone out there attended the event. We’d love to know more. Oh! Here’s a photograph to help jog your memory 😉
Farewell to an icon…
courtesy of: Chan Kok Keong
Back in 1969, we bid farewell to a political giant – D R Seenivasagam. Here’s a picture showing part of the funeral procession.
Do you recognise the building in the far left?
Ipoh declared a Municipality
Did you know that Ipoh was declared a municipality back in 1962? And, that the official declaration of Ipoh’s status as a Municipality was officiated by the Sultan of Perak on the 31st May 1962, on the Ipoh Padang?
Well, now you know 😉 Here’s a picture (from Mohd Taib) showing an archway decorated to celebrate the occasion.
April 2019
Socony Petrol Pump?
Does the name ring a bell? I’ve never heard of Socony…perhaps some of you out there may know this brand. On the back of this photo are the words “RP Co Ltd, Ipoh”. Any idea where (in Ipoh) such a petrol pump may have been?
March 2019
“for your eyes only”
courtesy of: Hong Soon Keong
In the 1960s, a magician by the name of John Calvert drove from the Ipoh Airport to Lido Cinema…blindfolded! No, I’m not kidding; the above picture was taken at Cockman Street showing Calvert in an Austin Gypsy..with his eyes covered.
We’re not encouraging you to try this stunt…but we’re wondering if anyone out there remembers John Calvert and his magic show 🙂
February 2019
Boys night out!
courtesy of Ipoh Remembered
Some of you may be able to guess WHERE this place is. So don’t keep those guesses to yourselves.
On another note, what did YOU do during your younger days…when you had a Boys/Girls Night Out?
January 2019
A Day at the Races
In June 1957, there was the Perak Derby. Here are some photos (from Nick Band) which were taken at the Perak Turf Club. Anyone remember the Perak Derby?
Can you guess?
As stated in the bottom left, this is a postcard of a Chinese Temple. Does it look familiar? Can you guess which temple it is?
November 2018
Cross-country run
courtesy of Charlie Choong
Thanks to our donor, we have an interesting photograph here. These boys (and their Teacher perhaps?) are in the middle of a cross-country run. Any guesses as to what building that is in the background? 🙂
Fast cars and Pretty girls ?
picture courtesy of: Royal Perak Motor Club
Do you remember the year these Alfa Romeo cars came to Malaysia? Perhaps the car-lovers might be able to tell us more. Maybe someone out there was standing in the crowd watching this promotion.
And…if you were one of these pretty girls in the photograph, we’d love to hear from you too 😉
‘another one bites the dust’
No, we’re not being ‘bitter’ about it…but did anyone realise that this beautiful floral clock is no more? For those who’ve never had the chance to see it, here are two pictures for you; both are from Ann Kesselring Hamon. The lady in white (left image) is Ann’s mother Florence Kesselring. As for the right image, it was taken from a 35mm Kodachrome slide.
For those (like me) who have never seen this lovely clock, it was once part of the Japanese Garden along Tambun Road.
October 2018
ACGS?
Anglo Chinese Girls School? Well, if you didn’t know what the ACGS building looked like here’s an old photo.
courtesy of: Ang Eng
Looks like the Methodist Girls School building? That’s because it IS the MGS building 🙂 ACGS was named MGS back in 1959.
That VRI building…
picture from: Ann Kesselring Hamon
Yes, the building in the background is none other than the Veterinary Research Institute at Tiger Lane. Our donor estimates that this photo was taken around 1955. Have you been to this place? If so, do share your thoughts with us 🙂
YMCA Building, Ipoh
courtesy of Ann Kesselring Hamon
Yes, folks…believe it or not, this is what the YMCA building looked like back in 1954. Pity the beautiful garden is no longer there today 🙁
The (not so) New Village…
Left image: Simee New Village, 1951 (from the Kinta Valley Book) Right image: Simee today (picture from the Star, 12th October 2018)
How many of you out there lived / grew up in Simee? We’d love to hear some of your childhood adventures (or, misadventures…especially the funny ones 😉 ).
Maybe someone out there may also know HOW Simee got its name?
Abandoned building?
courtesy of Ann Kesselring Hamon
No, this was said to be the temporary building for the Anglo Chinese Girls’ School, back in the 1950s. For those of you who don’t know, Anglo Chinese Girls’ School (or ACGS Ipoh) later became Methodist Girls’ School (MGS). Of course, the MGS building now looks nothing like this one pictured above.
MGS Alumni, we’d love to hear from you! 🙂
All in a day’s work…
courtesy of: Ann Kesselring Hamon, USA
Perhaps this was once a familiar sight in Ipoh town – dulang washers walking through the town, either going towards or coming back from the river. Anyone wants to guess which part of town these ladies are passing through?
Another Puzzle for you
We’ve had this photo in our archive for some time now. But we don’t know much about it. The estimated year is around 1935, and we think this is part of a market. Would anyone like to help us out?
Let the music play…
courtesy of: Charlie Choong (click to enlarge)
We believe these musicians were part of the Perak Hui Zhou association. While we try to find out more about this, perhaps someone out there could help us out. Does anyone remember this public performance? And if you do, do you recognise the buildings in the background?
August 2018
Lower Six Science 2, Anderson School
from Gurpal Singh Bhuller (click to enlarge)
We received this via email from SK (who sent it to us on behalf of the donor). According to SK, Gurpal is looking for his former classmates.
Anyone out there from Lower Six Science 2? Gurpal is looking for you. Incidentally, SK told us that this picture was taken in April 1967 – Gurpal’s last day at Anderson School; apparently one of his classmates lent him a coat to wear – yes, the young man in the dark coat is none other than Gurpal.
A different kind of ‘banker’…
Chettiar (or Chetty) is a title used by various mercantile castes and social levels in South India – especially in the state of Tamil Nadu. They claim a legendary relationship with the Hindu God Murugan; according to the legend, Murugan married Valli (who was from a tribal group), hence her tribe was later called Chettyars – in order to restore Valli’s status as a consort to a god.
Interestingly, here in Ipoh there were more than 100 Chettiar families once. They were known as the Nattukottai Chettiar. These financiers were preferred to the usual bankers back in the day. On our database we have an interesting interview with the last of the Nattukottai Chettiars in Ipoh.
Here’s a picture of what may have been the inside of a Chettiar’s ‘office’…
from the book “Legends, Lessons and Love” by Jamilah Ariffin
An Interesting Find
We thank Lennie Brooks for these pictures. Her father once served in the 15/19 Hussars as their Company Sergeant Major Instructor. Back in 1955, they lived at No. 20, Chung Thye Phin Road – yes, at Chung Thye Phin’s mansion nonetheless. These pictures show a mosaic of Chung Thye Phin and also an interesting marble statue, which were once part of the mansion’s deco.
July 2018
Cathay Cold Creameries?
Could this have been a branch of Cold Storage? Or, perhaps Cold Storage’s competitor? We don’t know, so we’re hoping someone out there could help us out. Our anonymous donor didn’t say much about this photograph (and unfortunately, we are no longer in contact with this person). I’m sure someone out there visited 47 Cockman Street at some point in their life…
Making way for development…
According to the article, many of the wooden houses in Greentown would have to make way for development. About 16 houses would be demolished and the area would then house the ‘new’ municipal council building (present Majlis Bandaraya Ipoh building). Anyone remembers the ‘new’ municipal council building?
The ‘beer can test’ ?
Following your enthusiastic comments on an old blog post, we decided to put up something else from the Triumph Owners Club (Perak) Magazine. These are from the Driving Tests at the Military Square, Ashby Road, Ipoh (back in 1975). The car on the right was said to be a Triumph Herald 1200 saloon. Car lovers care to tell us about the car on the left? 🙂
On another note, what IS a ‘beer can test’?
June 2018
“The Best Hindu Restaurant” ?
from the Yeoh Family album
At least that’s what I think it says on the signboard. Does anyone know which restaurant this is? Wonder if it’s still there…
“Me and my ride”
I’m no car expert…but I’m pretty sure this car is a Mercedes (I could be wrong though).
Anyone care to guess which part of town this is?
from the Yeoh family
May 2018
Ipoh, 1936
This picture was taken from a postcard, which was sent in 1936. Of course, this may not be the exact year the picture was taken. What drew my attention to the picture was the person sitting on the river bank – wonder if he/she was fishing…or simply appreciating nature?
April 2018
Up to no good?
Not quite. This picture was taken at an actual event, which was held at the Lido Theatre in Ipoh! Does anyone remember this event? If you are this 12 year old who won this competition…we’d LOVE to hear from you too! 😉
March 2018
Have you seen a platform ticket?
We once featured an old railway ticket. Today, we’re showcasing a platform ticket. 🙂
Yes, it cost 20 cents!
