Han Chin Pet Soo is open! Book now at www.ipohworld.org/reservation
Han Chin Pet Soo is open! Book now at www.ipohworld.org/reservation

October 2016

Did you own a ‘Travel Mate’?

By |2016-10-26T16:23:25+08:00October 26th, 2016|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

Texas Instruments made a line of laptops called “Travel Mate”. 

The 4000E meets the system requirements for DOS, Windows 3.x and 95, but not Windows 98. According to the manual, it came with 4MB of memory, which could be upgraded to as much as twenty megabytes. (read more here)

 

Could this have been one of the very first laptops in the market? You tell us 🙂

Some of you might remember this model (the Travel Mate 4000E). For those of you who don’t, here is what it looks like (see picture below).

img_20161026_142854

 

For the chocolate lovers…

By |2016-10-21T16:41:42+08:00October 21st, 2016|Categories: childhood, food|Tags: , |

They say chocolate is comfort-food. Well, as a chocoholic myself I agree with that statement. It’s either a few pieces broken off a big bar, or even good ‘ol chocolate ice cream. Sometimes, it’s a nice cup of rich, hot cocoa (with some marshmallows, if I can find them at the store!). How do YOU enjoy your cup of cocoa?

On that note, do you remember this brand of cocoa powder?

20160927-008

September 2016

Pretty Souvenirs!

By |2016-09-26T17:19:02+08:00September 26th, 2016|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

spoonsforks

No, we’re not selling these! But do any of you remember the time when such souvenirs were popular? I once saw a souvenir plate / saucer (somewhere in my grandfather’s cupboard) with a picture of Prince Charles, Princess Diana and little Prince William (issued at the time of Prince William’s birth). I do wonder if people merely collected such cutlery or if they intended to use them…

‘Leaked’ Exam Paper…

By |2016-09-19T14:37:21+08:00September 19th, 2016|Categories: childhood, history, Memories|Tags: , |

…well, not really 😉

But do YOU remember what your examination paper looked like when you were in school? Here’s one from 1928, the English Grammar paper from Cambridge for the Junior Local Exam.

exam-paper

What kind of student were you back then:

a) the ever-ready student, eager to perform well?

b) the one who constantly burnt the midnight oil, and crammed as much as possible before the test?

c) the ‘gifted’ one who never really studied, but got top marks all the same?

d) the one who panicked and broke into a cold sweat before the exam, fearing the worst?

e) the one who was as cool as a cucumber?

August 2016

‘Twist and Shout’ !!

By |2016-08-26T14:43:11+08:00August 26th, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Untitled-1Courtesy of: Darren Teh

We thank Darren Teh for the above picture. He also shared the following with us via email:

I was staying in Greentown then and used to go to a classmate house in Fair Park where we all learn to dance the A Go-Go , The Shake and Off Beat Cha Cha! 

Darren also mentioned that the above album was from Charlie & His Go Go Boys.

So, we’d like to hear from the party-animals out there! Do you remember this band…or similar bands /albums…? 🙂

 

Meeting An Olympic Star!

By |2016-08-19T16:03:17+08:00August 19th, 2016|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: |

I don’t know if any of you remember this, but back in 1955 we had a visit from a famous Olympian – Jesse Owen!

20160820-015cpicture 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…

By |2016-08-17T10:24:29+08:00August 17th, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , |

CHIJ classroom

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 🙂

ATTENTION!!

By |2016-08-05T14:26:27+08:00August 5th, 2016|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

20160702-004bpicture from: Rosemary Palmer

Remember the Home Guards? Here we have troop-in-training. The gentleman in white shorts is our donor’s father – M L Bernacchi. I’m sure some of you remember seeing the Home Guards on patrol, especially if you were one of those who lived in the New Villages during the Malayan Emergency.

July 2016

Did you know….?

By |2016-07-15T16:35:00+08:00July 15th, 2016|Categories: childhood, food, Memories|

20160629-001b

 

….that Ovaltine was actually Ovomaltine? And that the name changed because it was spelt wrongly when the trademark was registered? Here’s a extract from Wikipedia:

Ovaltine was developed in Berne, Switzerland, where it is known by its original name, Ovomaltine (from ovum, Latin for “egg,” and malt, which were originally its main ingredients). Soon after its invention, the factory moved out to the village of Neuenegg, a few kilometres west of Berne, where it is still produced.

Ovomaltine was exported to Britain in 1909; a misspelling of the name on the trademark registration application led to the name being shortened to Ovaltine in English-speaking markets. A factory was built in Kings Langley, which exported it to the United States as well. By 1915, Ovaltine was being manufactured in Villa Park, Illinois, for the US market. Ovaltine was later manufactured in Peterborough, Ontario for distribution in Canada.

Originally advertised as consisting solely of “malt, milk, eggs, flavoured with cocoa,” the formulation has changed over the decades, and today several formulations are sold in different parts of the world. [click here for more!]

Let’s hear from the Ovaltine fans out there 🙂

Still In The Raya Mood…

By |2016-07-11T11:21:14+08:00July 8th, 2016|Categories: festivals/celebrations, food, Natural Heritage, tourism|

p2_mprk_dz_0807_p2_dz_1picture courtesy of: Star Online

Lemang Kelamai is said to have originated from Pagar Ruyung, Indonesia.  What gives it this lovely shade of brown? Gula Melaka, of course! The other extra ingredient is kerisik (toasted coconut).

This variant of Lemang is also quite popular in the villages of Gopeng. Have you tried this variant before? If you have, do tell us about it. I’m more familiar with the usual type of Lemang. I usually enjoy Lemang with some rendang and a little peanut sauce. How do YOU like your Lemang?

Day Trip!

By |2016-07-01T16:13:01+08:00July 1st, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Sometimes, families make day trips / weekend trips during school holidays and such. I wonder if this how these children found themselves posing next to the canon (picture below).

bernacchi017

Do you recognise the building in the background? I’m making a wild guess and saying it’s probably part of a museum. But I could be wrong though.

We thank Rosemary Palmer for the above photograph 🙂

June 2016

The ORIGINAL Batu Gajah Police Station!

By |2016-06-21T15:02:59+08:00June 22nd, 2016|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: , |

blog002

 

This is said to be the original building of the Batu Gajah Police Station. Our donor, Daljit Singh Guram, told us that his late grandfather is in this very photograph (back row, 11th from the left). Daljit’s late grandfather – Gurcharan Singh Guram – was in the Malaysian Police Force from 1920 to 1945.

More Mysteries For You!

By |2016-06-13T16:07:10+08:00June 13th, 2016|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

Untitled-2

This was sent to us via email from Ann & Mano. According to them, the owner of this driver’s license was an RAAF personnel, and would have worked on aircrafts almost daily. The Singapore-issued license (1955) is the picture on the left. The picture on the right, however, is a photo of a particular airplane attached to his driving license. Therein lies the mystery!

Was this a common feature for such licenses issued back then? Anyone care to shed some light on this?

May 2016

The Famous Mrs Hew!

By |2016-05-20T15:08:08+08:00May 20th, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

unspecified 2

I’m sure everyone recognises this lady from Lat’s comics! She’s none other than Mrs Hew. Ever wondered what she looked like back in the day? Check out the picture below, taken from the NTPS Jalan Pasir Puteh 1962 year book.

unspecified 1picture courtesy of: Ooi Kean Chye

For those who still can’t identify her, look closer at the middle row – Mrs Hew is the lady second from the left.

Father of Modern Malaysian Education

By |2016-05-16T14:39:15+08:00May 16th, 2016|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, People|

KV-249

Since it’s Teacher’s Day today, we decided to feature a very prominent figure in our education’s history – Aminuddin Baki. Born in Chemor, he began his early schooling at Chemor Malay School and later at Anderson School. During his school days, he participated in student organisations championing the lot of Malay students, as he felt the indifference shown by colonial authorities towards Malay education had brought about the backwardness and provincialism of the Malay community. He believed that education was the means to inculcate national aspirations and improve the economic prospects of the Malays…(read more here).

While we’re still on the topic of education and teachers, do you remember someone from your childhood who was a positive influence in your life? Do share your memories with us.

Simple Pleasures!

By |2016-05-13T15:05:34+08:00May 13th, 2016|Categories: childhood, games, Memories|

20160512-011

What could one do with: an ice cream stick, a satay stick, a rubber seed and some string? Well, make a toy propeller of course! How many of you remember this simple toy – which went on to give a child endless fun? What other easy-to-make toys do you remember from your childhood?

Kultar’s Mime

By |2016-05-11T10:06:57+08:00May 11th, 2016|Categories: concerts, Events|

13062406_10153415690762397_8814743716554094323_n

Kultar’s Mime is a devised play that blends painting, poetry, theater, and music to tell the stories of Sikh children who survived the 1984 Delhi massacre organized in the wake of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s assassination.

As part of their Malaysian tour, the troupe will be performing in Ipoh on 25th May 2016, at the ACS Auditorium. The show starts at 7pm.

Tickets are by donation of RM50, with all proceeds going to local community projects, and can be purchased at  www.kultarsmime.asia (Malaysian contact = S. Autar Singh, 012-2055011). The show runs about an hour, followed by a talkback with the cast and “Kultar’s Mime” poet, Sarbpreet Singh.

April 2016

The Police Volunteer Reserve, 1970s

By |2016-04-29T12:47:30+08:00April 29th, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|

carsam picpicture 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!

 

 

Something for the choco-holics…

By |2016-04-13T15:02:49+08:00April 13th, 2016|Categories: childhood, food, Memories|Tags: , , |

20160409-007

I remember the first time I tried Cadbury’s chocolate. At that time, it seemed like the most delicious snack for a 5 year old. I also remember eating more than half the bar, and then being really ill 😛 It didn’t put me off chocolates though…I just learnt (the hard way) to eat in moderation 🙂

We’d like to hear from the chocolate lovers out there…where ever you may be!

Did you ever own a beaded purse?

By |2016-04-08T14:14:06+08:00April 8th, 2016|Categories: Memories|

20151005-014b

The last time I went to the mall, I noticed that such purses / clutches / handbags with beads and sequins are back in fashion. And they don’t come cheap either! :O

So we’re posing this question especially to the ladies out there: did you ever own such a beautiful accessory? Did it look like the one in the picture?

March 2016

Comfort Food?

By |2016-03-24T15:24:52+08:00March 24th, 2016|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town|

dry curry mee_edited-1

 

Some go for sweets, some go for salty snacks. Yet there are others who crave something like this (picture above) – Dry Curry Noodles!

Our photographer had this (at RM 5.30 per serving) from the Ma Jie curry mee stall in Restoran Yee Lock, opposite Bridal Collection along Anderson Road.

So, dear Readers……what’s YOUR comfort food?

February 2016

A Tribute To One Half Of The Dynamic Seenivasagam Duo

By |2016-02-19T09:39:14+08:00February 19th, 2016|Categories: history, Ipoh Town, Memories, orbituary, People|

It was a solemn and heart-wrenching occasion, as the people of Ipoh (and even from others towns in Perak) came to pay their last respects to D R Seenivasagam. Some estimate the crowd of mourners to be well into the tens of thousands!

DR funeral 1click to enlarge

We’d love to hear from anyone who witnessed this event – perhaps you could also tell us who these gentlemen (pictured above) are. I’m sure they must be some of the many VIPs who came to D R’s residence to pay their respects.

And just so you know we were not exaggerating about the funeral crowd, the picture below was taken during the street procession, which passed through Brewster Road.

DR funeral 2

We thank Chan Kok Keong for sharing these photographs with us.

The Milkman

By |2016-02-17T08:54:15+08:00February 5th, 2016|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Gogan Singh001picture courtesy of: Kalwant Singh 

Remember the milkman from days of old? Well, this milkman looks rather young…and here he is at his bicycle (the milk churn is hidden, on the back of his bicycle). This picture was taken at the Malay kampong at Lahat Road.

January 2016

Team Perak XI, 1957

By |2016-02-15T11:24:07+08:00January 22nd, 2016|Categories: history, ipoh, Memories, People, Sports|

MERDEKA feature004editedsource: NSTP
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 Leong

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!

The Finished Product!

By |2016-01-15T16:15:47+08:00January 15th, 2016|Categories: Events, Exhibitions, Ipoh Town, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: , , |

Sometime last year we gave all of you hints about a project of ours – at No. 1 Treacher Street (Jalan Bijih Timah) in Old Town. Yes, the blue building next door to Han Chin Pet Soo.

StarMetroHYH001_edited-1

The story is in today’s Star Metro (15/1/2016) – “Telling A Tale Of Tea”. This new exhibit will be fully open to the public by Chinese New Year. Stay tuned for more updates!

Taiping’s 130-year-old Market!

By |2016-01-05T14:27:48+08:00January 5th, 2016|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage|

taiping001_edited-1source: NSTP

 

Sometime ago, the NST featured the Taiping Central Market – which was built between 1884 & 1885. Yes, the market is 130 years old! The above picture shows the wood and cast iron latticed structure which is a prominent feature of this landmark.

Taiping folks, we want to hear YOUR stories / adventures about this market 🙂

 

December 2015

November 2015

Ban Guan Foong Bakery

By |2015-11-24T16:01:50+08:00November 24th, 2015|Categories: childhood, food, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|

Bread shop copy

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

Let’s Go For A Run!

By |2015-10-28T10:23:34+08:00October 27th, 2015|Categories: Events, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

HHH002_edited

 

If you look closely, you’d notice the pipeline on the far left of the picture. That should clue you in on the location. The men running belong to the HHH – yes, the popular Hash House Harriers! This picture was taken off their 650th Run Souvenir Magazine, 1977. Any members of the HHH reading this? We’d like to hear about your running (and drinking!) adventures 🙂

The Humble Curry Puff!

By |2015-10-15T09:51:56+08:00October 15th, 2015|Categories: food|

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

 

Breakfast, tea time, supper…no matter what time of the day (or night) there’s nothing like a couple of warm curry puffs to accompany your tea/coffee. The one shown above are chicken curry puffs, the one cut into 3 pieces has a cheesy filling! Our photographer bought these at a road side stall along Jalan Canning Estate; the chicken curry puff was 50 cents, the one with the cheese filling was RM 1.50 🙂

What’s YOUR favourite curry puff filling?