Ipoh Federal Building
courtesy of Nicholas Jennings
We believe that this was the Ipoh Federal Building on Club Road (now Jalan Panglima Bukit Gantang). Would anyone happen to know more about this place?
February 2018
The Perak Education Department
courtesy of: The Sinniah Family
Our donors told us that this was taken in the 1950s, outside the Perak Education Department offices. Seated 4th from the left is Sinniah S/O Sinnathamby (Inspector of Indian Schools, Perak).
January 2018
Meeting the ‘king’
No, not another Royal…not the King of Rock & Roll either. We’re talking about the King of Fruits! Yes…the DURIAN!
courtesy of Ngai
This photograph was taken in 1995, according to our donor. From the buildings in the background, can you guess where this place is?
Dinner with Royalty!
special thanks to Anonymous
Do you know these VIPs? Ok, we’ll make it easier for you 😉 Seated on the extreme right is none other than S P Seenivasagam.
Next to him is of course Sultan Idris and the lady beside him is his Consort (Che Puan Negara Aminah). And how can we forget Lau Pak Khuan – seated in the centre!
Do you know any of the others in the photograph? Or…perhaps you recognise the background and are able to tell us WHERE this photo was taken?
Another SMI Play?
Let’s see if the Michaelians remember this one (see pictures below):
Recognise the costumes? The actors? The title of the play?
I only recognise Bro Pius Kelly, standing in the back (between the ‘gentleman’ with the top hat and the ‘maiden’).
“Care for a biscuit?”
This was not a posed photograph. In fact, this was a common scene during the Second World War – when expatriates stopped at the Ipoh Railway Station, on their way to Singapore. When Penang was invaded by the Japanese in 1941, all European Service Families had to be evacuated.
It may not be clear, due to the low resolution of the photograph, but did you notice the Huntley & Palmer biscuit tin?
November 2017
Opening of the Premier Store
Looks like the grand opening of a store in Ipoh. The back of these photographs say it’s the Premier Store, Ipoh (dated 11 Jan 1968). Any idea where in Ipoh this place was?
The gentleman cutting the ribbon is none other than Sultan Idris Al-Mutawakkil Alallahi Shah, and the lady beside him is his consort YTM Che Puan Negara Aminah. We thank our anonymous donor for sharing these photographs with us.
…back in the day…
Back in the day, a cup of coffee at your local kopitiam didn’t cost that much. Neither did bottle of beer.
The Old Tenby School
Do you remember the old Tenby School building? The school once used the vicarage of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church.
For those who are curious, you can visit the school’s current website here.
October 2017
Royal Visit to Ipoh
The year was 20 June 1962, when King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit arrived in Kuala Lumpur. This was part of their state long visit. On 24 June, the Royal couple stopped by Ipoh. (pictures below taken from New Sunday Times, 22 October 2017)
The King wearing his blue Royal Thai Air Force marshall uniform; the Queen wore an apple green Thai national dress.
The royal entourage leaves Ipoh for Penang.
One for the album!
We thank Thomas Lee for sharing this photograph with us. These happy children seem every excited about their lanterns. Did YOU own such a lantern when you were their age?
From the J. J. Series
This postcard, from the J. J. Series, shows Selibui Road in Ipoh. We believe the postcards from this series ranged from 1905 – 1910. From what we found out from the book ‘Perak Postcards: 1890s-1940s‘, this photo probably shows the early intake dam and waterworks in Selibin (Silibin today). To quote from the book: “Water supply to Ipoh was originally conveyed from Selibin (also spelt Selebin). The great want there [in Ipoh] at present is a good water supply. This can be met by bringing water in pipes from Selibin, a distance of some three miles, and the Datoh Penglima Kinta has offered to undertake the work“.
Anyone care to guess the exact date of this postcard?
September 2017
Have you heard of…
…the Ipoh Trade School? It was founded in 1930, to what we know. The initial intake was 25 young men of which 23 were Malays with 1 Chinese and 1 Indian. The Chief Instructor was transferred from the Federated Malay States Railways Central Workshops and his assistant from the Kuala Lumpur Trade School.
The students’ first task was to assist in the construction of the school building and installing machinery. Practical training took place on Albion and Thornycroft lorries of the Public Works Department Ipoh….(read more here).
Here’s a picture of the building.
Come meet the badminton heroes!
Thanks to SK, we have the following photograph – which was taken at the BWF World Senior Badminton Championships 2017.
SK also shared the following message from Chan Wan Seong:
BWF World Senior Badminton Championships 2017 – List of Malaysian Medalists :
In MD50+, Sarawakian Ting Wei Ping ( not from BU Dragons group) & Indonesian Bobby Ertanto ( 1982 Indonesia Thomas Cup Partner of Liem Swie King) won Gold Medal.
In MD40+, Kah Kok Cheong & Lum Chee Meng ( not from our BU Dragons group) won Silver Medal.
In MS60+, Chan Wan Seong, and Ong Then Lin ( Ong is under MBA Group) won Bronze Medal.
In MS70+, Foo Lai Loon won Bronze Medal.
In MD70+, defending champions Ching Kon Kong & Loo Ah Hooi won Bronze Medal.
So Malaysia has won a total of 6 medals :
1 Gold, 1 Silver, 4 Bronze .He added:
“This is the official BWF World Senior Badminton Championships 2017 held once every 2 yrs.
In the 2015 edition, he won a Bronze Medal in MS60+ and in 2017, he won another Bronze Medal despite being 2 yrs older now and facing younger opponents who have migrated to the 60-64 years age category.”In the 2015 edition, Malaysia won only one Gold in MD70+ through Ching Kon Kong/ Loo Ah Hooi, and one Bronze in MS60+ through Chan Wan Seong.
SK would also like to extend an invitation to ALL the Andersonians
Date: 23 Sept 2017 , Saturday
Time : 12.00 pm to 4.30 p.m. Hi Tea
Venue : Swez Brasserie East In Hotel Petaling Jaya
Cost: About RM 63 for Seniors Discount.
Contact Person: Darren Teh – darrenyft77@gmail.com
ps: You’ll also have a chance to meet our badminton stars Chan Wan Seong and Loo Ah Hooi – both former Andersonians – in the flesh!
Eel Soup?
No, we’re not joking. This delicacy can be found right here in Ipoh – at Restoran Nasi Lemak Ayam Kampung, Jalan Ali Pitchay. Have any of you tried this? Do tell us about your culinary adventure!
SMI, 1980
This photo is from Michael Ho’s collection. Here we have a Form One class from St Michael’s Institution, back in 1980.
Michaelians, do you recognise yourselves?
August 2017
When was the last time…
…you saw something like this? Some of you may already know what this is. Well, let me just say that our famed Star Barber once used this tool…
HIJ Convent, 1964
We thank Sybil for this class photograph, showing the students and teachers from the HIJ Convent (now SM Convent), Ipoh.
Sybil managed to provide some names (click here); however, we still need more 🙂
Convent Alumni, you girls up for the challenge?
courtesy of: Sybil de Roquigny
Remembering Rose Chan
This lady needs no introduction….I think EVERYONE knows who she is 😉
Rose Chan was born Chan Wai Chang in Soochow, China, in 1925 to acrobat parents. She arrived in Kuala Lumpur at the tender age of six. Despite having no formal education, she demonstrated her entrepreneurial spirit at an early age of 12 by charging her classmates to have their photo taken. After the failure of her first (arranged) marriage to an elderly Chinese contractor more than twice her age, a 17-year-old Rose became a cabaret dancer at Happy World in Singapore where she excelled as a dancer (read more here).
Famous Names (3)
Today’s famous person was also known as the ‘Protector of Chinese’. One of his main duties was to monitor the Chinese Secret Societies. The Protector also held the responsibility for the registration of Chinese brothels, the owner, the Mamasan and the working girls, and inspecting the premises to maintain laid down standards of hygiene and accommodation. Still wondering who this gentleman is? Let me put you out of your ‘misery’…he’s none other than Mr William Cowan!
July 2017
A Memorable Performance?
Does anyone remember these lovely ladies and their hula hoops? Well, I’m sure some of you do.
These ladies performed at the Lido Theatre; at one time, it was common to see such performances at cinemas.
June 2017
Exhibition at Anderson School
Special thanks to Oon Eng Hock (and SK) for sharing the above photograph with us. Anderson Alumni might remember this special day…when the then Education Minister – En Mohd Khir Johari – (extreme right) visited the school for this exhibition. Oon is standing behind En Khir, and behind Oon is none other than the Principal – Mr Tagar Singh.
May 2017
Famous Names (2)
Today’s celebrity was born in 1880 in Fuzhou (Fujian Province, China). Considered to be one of the elite Chinese in Ipoh, he became the Secretary and Attorney of Towkay Foo Choo Choon. He was also very influential in the Perak Chamber of Commerce. In 1924 he joined the Kinta Sanitary Board; 3 years later he was awarded the ‘Justice of Peace’ for his services in the state of Perak.
Who is he? Well, let’s give out a final clue before I reveal his name!
He was the owner of the Ruby Theatre building, custom-built by him to be leased to the very experienced cinema manager, Ong Ee Lim.
Ah! I see some smiles and some heads nodding….yes, he is none other than Lau Ek Ching!
‘Chinese Cave Temple’
I’ve visited a few of the cave temples in Ipoh…but I must say I’m stumped with this postcard. Do you recognise which temple it is?
February 2017
Visiting the ‘Silver State’…
It’s obvious that the writer of the above article had a good time in Perak recently. We’re glad he and his friends enjoyed themselves. We’re also glad that they visited our Hakka Museum (ref. to the area highlighted in blue).
ps: Have YOU visited the Hakka Museum lately? If not, what are you waiting for?
Were you there…?
….when the Royal Ipoh Club celebrated its 100 year anniversary?
It wasn’t that long ago – 1995 to be exact. I’m sure some of you members out there remember something….
Can you see yourself in this group photo?
click to enlarge
We thank Steven Kan for the above photograph – showing Form 5 Science 3, of Anderson School, back in the mid 1970s. And just in case some of you can’t recall the names of the people in the above photograph, here are their names:
January 2017
Birthday Party at Kam Loong
This photograph – from Sybil de ROQUIGNY-IRAGNE – was taken at Kam Loong Restaurant, back in the 1960s. They were celebrating a relative’s 60th birthday!
Yes, the Year of the Rooster is upon us…and some of us are already in a party-mood 🙂
Does anyone have a funny story to share…about something that happened during a party?
December 2016
Yet Another Ipoh Scene
Here’s another postcard picture from the early 1900s. Does anyone recognise the bridge? I also see rickshaws in a distance, but no other clues as to WHERE this place is. Could it be the outskirts of Ipoh, if not the town itself?
“Road to Ipoh”
That’s what it says on the back of this postcard. So, ‘detectives’…can you guess which road, or where this place is? I’ll admit I’m stumped 🙁
November 2016
Ipoh, 1977
We took this off the 1977 edition of the AMCIAN – the Ave Maria Convent school magazine. This is an aerial view of the school building and the surroundings.
We’ve had a lot of feedback from SMI, ACS, NTPS, and even HIJ Convent Alumni over the years…but not much from the Ave Maria Convent girls. So, here’s a shout-out to you young ladies out there!
October 2016
Remember ‘Lian Seng Fatt’ ?
This sundry shop was once at 40 Jalan Lee Kwee Foh, in Canning Garden. But that was back in the 1960s – 1970s. This shop was later taken over by a book store.
Does anyone remember the sundry shop…or even the owner?
Mooooving Around
Imagine this: you’re travelling along a random road in Ipoh, and you encounter a car, a bullock-cart and bicycle moving one behind the other in the opposite lane! It might have been a familiar sight back in the 1960s, but not today. We thank Alan for the above photograph.
Up Coming Book Sale
Media Masters will be organising a book sale next week. Check out the poster below.
Do mark these dates on your calendar!
Tambun Caves Vandalised!
Shocking but true. While we’re busy building new structures, our heritage sites are paying the price. Some are either ignored or just left to ‘fend’ for themselves.
One such place is the famed Tambun Caves which recently fell victim to vandals.
As the Star Metro report states: ” The prehistoric cave drawings are still there, but if nothing is done they are in danger of being overwhelmed by random scrawls of vandals.” We couldn’t agree more.
September 2016
Something to ‘brag’ about!
We don’t go around blowing our own trumpet…but this is something we’re really proud of, and it’s worth shouting out from every roof top in Ipoh town!
picture from: Ipoh Guide
Thank you for your reviews / comments, which helped us stay within the top page of Trip Advisor – and thus being awarded the 4th most popular museum to visit in Malaysia! Thank you also to the Editor of Ipoh Guide who shared this with us on WhatsApp (you can read the full article here).
August 2016
Meeting An Olympic Star!
I don’t know if any of you remember this, but back in 1955 we had a visit from a famous Olympian – Jesse Owen!
picture courtesy of: Dato Pu
Facing the camera, on the extreme left, is Mr Kandvanam. Next to him is Mr Bulwant Singh. Jesse Owen (winner of 4 gold medals at the 1936 Berlin Olympics) is the gentleman in the checkered shirt.
Lessons In Progress…
Convent Girls, do you recall what your classroom looked like? Well, this was a typical classroom at the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (or Main Convent) back in the late 1940s / early 1950s. We thank Marea Smith for sharing this nostalgic photograph with us. Looking forward to hearing from any CHIJ Alumni 🙂
July 2016
Boys to Men
picture from: Gogan Singh; click to enlarge
We know old school photographs are rather popular on our blog. So here’s another one. Were you one of these handsome young men? Or, maybe you recognise a former school mate? We’d love to hear from you!
For the film enthusiasts
Mark this date – 20th August 2016 – in your calendars. Be at the Old Andersonian’s Club from 2-5pm to meet the Godfather of the Malaysian film industry!
More Shopping Bags….
Does anyone remember Hung Wang Restaurant? The address says it was along Leong Sin Nam Street…but for the life of me, I can’t seem to place where exactly it was! Perhaps the Foodies might know better 🙂
May 2016
Fair Park, 1938
picture courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt
Remember these shop houses? Yes, this was Fair Park back in 1938. These shops were Iversen’s designs nonetheless. Sadly, they’re no more 🙁
April 2016
The Police Volunteer Reserve, 1970s
picture courtesy of Gary Lai (via SK)
We received this photo and description from SK:
This picture was send to me by Gary Lai from Anderson School, Ipoh. I have his consent to use the picture & story. He joined the Police Volunteer Reserve back in 1970s when he left Ipoh, in KL. Gary is pictured on the left & he lost touch of his friend in 1975. Hope Ipohworld can publish this & also at the same time to look out for Gary’s friend. Gary told me he joined the PVR as a duty to the nation. Both of them patrolled the street with a regular policeman and enjoyed their task. They were also paid by their employers while performing their duties or when they took 2 weeks off for training.
They had also opportunity to practice shooting with wesson smith pistols in 6 bullets chamber & Mark 5 bolt action rifle (10 or 12 bullets ) in sniping, squatting & sitting positions but missed the M16 practice as it was then newly issued. Gary recalled it was fun time walking the streets twice or thrice a week 6 pm to 11 pm at 40 sen an hour. It was not about money as they spent more than the stipend paid but the experience & the duty to the country. Well, Ipohworld, hope you will publish this for awareness in the Police Voluntary Reserve Unit. We have also other voluntary units like Civil Defence & Rela. The other unit is Polis Bantuan.
In a subsequent email, SK told us that Gary’s friend went by the name of Chuah (Gary doesn’t know the full name). If Chuah, or any of his family / friends, are reading this, we’d love to hear from you!
Steaming Hot and Delicious!
Our photographer recently visited Kedai Makanan Rasa Lain, in Bercham, where he sampled the above dish. The dish is none other than Claypot Glass Noodles with Crab. Have any of you tried this dish? Do share your thoughts with us 🙂
February 2016
Methodist English School – Form 3 1967
We were told that this was the Form 3 Class of 1967 at Methodist English School (later known as Methodist High School or MHS). Our source also mentioned the teacher’s name – Mr Thanarajan. Do you recognise any of the faces in the picture below?
picture courtesy of Gogan Singh, click to enlarge
January 2016
Team Perak XI, 1957
Back row, L-R: T.John, Foong Kam Choy, Ahmad Nazari Centre row, L-R: Chan Tuck Choy, R. Anthony, Wong Kim Seng Front row, L-R: Liew Fee Yuen, Loh Kam Fook, Ramadas Rao, Wong Kong Leong and Cheong Weng Leongsource: NSTP
Remember these young men? It was October 5th 1957 when this team – Perak XI – defeated Kelantan 6-1, before entering the finals of the Malaya Cup!