September 2015

My ‘Mixed Rojak’ Family

By |2015-09-30T16:30:14+08:00September 30th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Memories, People|Tags: |

VNK & LEONG FAMILIES 1966

This is what our donor – KT Pillai – had to say about this photograph:

Taken in year 1966 as the baby my Mum is carrying is my younger sister. I am the third from left standing at the front row….sort of a frowning face kid. My eldest sister is beside me followd by my two younger brothers all standing together.
In Year 1967, my youngest brother was born. The other Chinese family are my 3 Uncles/ 1 Aunty.
This photo was taken in the front compound of my father’s house in Bruas, Perak. He was an estate owner and during this photo shot, he was away in India on a business trip.
My maternal grandma is from China and passed away in 1969.

 

Tapestry at Sarang Paloh, Ipoh

By |2015-09-22T16:43:22+08:00September 22nd, 2015|Categories: concerts, Events, Ipoh Town, tourism|Tags: , |

tapestry

 

 

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Tapestry performs for the first time in Ipoh at the Event Hall of the Sarang Paloh Heritage Hotel. Come experience an evening of songs in this beautiful and striking heritage space.

Friday, 9 October 2015 @ 8:30 PM

Tickets are priced at RM35 (free seating), and can be purchased from Sarang Paloh, and also from our website:

 http://www.wearetapestry.com/index.php/tapestry-events/

or, you can follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/events/1450288048610502/

Ipoh’s not short of desserts…

By |2015-09-17T15:40:26+08:00September 17th, 2015|Categories: food, ipoh|

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

We’re all very familiar with the sweet and tasty ang kuThe 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!).

Malim Nawar, 1981

By |2015-09-14T11:03:48+08:00September 14th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Memories|

MALIMNAWARVILLAGE1981

Our donor Marea Smith tells us that this was what Malim Nawar looked like in 1981. Been to Malim Nawar lately? Has the place changed much over the years…or is it still the same?

August 2015

Motor Sports, 1956-61

By |2015-08-26T16:56:53+08:00August 26th, 2015|Categories: Events, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

motor sport

Rally control in 1957 Mobilgas Economy Run. Collin Dowset extreme right. Loris Goring (donor of photograph) co driver with folder checking in at one of the control

Any motor sports fans out there recall the good ‘ol days of rallies and racing? Our donor Loris Goring shared the following with us (via email):

I was  heavily involved in the  Singapore Motor Club  in this period overseas with the British Air Ministry and thoroughly enjoyed our Rallies and the Mobilgas Economy Runs of that period. In particular though I remember the rallies where we were not allowed to even have a boiled sweet in the car in case Chin Peng popped out of the jungle to either shoot u or lob a hand grenade into the car.

In this days motorways were not even though of and the main roads though they had well maintained surfaces by the Public Woks department were narrow and tortuous. In particular, a rally that took us through Slim River was a drivers nightmare  encompassing I think some 26 miles of hairpin bends with a huge drop on one side and high jungle cover on the other.  If taken at a leisurely pace it was no problem but in our rallies we were give precise speeds and expected to arrive at any hidden checkpoint within plus of minus  fifteen or thirty seconds,  The problem was the speed we were expected to complete those miles. Not, I may say a frantic racing speed but  modest but extremely difficult to keep knowing that breaking on every hairpin added time and accelerating out onto yet another short straight made navigation  a nightmare. Often these rallies involved not only night driving but  twelve hour stints before any food or sleep. Quite hard when you remember that cars in those days were not air conditioned the first ones only appearing in Malaysia  around  1960.

The Mobilgas Economy event drew excellent entries but the rallies far less but perhaps because they were too grueling and folks still had to go to work on Monday.

Outdoor Fun

By |2015-08-25T09:11:46+08:00August 25th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Memories|

Traditional Games003

 

At first, it seems like a game of Tag….but I suppose this is based on a similar concept. I’m talking about Kabaddi. How many of you played this outdoor game during your days in school? How many of still play them now? 🙂

July 2015

Something ‘fishy’ this way comes…

By |2015-07-30T09:18:36+08:00July 30th, 2015|Categories: food, ipoh|

food3

 

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

By |2015-09-17T08:45:38+08:00July 27th, 2015|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|Tags: , , |

OLOL Flood_0005source: 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).

HIJ Convent, Ipoh

By |2015-07-20T15:47:03+08:00July 20th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|

CHIJ 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

By |2015-07-13T17:12:31+08:00July 13th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|

Marea at air port 1953

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? 🙂

June 2015

‘pest control’

By |2015-06-20T15:06:33+08:00June 20th, 2015|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

fish brand

Since we live in the tropics, mosquitoes have always been a menace. Here’s a good old fashioned mosquito coil – the Angel Fish Brand Mosquito Destroyer! Has anyone used this coil? Was it effective in getting rid of those notorious blood-suckers?

The Ever Popular Chicken Rice!

By |2015-06-12T17:16:52+08:00June 12th, 2015|Categories: food, Identify Photographs|

chicken rice

Since we missed our food blog yesterday, we decided to feature a rather popular dish – the famed Chicken Rice!

Apparently, this simple yet delicious dish comes in many varieties. The common type being rice served with the signature roasted chicken or steamed chicken; some stalls offer other side dishes together with the chicken rice.

Which is YOUR favourite variety?

The Tambun Cafe

By |2015-06-10T17:01:45+08:00June 10th, 2015|Categories: food, ipoh, Memories|Tags: , |

tambunreceipt 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?

Attention all ACS Alumni!

By |2015-06-04T22:35:36+08:00June 4th, 2015|Categories: concerts, Events, festivals/celebrations, Memories|Tags: |

ACS1click to enlarge

 

The above is a programme (sent via email) from LeanMS. As you can see, the ACS Alumni have many events scheduled for the next few months. Lean also told us:

“In order not to in any way affect attendance at the Festival of Performing Arts, we have decided to reschedule the Musical Concert to 5th August 2016 (next year).”

So, mark you calendars, folks! Here’s a chance to catch up with all your former school mates (and teachers too!).

 

 

Tales from the School Canteen

By |2015-06-02T17:38:10+08:00June 3rd, 2015|Categories: childhood, food, Memories, People|

batu_gajah_1956_23_at_the_canteenpicture from: Danial Doutriaux

Some school canteens sold food which were a crowd favourite. Some were known for their cheerful hawkers. Food aside, some canteens became a ‘meeting place’ for friends (and enemies too!). The picture shown is that of the Batu Gajah Convent’s canteen, back in 1956.

May 2015

“Mobile” food…

By |2015-05-25T16:12:09+08:00May 25th, 2015|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, ipoh, People|Tags: |

moto-monday-jm

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!

By |2015-05-21T10:47:18+08:00May 21st, 2015|Categories: food, ipoh|Tags: |

DSC_0815_kedai kopi 16

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…

By |2015-05-19T08:53:50+08:00May 19th, 2015|Categories: childhood, food, ipoh, Memories|

cafe_receipt2

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).

Who Remembers the ‘Nautilus Inn’?

By |2015-05-15T14:04:10+08:00May 15th, 2015|Categories: food, Ipoh Town, Memories|

cafe_receiptreceipt courtesy of: Charlie Choong

 

Back in the 1980s, there was a place called The Nautilus Inn along Leong Sin Nam Street. As shown in the receipt (above), a seafood cocktail cost $3.90 – it’s probably 3 times the price today!

Does anyone remember Nautilus Inn? Who owned this place? What was their specialty?

Pulut Kaya

By |2015-05-14T11:51:54+08:00May 14th, 2015|Categories: food|

pulut_kaya

After a rather long hiatus, our Food Blog is back with a feature-of-the-week! For those of you who don’t recognise the photo, this is pulut kaya – sticky rice with egg-jam.

The one our photographer had (above) cost RM 3, from Keng Nam coffee shop (along Cowan Street).

We’d like to hear from all of you with a sweet-tooth 😉 Or, if any of you have the recipe DO share it with us….

Bottle Caps (Ceper)

By |2015-05-13T15:27:57+08:00May 13th, 2015|Categories: childhood, games, Memories|

ceper1

Bottle-caps or Ceper (as some call it) was quite a popular children’s game back then. I don’t know the actual rules of this game. But from what I do know, two or more players were judged by their skills at manouvering the bottle caps across a table. At the same time, they had to make sure that the caps don’t fall off.

More Memories from Malim Nawar

By |2015-05-05T09:02:32+08:00May 1st, 2015|Categories: childhood, Memories, People|

MalimNawar2

We believe this to be the family of Richard Saxey (our donor) and Wendy Lewis – in Malim Nawar.

I’d like to draw your attention to the unique furniture…

MalimNawar2b

By popular demand, we’ve included the second photograph from Richard Saxey’s collection.

April 2015

Shadow Puppet

By |2015-04-27T20:47:48+08:00April 27th, 2015|Categories: concerts, history, Identify Photographs, Natural Heritage|Tags: |

Traditional Games013

Wayang kulit is a unique form of theatre employing light and shadow. The puppets are crafted from buffalo hide and mounted on bamboo sticks. When held up behind a piece of white cloth, with an electric bulb or an oil lamp as the light source, shadows are cast on the screen. The plays are typically based on romantic tales, especially adaptations of the classic Indian epics, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. Some of the plays are also based on local happening or other local secular stories. It is up to the conductor or dalang or master puppeteer to decide his direction. (source: Wikipedia)

 

Thought we’d share this picture (taken from a calendar) with our dear Readers. Here you can see the Puppet Master in action, as he presents his story. From what I’ve read, this form of theatre has its roots in Java, Indonesia. This art caught on in Kelantan….did it ever take flight here in Perak? Wonder if our Arts experts know more….

Methodist School, Malim Nawar

By |2015-04-20T16:55:07+08:00April 20th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Malim Nawar Methodist School circa 1959-1960

Our donor Richard Saxey tells us that this was taken around 1959-1960. He also mentions his teacher Mrs Kumar. So today we’d like to ask the ‘members of the Malim Nawar family’ – do you remember the Methodist School in Malim Nawar?

ps: In a recent email, Richard talked about his childhood friend Cynthia Hunter. Cynthia’s father William Hunter worked for Anglo-Oriental (Malaya) Ltd. If anyone out there remembers them, do leave a comment or two on this post 🙂

Ever Used a Mitchell Pen Nib?

By |2015-04-15T16:39:12+08:00April 15th, 2015|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , |

mitchell_penartifact donor: Jamal Hashim

The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. [more can be found here]

Do you remember these pen nibs? Ever written with “the pens with a pedigree”?

The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpuf
The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpuf
The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpuf
The William Mitchell heritage in making pen nibs began whilst working with his brother John Mitchell in the early 1820s. William Mitchell established his own business in 1825 to become one of the leading nib manufacturers and famous for lettering pens. Almost 100 years later William Mitchell merged with Hinks, Wells & Co another pen manufacturer to form British Pens employing around 1000 people in the Bearwood Road area of Birmingham. During the early 1960s British Pens acquired the pen business of other pen manufacturers Perry & Co and John Mitchell once again reuniting the two brothers. Joseph Gillott who were famous for their artist drawing and mapping nibs amalgamated with British pens in 1969. – See more at: http://www.williammitchellcalligraphy.co.uk/about#sthash.B60zWCrN.dpuf

In Memory of the Fair Park Houses…

By |2015-04-14T10:51:54+08:00April 14th, 2015|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , , |

Fair Park, Ipoh, 1938Picture from Ruth Iversen Rollitt

“Rental was $60 a month, a bargain in the immediate post-war years with the shortage of housing. Each house had 3 bedrooms upstairs; and downstairs. a living room, dining room, a modern flush toilet (very rare for Ipoh at that time), a small kitchen and backyard. There was a built-in wood fired stove….A concrete stairway near the front door took you up to the first floor bedrooms and bathroom. There was an under-stairs storage area and next to it the toilet. All the windows were of the steel casement type…..The houses were built in 1937 by Loke Wan Yatt….The architect was the well known Berthol M. Iversen.”

The extract above is taken from the book “Ipoh – My Home Town”. Remember these houses (picture above)? It’s a pity they’re gone now – demolition began in 2009, around the same time the Fair Park shop houses (across the road) were knocked down.

 

A Unique Badminton Team!

By |2015-04-10T17:08:06+08:00April 10th, 2015|Categories: childhood, games, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

MalimNawar Badminton

Here’s another blast from the past from Richard Saxey. He tells us that this is “the picture of the badminton team, showing my elder brother Mr. E.H.White (know as Mick), I cannot remember if the team was a Malim Nawar team or a Perak River Hydro team (Malim Nawar)”.

Can’t wait to hear more from the you folks – who were once part of the Perak Hydro / Malim Nawar gang!

March 2015

Standard 2B, St Michael’s Institution

By |2015-03-27T11:14:26+08:00March 27th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , |

OLOLoldpics050picture from Mr & Mrs Rasiah Anakili – click to enlarge

We recognise Bro Pius Kelly, who was the 9th Brother Director of St Michael’s Institution, seated in the centre. Do you know who are the teachers on his left and right? Were you in Standard 2B, class of 1956? If so, where are YOU in the photograph?

The Malim Nawar Story Continues….

By |2015-03-24T09:27:12+08:00March 24th, 2015|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

We’ve had such an overwhelming response on our previous posts about the Perak Hydro Plant at Malim Nawar, which led us to uploading this photo (see below).

IMG_0724click to enlarge

This photograph was sent to us via email from Richard Saxey. His father – Frederic James Saxey – was the Superintendent at the power plant back in the 1960s. We thank Richard for this photo (which is part of collection of photographs he sent us). Those of you who were part of the ‘Perak Hydro family’ may recognise these faces. Could we have some names please?

Book Launch: Iversen – Architect of Ipoh and Modern Malaya

By |2015-03-20T15:06:56+08:00March 20th, 2015|Categories: Books, Events, Heritage Books, Memories, People|Tags: |

Iversen_Ipoh launchclick poster to enlarge

 

For those of you who have been waiting patiently, well keep this Sunday 22nd March 2015 free!