November 2015
Ban Guan Foong Bakery
Our donor (Lee Seong Yan) shared this little story with us:
“Remember the ’50s when you can get a bun with scraped coconut in brown sugar as fillings costing only 5 cents to 10 cents? For those interested in buns with scraped coconut fillings, there is a shop in Pasir Pinji, Ipoh selling them for 80 sen each. Besides those with coconut fillings, they also sell buns without fillings and also those with kaya (egg jam). They also have the regular size loaf. If you think 80 sen is expensive, try going to the cake shops in the shopping complex. Anyway, this shop is only open from Mon to Fr at 6.00 pm and on Sunday at 2.00 pm. It is closed on Sat. I went once at 2.30 pm on Sun. and found that the buns with coconut filling was sold out. The shop is Ban Guan Foong Bakery. The signboard in inside the shop and you will not be able to locate it until you are in the shop. The address is 50, Jalan Sultan, Pasir Pinji, Ipoh (near the market). The difference between the buns sold and those sold in the local bakeries and cake shop is that you buy it fresh from the oven and they are still hot and smells good. The oven is at the back of the shop and it does not look like it is run by electricity. The queue is long and you find people buying as many as 25-50 buns though you may buy one. From the signboard and the premises (single storey semi concrete and wooden walls and zinc roof) it looks as if this bakery (family run) has been around for over 50 Years.”
So folks, have you heard of Ban Guan Foong Bakery?
October 2015
Time Out Malaysia Kids features Han Chin Pet Soo!
We’re pleased to announce that we’ve been featured on Time Out Malaysia Kids! Yes, you’ve bought this magazine do turn to page 59 (highlighted area shown above). We thank the Editor – Leah O’Hearn – for helping add another feather to our cap!
September 2015
Ipoh’s not short of desserts…
We’re all very familiar with the sweet and tasty ang ku. The one shown above comes red AND green – giving it a more interesting taste to compliment the green-pea filling. It costs anywhere between 60-80 cents a piece (if you can get it cheaper, let us know!).
August 2015
The Public Pool
picture from: Star Newspaper
Recently, there was a report about the public pool (near the Perak Stadium) being closed for renovations. From what I’ve observed before it closed, this pool is rather popular among Ipoh-ites – especially the little ones.
Just out of curiosity, does anyone know WHEN the pool was built?
Famous Names – Bro Vincent of SMI
I’m sure many of you recognise the gentleman in white (with a walking stick). Yes, it’s none other than Bro Vincent Corkery! He recently celebrated his 70th anniversary as a La Salle Brother at St Michael’s Insitution, Ipoh.
To read the full article published by The Star Online, click here
The School that Iversen designed
Any Sam Tet alumni reading this? Well, I’m sure you recognise this building. According to our donor, Ruth Iversen Rollitt, her late father – B M Iversen – designed it!
July 2015
Something ‘fishy’ this way comes…
Our photographer found this dish at Wah Nam Coffee Shop. At RM 4.30, it was quite tasty. We’d like to know from the Fish Paste Noodle lovers out there….where is the best place to find YOUR favourite dish?
Scenes from the 1928 Floods in Ipoh
source: Alexander
We received this photo from Alexandar, the curator of the Heritage Gallery of the Church of Our Lady of Lourdes (OLOL), in Silibin. According to an article from the Straits Times, heavy rain caused the banks of the Pari River (or Sungei Pari, as it’s more popularly known as) to overflow. The flood occurred on a Thursday back in 1928. Shown in the above photo is the old wooden structure of Our Lady of Lourdes’ Church (before the new brick building came into being).
Have you been to the Golden Jubilee Restaurant?
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
I’m not familiar with the restaurant names along Kampar Road, so I wouldn’t know where Golden Jubilee Restaurant is.
Is it still there? Or, perhaps it’s changed its name?
HIJ Convent, Ipoh
We thank Marea Smith for this picture. She told us (via e-mail) that she was once a student of the HIJ Convent (now Main Convent) in Ipoh. Here’s a shout out to all the Convent Alumni – do you girls recognise this picture? What was the special occasion?
At the Airport
In the photo are Marea Smith (our donor) and C.A. Thurling. This was taken at the Ipoh Airport back in 1953.
We’d like to draw your attention to the wooden bracket around the racket in Marea’s hand. If I’m not mistaken, the racket was placed between the wooden brackets and the four screws at the corners were tightened to hold the racket in place. One of my uncles used to store his badminton rackets this way – before specialised sports bags were made.
Do any of you remember this old fashioned way of storing rackets? 🙂
Chee Cheong Fun with a twist!
Yau Char Koay Chee Cheong Fun – yes, that’s what this dish is called! Unique isn’t it? For those who want to give it a try, you can find it at Kedai Kopi Enam Belas (near Eu Yang Sang in old town)….the cost? RM 4.50 🙂
Where was Olympic Inn?
courtesy of: Charlie Choong
Does anyone remember Olympic Inn? Could it have been the old name of ‘Tambun Inn’? Or, was it at another building along Tambun Road?
June 2015
The Tambun Cafe
receipt from Charlie Choong
The last I checked, Tambun Inn seemed to be undergoing renovations…perhaps a new management has taken over? Well, we hope someone out there can tell us more. We’re also curious to know WHO ran the Cafe back then (when it first opened).
Remember the time when a bowl of chicken porridge cost $ 3.00 at Tambun Cafe?
May 2015
Do you have a sweet-tooth?
Well, I certainly do……(But my weakness lies in anything containing chocolate!)
This delectable dish comes from Thean Chun restaurant (in Old Town, Ipoh). Our photographer paid RM 2.60 for this plate of caramel custard. The custard is served with a glass of water too 😉
“Mobile” food…
For those of you who remember, we featured this photo in our Falim Exhibition two years ago. What’s fascinating about this hawker on wheels, in that he’s determined to peddle his wares – in spite of the traffic along the road 🙂
I wonder what he was selling. On another note, does anyone recognise the building in the background?
Time for some good ‘ol Chee Cheong Fun!
This dish is from Kedai Kopi Enam Belas (near Eu Yan Sang in Old Town). Our photographer had this char siew and prawn combination for Rm 3.50.
Usually, Chee Cheong Fun is served with mushroom and sweet sauce whereas some places give you the option of curry instead of mushroom sauce but the one in the picture above is a variant of the usual Chee Cheong Fun; this one is the made-to-order Hong Kong Chee Cheong Fun that comes with sweet soy sauce and sambal on the side.
Chee Cheong Fun lovers out there, how do YOU take your favourite dish?
Another Famous Cafe…
Since we had such an interesting discussion about The Nautilus Inn (our previous blog), we decided to put up another receipt from yet another cafe in Ipoh. How many of you remember Long John’s Tavern? It used to be along Jalan S.A. Lingam (in Ipoh Garden South).
March 2015
The Dunlop Rubber Company HQ
This was formerly the headquarters for the Dunlop Rubber Company in Ipoh, which was behind the railway station.
As you can see in the pictures (above and below) this building has long been abandoned.
These pictures (donated by Kinta Heritage Group) were taken back in 2009; from what we were told this place has been converted into a Hindu Temple.
The Sam Tet School Basketball Team
picture from: Leong Kai Loong, Ipoh
This is the Sam Tet School Basketball Team. We’re guessing the date to be somewhere in the 1960s.
Were you one of the players? Did your team win any trophies that year?
February 2015
Hoong Tho Restaurant
This is not part of our food-column….rather, we’re just curious to know more about Hoong Tho Restaurant (see picture below).
picture courtesy of: Yuen Chie Onn
This picture was taken on 8th September 1957 – when the restaurant was decorated to celebrate the Mooncake or Mid-Autumn Festival.
From what we were told, this business (whose premise is along Leech Street) is still running. Anyone know what was their specialty?
January 2015
Presenting – ipohWorld@Han Chin Pet Soo!
To all our fans, thank you for being so patient with us 🙂
Here we have the e-flyer of our latest project – ipohWorld @ Han Chin Pet Soo!
This private exhibition opens on Thursday 5th February, by appointment only. Reservations may be
made at www.ipohworld.org/reservation
We look forward to welcoming you to this fascinating exhibition. Entry is FREE, but we welcome
donations – which will go towards the upkeep of this unique building.
Book NOW to avoid disappointment!
The Kesselring Methodist Girls’ School
Yes, this was once known as Kesselring Methodist Girls’ School – dedicated in memory of Ralph Kesselring, on the 10th of April 1968. It later became Methodist High School (MHS). It is now the home of Wesley Methodist School.
We’ve had ACS, Anderson, Convent, and other Alumni dropping us a line now and then….how about we here from some MHS Alumni?
A Famous Ipoh Icon?
picture courtesy of: Harold Sevanesam
No prizes for guessing WHERE this place is, but I’m sure some of you out there are grinning widely 😉
What I found rather interesting is the shape of the of the roof. Anyone know the architect who designed this?
Yooklin Hot Springs
There was a time when you needed a visiting card to enter the hot springs in Tambun. Besides the pool and egg boiling, apparently there was also a bowling alley! I don’t recall this (probably before my time 😉 ) but I wonder if YOU remember this.
International Speech and Table Topics Contest 2015
“Speech contests are an important part of Toastmasters education program.
They provide an opportunity for Toastmasters to gain speaking experience as well as an opportunity for
other Toastmasters and Guests to learn by observing proficient speakers.”
Venue : YMCA Ipoh ,No 221 Jalan Raja Aziz
Time: 7.45 pm
Day /Date : Wednesday 14 January 2015
Contact : Pak Peter – H/P 019 – 574’3572
“Valid for One Dance only”
At one time, you could buy this for 42 cents……of course the coupon was only for ONE dance. However, it came in a booklet of five coupons. This sample here is from Robin James (from London). Anyone remember this Dance Coupon? Did YOU ever buy/use such a coupon at the Jubilee Cabaret?
December 2014
“Old Memories of Ipoh”
We at ipohWorld are proud to announce our latest photographic exhibition – at 12, Lorong Cheah Cheang Lim, Ipoh (opposite Secret Garden). This is part of the Family History Week organised by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This exhibition will be from 2 – 6 December 2014, from 10am till 6.30pm at the above mentioned venue. Admission is free!
November 2014
The ‘Original’ Swimming Club?
Nicholas Jennings sent us this – with the title Ipoh Swimming Club 1962 original.
Could this really be the original club – before the renovations took place? Also, notice the small balcony on the far left..could it be part of the dining area?
October 2014
Are these ACS boys?
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.
August 2014
Have You Met Him?
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’…..
July 2014
Form 5D, Anderson School Ipoh
(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.
Wonton Noodles, in Buntong
Some of the Foodies out there may have heard of Cheong Kee, in Buntong. We’ve also had Blog Readers mention it. This is a family firm that has been running for many more years; and as family members have passed away, the children simply step up one position in the production line to keep the show on the road. You can see them in action (below).
Ian and his wife visited this place recently. If any of you do intend to eat there, you can choose to sit either inside or outside the shop (al fresco style?). There are two areas to eat, outside under an awning or inside. The white plate with one and a half noodles and the orange with single. Both bowls contain 10 Wonton each. The white plate with double Wonton cost RM7.60. The Winter Melon drink was RM1.50.
A Day At The Park
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
June 2014
A Stamp Fair & Exhibition in Ipoh
(click to enlarge)
Attention all Philatelists! There will be a Perak Stamp Fair & Exhibition from 20th – 22nd June 2014 at UTC (former Super Kinta), Ipoh. Opening hours are from 9am – 10pm. There’s also a chance for you to vote for your favourite One-Page Exhibition 🙂 Don’t miss out on this exhibition.
Yummy Seafood Noodles!
This stall is at Soon Hoong Restorant (Lebuh Bercham Selatan). According to our photographer, this dish tastes lovely. Is seafood noodles an Ipoh specialty? Or, could it have been ‘adopted’ by the Ipoh folks as part of their menu?
Foodies out there, you tell us 🙂
‘Me and my Ride’ !
The AJS 350cc was my dad’s. This was taken back in 1956 and this time, the toddler is me! The photo was taken at the end of the block of houses in New Pasir Puteh where the Fabulous Thunderbirds were from as well.
We thank Mano for the picture and the above quote. I do wonder if anyone from Pasir Puteh remembers these houses or the bike…or even little Mano?
May 2014
Cendol!!
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?
A Well-loved Snack
For today’s food-blog, we’re featuring the ever popular Popiah.
Does anyone know the origins of this delicious dish? Is it uniquely Malaysian?
On that note, do you know the best place (in Ipoh) one might find this dish?
A New Attraction – Old House Museum, Taiping
Situated at 2A Market Square, Taiping, this is the project of Tan Kok Siew (Kapitan Antiques) who has leased this old house and filled two floors with antiques and collectables from days gone by.
Entrance is RM5.00. The museum is opem every day from 10.00 am to 7.00 pm.
Apart from the items on display, the house itself is a treasure. Built in 1880 by Lim Ji You it was one of the earliest 3-storey homes in Taiping, if not the very first.
If you are withing striking distance, do go along and while you are there you might find a long forgotten memory in the antique shop just along the street.
April 2014
Faces of Ipoh – A Free Exhibition
27 April to 25 May at 16 Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street) – next to Lim Kopi.
Tuesday to Friday 10am to 5pm. Closed om Mondays.
Entrance is FREE
Were You a Proud Owner of a Ford Popular?
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 😉
A Scenic Garden
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?
March 2014
Once Upon a Time at Cator Avenue…
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 😉
Here Comes the SPIDERMAN!
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?
Men’s Fashion from the 1930s?
(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 😉
February 2014
Lorong Said Tauphy, Greentown
(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! 🙂
January 2014
The Tarcisian Convent Library, 1967
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 🙂
November 2013
Turning 105 years old, in Buntong!
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.
October 2013
SMI’s Diamond Jubilee, 1972
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.
September 2013
The Chinese Opera
We’ve heard about and have even watched many famous operas. To some fans, it doesn’t matter what if said operas were not in English!
Today, we’d like to know if any of you remember the Chinese Operas. From what we know, they began in Ipoh when Yau Tet Shin built the New Town Complex in 1907.
Those who watched them (and probably took part in them too?), we’d like to hear from you 🙂
Now Here’s a Sight for Sore Eyes!
This great old photo came with the following message:
“Picture of me with the team 4x100m relay Cator Avenue school ipoh 1968. Hope my old friends in the picture memory of our history together.
from: Alaudin”.
So come on friends, tell which one is you. And for those not in the picture, we always love to hear more about your schooldays.
Many thamks to Alaudin for sharing.
August 2013
Broadway, Here We Come!
I was about 8 years old when I took part in a school concert (in the early 90s). The concert was for the Hari Anugerah (Prize Giving Day), and I recall being absolutely exhausted after every practice. I had to wake up early since practice started at about 8 o’clock in the morning. It went on past lunch time. I also had extra homework to do because practices were during school hours. What I hated most was when the music teacher told us that we girls had to wear make-up on the actual day of the concert…..sigh!
This picture was taken back in 1963. Were school concerts any different then? Like me, I’m sure the rest of us are wondering what happened to these ‘stars’ 😉
Anyone remember what this stage play was about? Did the ‘couple’ live happily ever after in the end?
PSPA INTERNATIONAL ENSEMBLE 2013
Yes, they are back!
To avoid disappointment, please make your bookings at the PSPA office or contact them at :
PSPA : 05-5487814
Witzi Leong : 012-5088818
********
Emails : pspaipoh@gmail.com , inquiries@pspaipoh.org
Website : www.pspaipoh.org
Visit them on facebook : www.facebook.com/pspaipoh
July 2013
Form IV, Anderson School Ipoh
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?
‘Chicago’ in Ipoh
This is part of a matchbox collection emailed to us by ‘Stex Stev’. Do you remember the Chicago Coffee House? I don’t…perhaps it was gone by the time I was born. Or maybe it changed its name? You tell us 😉
However, as the discussion grew it reached the mystery of a bread also named Chicago and Rosebud sent us the following photo – especially for mano.
A Happy Bunch
This is from Tony Ooi and according to him, this group is the Form 3 class from Sri Kepayang. Any Sri Kepayang boys out there? We’d like to know more about your school days (as well as stories of your fellow classmates and teachers!) 🙂
The Simee Police Station
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?
June 2013
Specially for the ‘Foodies’ out there!
Our thanks goes out to Ruth Iversen Rollitt for this one. Yes, it’s a barbeque party. And for those of you who can identify the venue, you’ve probably guessed it right!
This was taken around 1965. As a food lover (especially when it’s barbeque!), I do wonder if such parties still go on. When was the last time YOU enjoyed a nice cook-out with family and friends?
A Tale of Two ‘Parks’…
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.
Name the ‘Event’
Richard Lee sent us this one via email. This was taken in 1965, during the Sports Day. Any idea what race these boys took part in? Maybe some of you out there are in this very picture 😉 If so, do tell us more about your memorable sports day!
May 2013
My Favourite Group
No, it is not the Beatles nor is it the Famous Falcons.
It is actually 3 generations of one family visiting our exhibition. These are truly my favourite as Grandpa tells the grandchildren all his old stories and the children listen and learn. And that is what we strive for, the children to learn a little history while having fun in the family unit.
So why not bring your 3 generations and put a big smile on my face as well as theirs!
The Ipoh Club Band
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.
Let’s Go Swimming!
Here’s a coloured picture of the Ipoh Swimming Club. I do wonder: was the taken before or after they renovated the pool? Our thanks goes out to Ruth Rollitt for sharing this photograph with us.
Fancy a pint?
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.
Falim House Exhibition – Update 2
This photo was taken about two weeks ago and it is one very small corner of the whole exhibition. Today, now that the remedial work is done to this particular display it is a great place to record your visit to this famous house. It is just one such photo-spot of many. Found in Falim, this tricycle used to ply the local roads of Ipoh and Menglembu selling Coca Cola. Does anyone remember it? Did you buy the ice-cold Coke from it?