The Iversen book is finally out and will be launched at:

Venue: Sarang Paloh Event Hall,   No.16, Jalan Sultan Iskandar (Hugh Low Street), Ipoh

Time: 2.30 pm

 

Come meet the author – Ruth Iversen Rollitt – in person!

 

Relief on a hot day!

By |2015-03-19T16:21:47+08:00March 19th, 2015|Categories: food|

floatpicture taken by Christopher

Nothing like an ice cream float on a scorching day, eh? Well, this thirst-quenching float was bought at Loke Wooi Kee Cafe (@RM3.10), along Jalan Mustapha Al-Bakri (formerly known as Clare Street).Incidentally, we found out that the cafe has been in business for four generations.

 Any fans of ice cream floats out there? From past blog comments, I know there are quite a few root beer float lovers…

 

Book Launch: ‘Phoenix Rising – Pioneering Chinese Women of Malaysia’

By |2015-03-20T12:26:25+08:00March 17th, 2015|Categories: Books, history, Memories|

20150126-026a

“Through the centuries Chinese women have had to struggle under a load of injustices – denial of education, ineligibility to sit the civil service examinations and hold official posts, female infanticide, selling of daughters, concubinage, foot binding – just to name a few. They had largely remained silent because they did not have a voice. As China descended to abject poverty in the nineteenth century, the lot of Chinese women became even worse.”

This latest book by Dr Ho Tak Ming will be launched at the Symphony Suits on 21st March 2015, at 4pm.
Retail price of this book is RM 70, but you can buy it at RM 50 on launching day.
You will also get a chance to meet Prof Lynn Hollen Lees (from America) who incidentally wrote the foreword for this book.

 

Did you own a MOBO?

By |2015-03-13T17:15:25+08:00March 13th, 2015|Categories: childhood, games, Identify Photographs, Memories|

20100307-013bpicture from: Leong Kai Loong, Ipoh

Did you own a Mobo horse when you were young? My cousins and I used to play on a Triang car – which was passed down to us from our uncles.

We had great fun with that car, pretending we were adults driving through town (but in fact, we only circled the garden!).

What were YOUR favourite toys growing up?

Han Chin Pet Soo – Featured in the Star Metro!

By |2015-03-12T09:30:26+08:00March 12th, 2015|Categories: Exhibitions, Ipoh Town|

metp_1103_2iphhanchin_sd_2

Once an exclusive place meant only for the higher class tin miners and triad members, the Han Chin Pet Soo (Han Chin Villa) at Jalan Bijeh Timah in Ipoh is now opening its doors to the public.

The villa underwent a 15-month restoration work and has been turned into an exhibition centre that showcases the history of the Han Chin Miners’ Club and the tin-mining glory days of yesteryear.

The centre’s curator and project manager, Ian Anderson, said the villa was formerly a double-storey building before it was rebuilt into the three-storey structure it is today.

(more can be read here – http://www.thestar.com.my/Metro/Community/2015/03/11/Remembering-the-past-Ipoh-folk-proud-to-work-together-to-showcase-their-unique-legacy/)

 

We’re not ones who blow our own trumpet, but we are proud of this project of ours.

For those of you who haven’t visited Han Chin Pet Soo / Han Chin Villa do make your reservations at: www.ipohworld.org/reservation

 

 

‘Girls Just Want to have Fun’

By |2015-03-10T15:46:32+08:00March 10th, 2015|Categories: childhood, Events, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , |

20100124-004bpicture from: Ho Hoo Wan, Ipoh

These lovely ladies are part of the Form V batch of 1958 – from Sultan Yussuf School, Batu Gajah.

They were some of the many youngsters who attended the Farewell Dinner.

We have the names of these beauties….

Standing from left to right they are:  Thong Mee Len, Poh Ching, Nelly Maniksha, Leelavathy, Tessie Perira, Anna Yoong.

Sitting from left to right:  Lim Yoke Siew, Ho Kuan Thye, Cheah Soo Har, Chan Yoke Heng, Choong Chin Choo, Wong Choong Yoon and Loh.

 

If you are one of the above ladies in the picture, do share your memories with us!

The Nazareth Kindergarten, 1970

By |2015-03-02T15:13:20+08:00March 2nd, 2015|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations, games, People|

CCparty2Farewell Party for Fr Ciatti, April 1970 (click to enlarge)

CCparty1Christmas Party, Nazareth Kindergarten. Catholic Centre, Ipoh. 10th November 1970 (click to enlarge)

 

These photographs were taken from Michael Ho’s collection. It wasn’t that long ago, so I’m sure some of you might remember this kindergarten.

Today, this building is still standing….but it’s no longer the Catholic Centre; it’s now a thrift store, where most items are sold for RM 2.

February 2015

Time for Comics!

By |2015-02-25T16:33:32+08:00February 25th, 2015|Categories: childhood, history, Memories|Tags: , |

20090211-004a

Are you a fan of comics? Perhaps even an avid collector – especially of vintage editions? Do you remember Beano (picture above)?

I don’t recall Beano, but I do remember those Donald Duck comics (sponsored by Maggi, if I’m not mistaken). I also enjoy reading Marvel comics, but I’m not a collector. Nowadays, many famous comics have been turned into movies. The one above – Dennis the Menace – was also turned into a movie! I wonder when this trend (turning comics into live action movies) began….

“Enter the…Lion!”

By |2015-02-23T16:47:10+08:00February 23rd, 2015|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations|Tags: |

CNY3

Keith Nelson sent us these a couple of years ago. We thought we’d share them with you, since we’re still in the season of Chinese New Year. We’d love to hear your memories about the ever famous Lion Dance; it would be a bonus if we heard from someone who was part of the dance troupe too!

A Chinese New Year must-have….

By |2015-02-17T16:58:01+08:00February 20th, 2015|Categories: festivals/celebrations, food|

test2CNY

For those of you who don’t know what’s on the plate, it is none other than the famed Chinese New Year dish Yee Sang – a Teochew style raw fish salad. It consists of strips of raw fish and shredded vegetables, tossed together with a variety of sauces and condiments. This dish is also known as the ‘Prosperity Toss’ (Lo Hei) and considered a symbol of abundance, prosperity and vigor.

The one our office had (picture above) featured salmon; I do wonder….what fish was in the original dish back then?

Also…is there a specific assortment of vegetables used, or can we prepare this dish with any combination?

 

Hoong Tho Restaurant

By |2015-02-09T16:19:20+08:00February 9th, 2015|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|

This is not part of our food-column….rather, we’re just curious to know more about Hoong Tho Restaurant (see picture below).

20091213-001picture 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?

Time for some Card Games!

By |2015-02-05T15:05:27+08:00February 5th, 2015|Categories: childhood, games, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

Have you played ‘Happy Families’? Well, this game used to be known as ‘Jovial Families’ a long time ago. Here’s a picture to refresh your memory.

jovial families

From what we were told, this set was manufactured by A. Collier (which was established back in 1863, in London). I’m guessing the ‘Happy Families’ cards are now printed locally….but I could be mistaken.

The Prefects of NTPS Pasir Puteh

By |2015-02-02T14:28:51+08:00February 2nd, 2015|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

NTSP Prefects 1967picture courtesy of: Mano

Mano sent us this a while ago. He also included the following words: “…a photo of the school prefects of NTPS Pasir Puteh in 1967. Standing behind the headmaster, Mr. Bhagwan Singh, is none other then DCP Perak, Datuk Paramasivam!”