The exhibition opens at 10.00am on Sunday 12 May, as published and will close at 6.00pm (last entry 5.00pm). It will remain open 7 days a week from 10.00am to 6.oopm, until finally closing at 6.00pm Sunday 11th August.
The show will be opened by Y Bhg Dato’ Haji Roshidi Bin Haji Hashim, Ipoh Datuk Bandar and there will be no admission before the formal opening. Some 400 guests will be invited but you are also welcome to attend.
There will be three vintage cars on display for the opening. If you would like to bring yours along please do so.
There will be a free shuttle bus service run by Tenby Schools Ipoh to bring visitors to and from Ipoh Train Station and Falim House during the weekends. The bus will depart from the train station at 10.45 am, 1.45 pm and 2.45 pm, and take passengers from Falim House to the train station at 1.15 pm, 2.15 pm, 4.15pm and 5.15 pm.
As there are many loose items on display we do not allow shopping bags or similar into the house. Please leave all bags and baskets in the car (ladies’ handbags excepted).
One final point about cameras, phones and videos. We have deliberately set this exhibition up for you to have fun and take your souvenir photos with the artifacts and models, but we do not allow deliberate copying of photographs or the film. Take as many general shots as you like but if you cannot follow these simple rules you will be asked to leave the exhibition.
We hope to see you there.
And here is Steve Oh (left), the Malaysian author from Australia in the exhibition.
The Unknown Restaurant
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!
April 2013
ipohWorld at Falim House – Update
Dur to the selected date of the long awaited GE13 we have decided to delay the opening of our exhibition at Falim House (pictured) until Sunday 12 May. It will run for the same three months closing on Sunday 11 August. More details nearer the date so watch this space!
We apol;ogise for any confusion this change may bring.
Attention to ALL EX RPSians
Attention to ALL EX Rpsians (Teachers & Students 60s/70s/80s/90s/20..)
Hope all of u will join this event -Date & Time 18/5/2013 at 2.00 p.m.Venue SMK Raja Perempuan, Ipoh (Jln Batu Bungkal)
Interested Pls contact Wong 0125282196
![524311_530397420335995_1530893268_n[1]](http://www.ipohworld.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/524311_530397420335995_1530893268_n1.jpg)
March 2013
Employment Vacancy
We are currently planning to run an exhibition called “A Mining Family” at Falim House. This is not about one family, but an amalgam of more than 200 photographs and a large number of artifacts that show the lifestyle and labours of several of Ipoh’s Mining Towkays. The exhibition is targeted to open on 1st May 2013 and run for at least three months. Entrance will be FOC. We then hope to move to new, permanent premises where more exhibitions will run in what will be known as a Heritage Centre.
Clearly in the longer term we will need several extra permanent staff, but for the Falim House show we simply need an Assistant Exhibition Manager who we hope will advance to Manager of the new heritage centre.
Applicants should have an interest in heritage and must be competent to converse in both English and Malay. The ability to speak Mandarin/Cantonese would be an advantage. Own transport will be required to get to Falim. Any relevant experience will be taken into account. Salary is negotiable.
Should you be interested in this position you may apply by sending your Resume/CV and photograph to us at info@ipohworld.org. You should indicate your expected remuneration. We will respond to all applications advising whether we wish to call you for interview or not.
Closing date for applications is Saturday 30th March 2013.-
We look forward to hearing from you.
Ipoh’s First Waiters’ Race
Despite Ipoh’s long romance with all things food-related and the abundance of hotels, restaurants and clubs in town, Ipoh has never before taken part in the international tradition of the waiters’ race. On the 25th of May 2013, that is about to change.
Organised jointly by the Ipoh City Council (MBI), Perak Tourism Association (PTA), Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Perak Chapter, and the International Waiters’ Race Agency, Ipoh will be hosting its first International Waiters’ Race in D.R. Seenivasagam Park.
The Waiters’ Race (www.waitersrace.com) is a tradition originating in France, created to exhibit the skills of the famous French garcons by challenging them to race a street course while balancing a tray of beverages on the palm of one hand.
The earliest photographs of a Waiters’ Race were taken in the London Race of 1901, but the French roots of the race are over a century old.
Today, Waiters’ Races are held all over the world, including several held in Malaysia in the past. This is, however, the first time one will be held in Perak.
Demonstrations of ice-carving, flower-arranging, food-carving and a barista competition in coffee decoration will be held, along with a mini-treasure hunt, children’s race, parade of Perak school bands, and cheerleader demonstration for younger participants.
Over one hundred waiters and waitresses from Perak’s favourite eateries will be running the 1 ½ kilometer course through the park in three different races.
Visiting participants will be included from Ipoh’s sister city in Japan, Fukuoka, and Ipoh’s “friendship cities” Medan, Pusan, Hangzhou and Guangzhou.
Each runner will attempt to gain the fastest time while balancing their tray on one hand, without spilling any items. Running alone is worthless; winners have to arrive with a full tray or close to it.
The first race will be a Full Service Waiters’ Race where competitors run in traditional waiters’ attire over a challenging course including the steps leading to the bridge and a turn through the Japanese Garden.
The Quick Service Waiters’ Race will include hotel students as well as professionals and allow running shoes. Both races are open to men and women, prizes to be given separately to the best gentleman and best lady.
The third race will be an Amateurs’ mixed relay with teams comprising two men and two women each, dress code open to any attire.
Organizers hope to make this an annual event, celebrating Ipoh’s waiters, waitresses and culinary heritage for locals and tourists alike.
An Exhibition NOT to be Missed!
In June/July 2012, twenty students from University Malaya and the National University of Singapore embarked on a two-week long learning journey…of IPOH!
Their discoveries prompted this much awaited publication – Familiar Spaces, Untold Stories; Encounters with Ipoh – as well as an exhibition. To know more, do visit this exhibition at: Gallery Lim Ko Pi, No.10 Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh. This exhibition will run from 26th February – 10th March 2013; opened daily (except Mondays) from 12.30pm – 4.30pm.
January 2013
And What About this Place?
Is it a stadium a school field or a swimming pool? You tell us please.
Where Do You Think This Place Is?
Once again, we’re stumped with this 1980s picture.
Do the houses look familiar to you?
Could it be part of the new villages?
Could it be the other side of Greentown, as mentioned by some of our previous Readers?
A Night of Music
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.
Where was the Hollywood Hotel?
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?
Greentown, Ipoh
We were told that this is part of Greentown. But where exactly is it? Is this building still there…or is it gone?
Staff Quarters Along Tiger Lane
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?
December 2012
The Tai Pee Sim Monastery, Ipoh
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?
Cinema Classic?
Before the present wonder of CGI of today’s movies, there was the ‘Anamorphic Camera Lens’. The first movie shot with this lens is said to be Broken Lance (see poster above).
Anyone seen the movie? While is was no Lord of the Rings or Avatar, I’m sure it had its special features which left the audience in awe 🙂 If you’ve seen the movie, do tell us about it!
“Now you see it, now you don’t!”
The above photo, from Sybil, was taken in the front porch of No.8 Caldwell Road back in the late 60s (note the Mercedes on the left!). 4 or 5 years ago, Sybil came back for a visit and this (picture below) was what the house looked liked.
Besides No.8 Caldwell Road, Sybil’s family had another home along the same road – at No.5. Sadly, this place has been demolished (see below).
Wonder how many other houses along Caldwell Road went through a ‘disappearing act’ over the years….
‘Sekolah Latehan Wanita’
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?
The ‘Round Market’ Saga Continues…
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.
November 2012
The Main Convent Hockey Team
Ko-chi Wai had this to say, when he sent us this picture:
Ipoh Main Convent XI Hockey Team 1960 – Photo of the Main Convent hockey team which my aunt (front row, 2nd from left) was part of, taken within the grounds of the school. It was marked as XI Hockey, 1960 at the back of the photo.
Well, Convent Girls….anyone of you in the picture? For those who were part of the hockey team, do you remember the teacher/coach?
What’s Happened to Lindeteves-Stokvis?
According to the signboard, Lindeteves-Stokvis was an importer of mine and estate supplies. This picture taken in 1929, roughly about a year after Lindeteves opened its branch in Ipoh. Besides Ipoh, they also opened in Penang; however their first set up on this side of the globe was in Surabaya, Indonesia.
Anyone know which part of Ipoh Lindeteves’ branch was? What’s happened to this Dutch company today?
Tilapia Fishes at D R Park?
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?
October 2012
The Geological Survey building
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.
Memories from the 1960s
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.
A Wedding to Remember
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 🙂
September 2012
Food!!
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?
Famous Flats in Ipoh
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….
Another Ipoh Street Scene
Know this street? Recognise the buildings? We await your comments! 🙂
The Main Convent had a Kindergarten?
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.