So NTPS Pasir Puteh Alumni….what do YOU remember about this group photograph? Are you in there somewhere?

January 2015

Presenting – ipohWorld@Han Chin Pet Soo!

By |2015-01-30T12:00:37+08:00January 30th, 2015|Categories: Events, Exhibitions, ipoh, Natural Heritage, tourism|Tags: , |

e-flyer

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!

Winners of the Singing Contest

By |2015-01-16T16:39:46+08:00January 16th, 2015|Categories: childhood, concerts, Events, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , |

We all know Elvis Presley had his share of impersonators; some were almost as good as the ‘King’ himself  – with the deep voice AND the gyrating hips!

Frank Sinatra (or Ol’ Blue Eyes, as some know him) had his share of impersonators too. Speaking of which, does anyone remember the Frank Sinatra singing contest back in 1959? It was held at the Lido Theatre…perhaps this picture might refresh your memory!

20080125-021

If you’re one of those in the photograph, do share with us your memories!

Happy Ponggal!

By |2015-01-15T16:49:35+08:00January 15th, 2015|Categories: festivals/celebrations, greetings, Ipoh Town, tourism|

All kinds of everything: Shoppers buying items for the Ponggal fest at  Jalan Lahat.

‘As Indians prepare for Ponggal, which falls today, earthen pots were snapped up at Little India in Jalan Lahat recently.’

Shoppers had the choice to either buy the plain pots or those with colourful designs.

Besides the pots, other essential items for the harvest festival that shoppers bought were sugarcane, milk, brown sugar, firewood, cashew nuts, raisins and Indian traditional sweets.

Wooden spatulas to cook the sweet rice were also in demand.

Ponggal, which is celebrated over three days, is a harvest festival marked by Indians all over the world.

The festival is to mark the auspicious month of Thai in the Tamil calendar.

It is held to mark the harvest of crops and also as a special thanksgiving to God, the sun, the earth and the cow that produces milk.

More can be found here.

December 2014

A “Lady’s Car” ?

By |2014-12-19T16:59:12+08:00December 29th, 2014|Categories: Memories|Tags: |

ladies car

Not all car-enthusiasts are men…..I’m sure there are some women out there who also appreciate both the fast sports cars and vintage cars too. Which brings me to this advertisement – was the Austin 7 REALLY a Lady’s Car?

Presents, presents and MORE PRESENTS!

By |2015-02-23T11:18:22+08:00December 26th, 2014|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations, history, People|Tags: , |

1963 1998

Just in case you didn’t know, today is Boxing Day – nothing to do with the actual sport, but rather it’s the day where gifts are exchanged and opened. In some countries, today is an official holiday too! The picture above, from Ruth Iversen Rollitt, was not taken on 26th December…but I think fits well with the idea of giving and receiving presents. Ruth tells us:

These pictures are from Christmas 1963 when Father Christmas visited the children at St Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Ipoh. Vivi Iversen (Per’s wife) and son are getting a gift from Santa….I am standing with little Donald in the middle, my mother is on the extreme left.

Serenity

By |2014-12-18T16:48:20+08:00December 19th, 2014|Categories: Memories, nature, tourism|Tags: |

Imagine having a picnic at such a place! No rubbish about, no unpleasant odour from the river, clean and clear running water…etc. Blissful isn’t it?

PerakRiverParit

This is none other than the Perak River (at Parit). Yes, folks…believe it or not our rivers once looked like this 😉

picture courtesy of: Ruth Iversen Rollitt

Holiday Ideas?

By |2014-12-09T16:26:20+08:00December 9th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, Natural Heritage, Restoration, tourism|Tags: , |

Don’t know where to go during this long break? How about Kellie’s Castle?

No, we’re not advertising for this place. Rather just showing you what this iconic landmark looked like – way back in 1957!

kellies castle

This is a photograph of Ho Hoo Wan with his siblings and friends, posing just outside the famed Batu Gajah castle. How many of you have visited this place? Has the place changed much since it was first opened to the public?

On that note, is this place really haunted…or is it just one of those myths? 😉

Brushing up on history…

By |2014-12-05T12:51:49+08:00December 5th, 2014|Categories: Events, history, Memories|Tags: , , , , |

The history-buffs out there would know this fact: that King Edward VIII ascended the throne of England in January 1936, after his father George V passed away. However, in November that same year, there was “a constitutional crisis” when Edward wanted to marry Mrs Wallis Simpson (a divorcee). Eventually on 11 December, Edward abdicated; and his brother Albert succeeded him, taking the name George VI. (more can be found here)

Times of Malaya 1936

As seen in the main title British Popular Opinion Veers Towards King, this front page highlights the meeting between Prime Minister Baldwin and Britain’s ministers, as well as statements from Churchill, the Archbishop of Canterbury and Mrs Simpson herself; all these happened before the actual abdication.

The picture we have here (sent to us by Nicholas Jennings) is the front page of the Times of Malay, dating back to 7 December 1936 – four days after the death of the Times’ Editor – J A S Jennings. We thank Nicholas for this historic piece 🙂

“Old Memories of Ipoh”

By |2014-12-02T11:51:41+08:00December 2nd, 2014|Categories: Events, Exhibitions, ipoh|

new exhibition1

new exhibition2

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

Another famous brand?

By |2014-11-26T08:34:04+08:00November 26th, 2014|Categories: childhood, food, Memories|Tags: , , , |

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

It is said that the story of Horlicks began with James & William Horlick from Glouscestershire, who came up with the idea of a malt milk drink (as an artificial infant food).

History aside, what was YOUR Horlicks memory like? I remember drinking this during my pre-school years. Later, this malt drink (and the famous Milo) kept me company during my university days – especially when studying late into the night (coffee never seemed to work!). Was Horlicks part of your life too? Is it still part of your life? 😉

More ‘gems’ from the past

By |2017-07-27T09:22:56+08:00November 21st, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

golden syrup

The ‘experts in the kitchen’ are definitely familiar with Lyle’s Golden Syrup 🙂 It all started out in 1881, when Abram Lyle set up a sugar refinery on the banks of the Thames river. This company, named Abram Lyle & Sons, was run by Lyle and his three sons. Thus the story goes (more can be found here).

I wonder….how much did a 500g tin of syrup cost back then (and, how much does it cost now) ?

“World’s greatest healer” ?

By |2014-11-19T17:12:12+08:00November 19th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories|

zam buk adadvertisement taken from Times of Malaya, 6 August 1959

From what I found out, the Zam Buk company came into existence in the early 1900s – in Yorkshire. This balm became “an essential item for the home” before modern medicine took over. (more can be read here)

I don’t know when Zam Buk became popular in Malaya, but I know that some of my relatives swear by it – we still use it now and then! Just wondering, was this balm as famous as ‘Tiger Balm’?

Afternoon Tea?

By |2014-11-12T16:27:44+08:00November 12th, 2014|Categories: Events, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

afternoon teapicture from Larry Sawyer

Here’s another one from the same donor who sent us those Malim Nawar photos. Looks like these men (and women too!) are in the midst of an interesting conversation. Note also the table layout – I see some teacups and some fancy glasses. Not forgetting the rather unique floral arrangement too 🙂

Family Outing

By |2014-11-11T15:23:32+08:00November 11th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

1950 013

Back then, some folks in Ipoh counted the cinema halls and the famous Ipoh Race Course as part of their usual hang-outs (of course this was before Parkson and Aeon/Jusco came about!). What I found interesting about the above photo – of the race course nonetheless – is the outside of the Grand Stand. Note the potted plants along the steps. I wonder if the Grand Stand looks the same now. Anyone been to the race course lately?

I believe the little girl in the photo is none other than our donor Ruth Iversen Rollitt. 🙂

The Woes of Flooding…

By |2014-11-07T15:43:15+08:00November 7th, 2014|Categories: Events, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

In the early 1900s, floods in Ipoh were rather common – possibly due to the silting of rivers because of mining. Later, plans were made to straighten the sharp bends of the Kinta River and divert the River Choh. This would allow the waters to flow into the Pinji River instead of directly flowing into the Kinta River.

But Ipoh wasn’t the only town with flooding problems. At one time, Kuala Kangsar suffered from it too. Below is an aerial view of part of Kuala Kangsar town, way back in 1967.

KK1967floodpicture from: Larry Sawyer

More Pictures from Malim Nawar

By |2014-11-03T16:47:06+08:00November 3rd, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

malimnawar

We’re glad to know that so many of you out there have been reconnecting with lost friends through our blog – especially on THIS topic about the Malim Nawar power plant!

So, here’s another picture (from Larry Sawyer), showing the plant in the background. If you recognise the people in the picture, do tell us who they are.

Note the flag on the car in the far right – any guesses as to what flag it is?

October 2014

…a ‘long’ drive?

By |2014-10-29T16:15:30+08:00October 29th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

1953picture from: Ruth Iversen Rollitt

This 1953 photo shows John and B M Iversen (the famed Danish architect). I’m guessing the house in the background was probably designed by Iversen (but I could be wrong)….however, what really caught my eye was the car. Has anyone seen such a model before? I know I haven’t – and I admit, it’s quite a beauty!

The car-experts may be able to tell us more about this model 😉

Remember the ‘ol Typewriter?

By |2014-10-20T17:03:57+08:00October 20th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

RoyalTypewriters

With technology advancing everyday, I wonder how many of us can actually claim to have used a good old fashioned typewriter! This advertisement (sent to us by Nicholas Jennings) is for Royal Typewriters. Was this a very popular brand back then? Did any of you own one (or any other typewriter brand)? On that note, how much did a typewriter cost in those days?

The New Science Lab!

By |2014-10-16T12:45:00+08:00October 16th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , |

BGConvent

We received this from Daniel Doutriaux (part of a  series of photographs from an album). These are the girls from Batu Gajah Convent – excited as they explore the new science lab. The year was 1956….do you recognise any of them in the photo? (Or, maybe YOU are in there?) We’d love to hear from the Convent Alumni 😉

Did You Own A Philco Radio?

By |2014-10-14T12:55:45+08:00October 14th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

Philcoadvertisement courtesy of: Nicholas Jennings

Philco Radios were around as early as 1928. However, the company almost went bust and was later bought over by Ford Motor Company (in the 1960s).  These radios must have had a special place in their owners hearts – Ron Ramirez even has a book dedicated to this radio!  (more about Philco Radios)

Does anyone remember this radio brand? They also had an agent at No.41 Station Road, Ipoh. To those who STILL have them in your homes, do they still work?

Going for a drive…

By |2014-10-30T09:01:23+08:00October 10th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

Nigel&Father-50GopengRoad_edited-1

Nicholas Jennings (our donor) tells us that: the boy standing on the running board is his uncle Nigel (the third son of J A S Jennings). At the wheel is Eric Jennings (the eldest son), and seated beside the driver is Rose Winnifred (Freda) Jennings. In the background is the family home (No. 50 Gopeng Road) – which Jennings called “Midhurst”. Can our car enthusiasts identify the model of the car?

Oyster-Egg?

By |2014-10-09T12:42:38+08:00October 9th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs|Tags: |

I don’t know the actual name of this dish, but I do know that many enjoy eating it – especially for a late supper!

oyster_egg

Our photographer visited this stall in Taiping. Apparently, the dish he ate (right) cost him RM 11. I’m sure there are similar stalls in Ipoh which sell this treat. So we put this question to you, dear Foodies – Where in Ipoh can we find this ‘Oyster-Egg’ / Kuih Tiram dish? And how much does the average plate cost?

Are these ACS boys?

By |2014-10-07T11:41:43+08:00October 7th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|

SCAN0024

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.

September 2014

“Fly me to the Moon”

By |2014-09-24T16:21:08+08:00September 24th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

Malay airlines DC4picture from: Larry Sawyer

I don’t remember this design on our Malaysian planes (long before my time anyway 😉 ) but I’m sure some of you out there do remember this. I’m curious to know what image that is – on the nose of the plane. Is it some kind of bird? Or just a random design?

Do you know them?

By |2014-09-19T15:34:09+08:00September 19th, 2014|Categories: Events, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Image (7) new2_edited-1

Larry Sawyer sent this to us. It looks like the inside of that famous power plant (which caught everyone’s attention on the blog!). What we don’t know is: Who are these people in the front row? Could it be the Manager and a guest (with their respective wives)?

I’m also curious to know who the lady in white is…..I do love her ensemble – very stylish, don’t you think! 😉

For the Anderson School Alumni

By |2014-09-12T15:51:49+08:00September 12th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Memories|

AndersonSchoolIpohpicture courtesy of Ruth Iversen Rollitt

Some of you Anderson School Alumni may remember this building. The younger ones may have seen it in their school magazine. Well, this was once Anderson School – before the present building was built.

‘Koay Kak’ at Bercham

By |2014-09-11T10:25:27+08:00September 11th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, People|

CharKoay1

If you happen to drive by Persiaran Bercham Selatan 1 (just behind 7-11), you might see this man hard at work! He may not be as vigorous as the famed ‘Spiderman’, but I’m sure his dish has its own unique taste. Here’s a closer look (picture below)

CharKoay2

Our photographer told us that this dish – Koay Kak, as the hawker calls it – costs RM 2.3o (RM 2.80 with egg). Has anyone tried it? If you have…you know what to do 😉

Another Day at the Market!

By |2014-09-10T15:21:56+08:00September 10th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , |

BatuGajah2Market

We don’t mean to confuse you again, but here’s another photo of a local market 😉 This one isn’t in Ipoh….it’s actually in Batu Gajah (according to our donor Wendy Lewis). Notice the shape of the roof –  quite unique for a market building, don’t you think? Any Batu Gajah folks around? Perhaps they could tell us more.

A Resort in Pangkor

By |2014-09-05T11:09:16+08:00September 5th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, nature, tourism|

PangkorIslandResthouse

Wendy Lewis tells us that this holiday resort was in Pangkor Island. Back then (probably the 1950s) there was no air-condition – only fans and mosquito nets!