Fancy Some Fresh Fruits?
Our thanks goes out to Alan, for sharing this picture with us!
An Exhibition on The Life & Legacy of Eu Tong Sen
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF EU TONG SEN – A PERAKIAN PIONEER
A public exhibition in conjunction with Visit Perak Year History & Heritage at the lobby of Syuen hotel from 30 August till end of October
Eu Tong Sen was born in Penang 23. July 1877, the year of the Ox. In 1898, at the age of 21, he took over his father’s estates and business in Perak. At 30 he was one of the richest men in South -East Asia. For more the 3 decades Eu a leading business man shaped the development and wellbeing of Perak, mainly in Ipoh, Gopeng and Kampar.
He transformed the business his father left him, originating from a single dispensary in Gopeng, in to a chain of traditional medicine shops.
At the peak, Eu’s businesses owned a total of 11 mines and employed 12’000 miners.
In 1908 he commenced planting rubber trees, until his rubber estates covered more the 283 hectares of land.
Eu Yan Sang shops in Gopeng and Kampar extended to providing remittance service, allowing Chinese miners and plantation workers to send their earnings home.
In May 1912, Eu was appointed a permanent Unofficial Member of the Federal Council of the Federated Malay States. Later, he would become the first non -European commoner to be admitted to the Royal Ipoh Club.
Eu and Chung Thye Phin, the Kapitan China of Perak, were “blood” brothers. They went through Chinese ceremony to become oath brothers. Eu and Chung had common interests – motorcars, racehorses and country houses both of them decided to enter their horses regularly in the Ipoh races. They jointly built the weekend retreat, “Forest Lodge” at Gopeng road with a large stable. Eu took keen interest in horse-racing, motoring and rifle-shooting. He imported the first motor car to Perak.
A description of Eu’s residences in Perak, written by H. Norden in 1923, goes as follows:
“Eu Tong Sen is notable with his twenty-five millions of gold dollars. He has two palaces in Ipoh; one more in Kampar and a castle with garden and lake in Singapore. Art treasures selected in Europe by himself fill the various residences of the great Chinese tin magnate, nick name King of Tin, the marble was brought from Italy.”
By 1914 just before the war, he moved his business head-quarters to Singapore and later to Hong Kong. Eu Tong Sen died of a heart attack in May 1941 at the age of 63.
Eu man who practiced European lifestyle. Was he too Western? Not Chinese enough.
The exhibition was possible with the support of Syuen Hotel, Eu Foundation and Kinta Heritage group.
The Railway Station Vendor
Remember him? He probably sold snacks and other odds & ends.
I wonder where he is now? Perhaps he has a proper stall somewhere else in Ipoh? Hmm….maybe one of our fans knows more 🙂
Ipoh Street Scene, 1959
Recognise the street? What about the building – Sun Kong Ah Coffee Shop & Hotel?
The above photograph is from Keith Nelson.
Where Are They Now?
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 🙂
August 2012
Merdeka Greetings
Here’s to all of our fans out there – regardless of the trials and tribulations we’ve faced as a nation, we’ve pulled through and have come out stronger! Happy Merdeka 🙂
The above picture is from Alan Wanless. This was taken at the Ipoh Padang back in 1957 (about the same time Tunku made his declaration at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur).
Have you heard of….
…..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….
A ‘Walk in the Park’?
Is this place part of one of the famous parks in Ipoh? Do you know where it is? Is this place still there?
Scenes from the Perak Turf Club
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.
Ipoh Baptist Church
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.
Federal Restaurant, Ipoh
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? 😉
School Bands at the Perak Stadium
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 🙂
Malaysian MENSA are Coming to Town
This is a special announcement from Dato Datin Seri Dr Yim Poh Wah – the Vice Chairman of the Malaysian MENSA Society (MMS).
The aims of Mensa is to foster intelligence, conduct research on intelligence and to provide a stimulating social environment for its members for networking both locally and internationally. I seek your help in notifying Ipoh residents, so that Ipoh folks will be able to make a formidable presence in the MMS.Details are as follows:
Date 19/8/12.Time: 12.30pm - 3.30pm Venue: YMCA Ipoh Registration at the door. Test fee:RM50.00, please bring along Mycard or passport. Test is open to everyone from age 14 years and above. Duration of test:40 mins. Type: Pictorial and culture free.No prior study necessary as there is no general knowledge involved.This test only tests out logic and spatial intelligence.If you like more details, kindly let me know. (012-2388817 or visit the website http://mensa.my)
Before Starbucks came to Ipoh….?
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?
‘Sing Kong’ (Star Cinema), Ipoh
Keith Nelson, an ex British National serviceman stationed in Ipoh (1959-1960), sent us some pictures of Ipoh recently. Today, we’re featuring the Star Cinema.
For those who don’t know, this cinema was built below the road access (and in an ex graveyard!) sometime in the late 50s. The Star Cinema was a single-screen cinema and could house up to 1150 movie-lovers. It started off screening English films and then progressed to Chinese films later. To what we know, a fire broke out around 1970.
By late 1989 the cinema closed and a nightclub opened instead. The premise closed for good in the late 1990s and is currently ‘playing house’ to rats. It is said that the former cinema is now up for sale.
On another note, we noticed some similarities between the Star Cinema and other cinema halls designed by Iversen……could this building be an Iversen design too?
The Kowloon Hotel
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. 🙂
Remember ‘Her’?
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?
July 2012
‘Mad’ about Movies?
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! 🙂
‘Old Cottage’
We thank Merrill Leong for these pictures 🙂
Anyone remember this food stall? To what we know, it was somewhere in Ipoh Garden South – but the question is WHERE!
To the food-lovers: I know you’re dying to tell us about your culinary-adventures…..so feel free to ‘make our mouths water’ 😉
“Maggie the Cat”
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?
June 2012
What Happened to the Book Store?
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 😉
Is this Another Iversen Design Biting the Dust?
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?
Awesome Playground Equipment found in Ipoh ACS 1953
The Americans termed it “The Witches Hat” by IpohBornKid
Introductory quote from:http://tstbob.blogspot.com.au/2009/12/walk-down-memory-lane-to-dangerous.html
“No; I’m not talking about those sterile plastic lysol-sprayed hunks of crap nestled in a bed of rubbery soft nerfy flooring. I’m talking aboutreal playgrounds. The kind we grew up with, the kind that mangled us and taught us life lessons. Playgrounds deemed too dangerous for today’s wussy youth, which sadly have become a thing of the past.”
The most awesome contraption in the ACS Ipoh primary school playground was the carousel-like equipment and in the US, it has the name “Witches Hat”. It was located adjacent to the monkey bars in the Primary School (Heritage) building in the 1950s. The equipment was built up of 2 circular metal rings (diameter 4 metres) welded together by 400 cm straight metal bars which gave 8 slots. The welded circular bands were suspended by metal rods/or chains (6-8 of them) to a central iron pole which lifted it to about 1 metre above ground but not too high so that a young boy of six can jump up a bit and grab the bottom circular ring . The design was very similar to the one illustrated in the picture above.
There were two possible motions of the witches hat. It can rotate horizontally with the axle represented by the large iron pole and it also swing (yaw) from side to side. The angle of the swing was about 45 degrees and this maximum was reached when the circular ring touched the central pole.
To get on the witches hat, one had to jump a little bit to grab the lower ring. The next step was to grab the upper ring. With your hands firmly on the upper ring, you lifted your body up and move one of your foot in between the two rings. With both legs in, you were then able to sit on the lower ring and your two hands holding the upper rings tightly. Not long after you have settled in, the boys on the ground will rotate the ring and if you did not hold tight, you will be thrown off by the centripetal force to the ground and be injured.
For the more experience boys, they can do two things. First, they could stand up on the lower or upper ring with their hands holding the suspending chain.At the same time, they could also swing the ring (yawing motion) and tried to hit the axle pole thus making a clanking noise. Just imagine the horror when you were a novice on the ring. The rotating ring would tried to throw you off whilst the swingding action would pulverise your legs. Whilst the ring was swinging, you had better get off or you stand on the rings.
Secondly, as the ring rotated, boys can be seen hooking their legs at the bottom ring (like the trapeze in a circus) and loved the thrill of being swung around with their face outside the rings and arms hanging down.
The witches hat was not designed for swinging and yet ACS boys found a way to intimidate younger novice on the witches hat by frightening them off the ring. Hence, swinging violently and increased velocity of the spins was a way of the “king” of the witches hat.
I fell off a few times when the violent swings and rotation started. If I had remained, I would have injured myself. Six months later, I was standing with the “kings” defying their attempts to throw me off.
An American experience is very similar to those experience in Ipoh ACS:
The idea behind these was simple – you and a friend (or multiple friends) grabbed opposite ends of the ring and ran in the same direction until you got whipped off the ground. Of course, that would be too easy; so instead you always tried to pair up people of very different sizes for each side, so it would be off balance and one side would be flown up in the air from the other people’s weight. Another important lesson in physics; often followed by a lesson in first aid.
Looking back, the witches hat was quite tough playground equipment. It looked innocent enough but it was not. It took courage and determination to stand up in the ring and most of the time, the bigger boys controlled the motion of the ring. That was rough and tough ACS playground equipment. Today, I still maintain that the witches hat was an awesome piece of playground equipment which was not designed for duels of supremacy but ACS boys found a way to make it more interesting. It was almost a jungle then – survival of the fittest. Lastly, it is definitely an American import since ACS was founded by American missionaries.
Heritage Tourism Horror
In 1999 the Perak State Government published a very nice heritage trail map of Ipoh. It was produced by our good friends from Penang, Lubis and Salma. One of the buildings featured was in Kampong Jawa and clearly the Government thought it had some heritage value as they included it in the map. It was abandoned then, but still looked good:
Today it is still published on the Internet by Perak Tourism (http://www.peraktourism.com/places/place_view.cfm?id=8A1F8B4D-5BA0-412C-8444ABE654D29B1A) as one of the “Places to Go” but now it looks like this:
I have to ask the following questions:
What on earth are they doing bringing people here? Do they really think this is heritage tourism?
And secondly,
If they thought originally that it had heritage value, why didn’t they do something about protecting it?
I look forward to your answers/comments.
May 2012
More Scenes from the Ipoh Swimming Club
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.
‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’?
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!
Are you “into” Martial Arts?
Well there was one man at least in Ipoh who was very much into it, particularly ‘Kung Fu Karato’. He was known as Leong Fu and he lived at 119 Anderson Road, Ipoh. Not only was he into the art, he was the world champion, having fought in all parts of the Kung Fu world and beaten all comers. When he retired he did so as the unconquered champion of the Kung Fu world.
Subsequently in 1947 he produced a massive book describing the many moves that an exponent needs to learn. Here is the cover and a part of the title page of that book for your viewing.
This, truly a giant book, lent to us by Charlie, measures 10 x 12 inches and is 2.25 inches thick, with hundreds of drawings of the different stances and moves needed tp be practiced. Despite its size, it sold all over the world as is shown in the last few pages by a wide range of letters and photographs of people who benefitted from the publication. Leong Fu clearly put Ipoh on the world map!
Now the question is how can we obtain a photograph of the King of Kung Fu Karato? Does anyone know his family or have a photo we could scan? We really need to feature Leong Fu on our history database as there is no doubt that he made history.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Nice Ride!
From what was written at the back of this photograph, we know that:
- this was taken during the Lions Club dinner on 3rd August 1975
- one of the gentlemen in this photograph is Mr Balakrishnan – who worked at the Ipoh High Court
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?
The Stationery Store
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?
Inside the Lam Looking Building
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
A Day at the Park?
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….. 🙁
1930s Update on the Ipoh Golf Club
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?
Did You Watch a Movie at Mayfair?
Y K Choong sent us this photo in October last year and it went on the the pile called “Must do site visit”.
Well this morning I actually got out to Jalan Theatre in Pasir Pinji to find that nobody 25 years old or less appeared to have ever heard of the place. However an aged Chinese gentleman in a little wooden shack pointed out the large square indoor badminton court building that stands on the theatre site today. This was opened in 2004.
So, with apologies to Choong, here is his photo of what I think was the concrete projection room of the otherwise wooden theatre.
Does anyone remember anything about the Mayfar Theatre which I understood from this morning’s conversation showed Chinese movies.
Some Good News!
I received the following picture and message by enail. I know many of you tried to help Nicholas find his grandfather’s grave. Well done everybody particularlu Law Siak Hong who did a great service for Nicholas and his family.
Dear Ian:
Some good news. Thanks to Siak Hong Law, my grandfather’s tombstone was not only located but restored. Hong, who I met through IpohWorld, very kindly arranged to have the stone’s inscription re-painted, so that it is now perfectly legible. Time and weather had almost completely washed away the lettering. After meeting great resistance from the cemetery’s owners, Hong, through much persistence, was finally able to convince them that this was a job worth doing.
Not sure if you’d like to post the attached photo taken by Hong, but if you do you can tell readers that the grave and its refurbished stone can be found at the Christian Cemetery on Jalan Tun Abdul Razak (formerly Connolly Road). The cemetery is west of the railway line; east of the line is the Anglo-Chinese School.
And to think that all of this was made possible thanks to IpohWorld! Thank you.
Best, Nicholas
Nicholas Jennings
Anyone for Konkey?
The Konkey Game played in Ipoh & Surrounds
By IpohBornKid
Introduction: When the X generation was growing up, they did not have affluent parents who would buy them toys, hi-fi sets or computer games. They relied on their ingenuity and played games that cost nothing. These games were usually played in the open air about 3 pm onwards when the sun was not so hot and the breeze was blowing. In the weekends, it was played in the morning until 11 am and later in the afternoon.
In those days, there were abundant flat sandy soil or grass covered areas in vacant building lots and the compounds of the village houses. Children whose neighbours (aged between 6-12) were played together and they developed a strong bond among themselves. They grew up together and as they matured into adolescence, another generation of young kids took their place. It was healthy outdoor exercise and the parents were never worried about what their children were up to because they played with the children of their friends or neighbours.
The Game: The “Konkey” (name derived from English word “Donkey”) game is a team game similar to cricket. Instead of bat and ball, it has two sticks, diameter around 2.5 cm or less, and the long stick (LS) is about 50 cm in length with the short stick (SS) about one third of its length. The LS is equivalent to the bat and the SS is equivalent to the ball. In cricket, the ball is bowled by the bowler and the batsman defends his stumps with his bat. Similarly, in the Konkey game, the opening player launches his SS with his LS from a trench in the ground and he defends his trench with his LS.
Before the Konkey game starts, a trench is dug on the ground about 20 cm long, 5 cm wide tapering on the ends, and about 4 cm deep. Two sticks as described above are used as bat (LS) and ball (SS). The SS is placed on the ground across the trench and is launched by the LS. The most effective way to launch is to place the LS in near the front of the trench and below the SS. You can change the angle of launch by moving the LS left or right. Usually most launches are perpendicular to the SS. Pushing the LS into the ground, the launcher lifts his LS and propels the SS up in the air. This is called launching the SS (ball). Please refer to schematic diagram.
The game begins after two teamsare selected and a toss to see which team launches (bat) first. The launch team stay behind the trench and the field team spreads out in the field and strategically position themselves to catch the SS.
The first player in the launch team prepares himself to launch the SS with his LS, The launcher lifts theSS in the air and generally puts it in a direction where there is no field player to catch it. When the SS is caught by a field player, the launcher is out and the next launcher in the team takes his place. The team is all out when they have exhausted the launcher (all bowled out) and the points are totalled.. (See point scoring next). If the score is less than 100, the team change sides and the field team become the launchers.
\When the field players failed to catch the SS, it falls on the ground. At this stage, a field player will pick up the SS and attempts to throw the SS back into the trench (trying to hit the stumps) with the launcher defending the trench (like a batsman) with his LS. He can whack the SS stick whilst it is still in the air. The field player can try to catch it. If they did, the launcher is out. If not, the distance between the position of the LS and the trench forms the basis of points scoring. Using LS as a measuring rod, the launcher scores one point for each length of the LS measured. The score is cumulative for the team.
If the first measure is not taken,the launcher can ask for second throw. This is only safe when the SS is a considerable distance from the trench. The rule for the second throw is the same as the first throw. If on the second throw, the SS is caught, the launcher is out. If SS is falls on the ground, the distance between the SS and the trench is the basis of point scoring but this time, the SS is used as a measure. Hence, on the second throw, the point score tripled (since one LS is 3x the length of SS).
On reaching a 100 points, (arbitrarily agreed target points), the launcher team wins the game. However if all the launchers are out and the score is below 100, the team changes sides and the game starts again.
The penalty part of the game varies from village to village, town to town. In one version, the winning team player holds the SS in one hand, drops the SS and whack it with the LS held by the other hand. One of the player in the losing team then picks up the SS in his hand and runs towards the trench. As he is running, he has to say “Konkey, konkey, etc. all the way to the trench whilst the winner player gently whack his bum with the LS, After the penalty, the game starts again,
April 2012
The Game of Marbles as Played in Ipoh & Surrounds c1950s
As we do not have any photos of Ipoh youngsters playing marbles to illustrate the following text from ipohbornkid, I have used this one courtesy of wwwyeohongeng.blogspot.com. Perhaps some of our readers can help us out with similar photos from Ipoh or Perak. And how about some stories about other childhood games please.