I wonder if this resort is still there….perhaps it has been upgraded with more modern facilities (besides air-condition, perhaps free wi-fi too?).

Any frequent visitors to Pangkor? Do share your experiences with us 🙂

August 2014

A Different Type of Pancake?

By |2014-08-28T15:54:59+08:00August 28th, 2014|Categories: food|

DSC_0538

I was told by our photographer that this dessert is known as Dai Gao Meen. Some people call it Apam-Balik. What ever YOU call it, what matters is that it  tastes GOOD, right? Crispy on the outside, soft and sweet on the inside…with a little crunch from the peanuts. Dear Foodies, do any of you know how this dessert came about?

Birthday Present from F&N?

By |2014-08-20T17:20:31+08:00August 20th, 2014|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations, games, Memories|

B's birthday 66

Ruth Iversen Rollitt (our donor) tells us that there was a time when F&N supplied swings and slides for birthday parties! I didn’t know this, did YOU? Did F&N bring such joy to your birthday parties? We’d like to know your favourite F&N memory 😉

If Ruth is reading this, do tell us more about this story.

Tea-time Snacks?

By |2014-08-14T11:44:30+08:00August 14th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, tourism|Tags: , |

snacks1

Fellow Foodies will be very familiar with this restaurant. On our food blog today, we’d like to feature an all-time favourite snack – the tasty, crispy Yau Char Koay (or Chinese crullers, as some may call it). Yes, for those who didn’t already know…there is a stall in New Hollywood which sells Yau Char Koay, along with Ham Chim Paeng (salty doughnut) and horse-shoe doughnut.

snacks2

I personally enjoy Yau Char Koay with some porridge. How do YOU enjoy your Yau Char Koay?

On that note: Does anyone know the origins of these well-loved snacks?

Once Upon A Time in Pangkor

By |2014-08-08T15:34:40+08:00August 8th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, nature|Tags: , , , , |

pangkor

Larry Sawyer tells us:Pangkor was our choice of holiday spots. This photo shows the boat landing at the island. The road across the other side was mud. The waterfront was reputed to have been a opium haven.”

Well, anyone from that side of Perak care to tell us more? I’m sure the jetty looks different now….don’t know if these old boats are still in use though 😉

Thum’s Burger

By |2014-08-07T14:27:26+08:00August 7th, 2014|Categories: childhood, food, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

burger

I wonder if anyone out there remembers this young man (first picture). These pictures were part of an article which appeared in the Star (26th July 2014); according to the writer, this white van (second picture) was usually parked under a tree (around Canning Garden) while the many customers waited in line to be served. I’ve not come across Thum’s Burger (as advertised on the van) – perhaps it was before my time? 😉

Could anyone shed some light on this? We’re curious to know more about this mobile burger stall.

Going Back in Time!

By |2014-08-06T15:56:56+08:00August 6th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, movies, Restoration|Tags: |

ruby

This is not an “artist’s impression”…it is the real thing 😉 This is indeed the Ruby Cinema – all done up for a recent advertisement by Petronas. For those of you who didn’t know, this is what the Ruby Cinema used to look like once upon a time. Also take note of the old movie posters along the side of the building.

The Penthouse Lounge

By |2014-08-01T15:55:17+08:00August 1st, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, tourism|

lounge

Imagine my surprise when I saw this matchbox….I never knew there was such a place in Kampong Simee. According to the address, it used to be opposite the Perak Stadium. Does anyone remember this place? I don’t remember ever seeing Penthouse Lounge.

July 2014

The 4 Ipoh-Born “kids”

By |2014-08-01T10:48:38+08:00July 31st, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

RasaSayang

When we talk about meeting up with old friends, more often than not we end up at a local cafe/restaurant. Can’t help it, we Ipoh folks love our food, don’t we? 😉 Hence, we at ipohWorld also decided to start a little ‘food-section’…to highlight some all-time favourites which are both tasty and affordable.

We’ve decided to do something different for our food-blog today. Here’s a photograph of Ruth Iversen Rollitt (wearing a light blue top) having a meal with 3 other Ipoh ‘natives’, namely: Daniel Choo (an architect in Luxemburg), Mariam Mokhtar (a well known writer) and Ming. According to Ruth, they met up at Rasa Sayang (a Malaysian restaurant along Macclesfield Street, London). Ruth also mentions that the food at Rasa Sayang is quite authentic.

Here’s a thought for you Ipoh-natives around the globe: have you been lucky enough to sample good Malaysian food in a foreign country?

“I want to ride my bicycle”

By |2014-07-30T16:53:41+08:00July 30th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Memories|

I remember the first time I tried to ride a bicycle – and failed miserably 🙁 My bicycle was a small red one, with an adjustable seat. I never quite managed to ‘master’ not falling off while riding the bike….sadly, I gave up. (so today, I still don’t know HOW to ride a bicycle…which is rather embarrassing!)

Anyways, here we have a receipt from a bicycle shop in Pusing.

Pusing Cycle Co

I wonder if this shop is still there. Anyone care to tell us? On another note, what was it like when YOU first learnt to ride a bicycle? Do you remember how much your first bicycle cost?

Time for some Bubur Cha-Cha!

By |2014-07-24T17:42:47+08:00July 24th, 2014|Categories: food, Ipoh Town|

This stall is along Cowan Street….some of you may be familiar with this place.

bubur1

It’s known for their desserts – or thong sui, as the locals call it. One of them is the famous Bubur Cha-cha (pictured below). Our photographer paid RM 1.70 for this 🙂

bubur2

Wonton Noodles, in Buntong

By |2014-07-17T17:29:26+08:00July 17th, 2014|Categories: food, ipoh|

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).

wonton1

wonton2

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.

“Friend” or “Foe” ?

By |2014-07-10T15:39:15+08:00July 10th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, People, tourism|Tags: |

durian

Love it or hate it, this beauty is regarded the King of Fruits in this part of the world. The durian may have a strong odour which puts people off, but once you get past the smell to taste the creamy flesh – well, need I say more? 😉

Leong (our photographer) managed to capture this man in action. He usually sets up his stall along Jalan Canning Estate. Incidentally, Osbourne Street was once known as ‘Durian Street‘; do they still sell durians there? I haven’t seen any stalls there lately….

The Kuala Kangsar Post Office

By |2014-07-08T11:14:01+08:00July 7th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , |

KKpostoffice

We hope those familiar with Kuala Kangsar can help us out with this – is this a past or present depiction of the Kuala Kangsar Post Office?

This was taken off a souvenir postcard, issued by the local post office. We also have a 1967 picture of this building (on our database) to compare with, but we’re still wondering. Could anyone help us out please?

Craving for Nasi Kandar?

By |2014-07-03T17:12:29+08:00July 3rd, 2014|Categories: food, Ipoh Town, Memories|Tags: , |

nasi_kandar

According to our photographer (Leong), this place is near the Birch Memorial Clock Tower. Judging by the crowd, I’d say this is a very popular stall 🙂

Could this be the same Nasi Kandar stall which once started out under a shady tree in the same vicinity? We’ve heard stories about the old stall; one tale states that a former judge from the nearby court house was a regular patron – often sending a ‘runner’ to pack some lunch for him.

Sam Tet Group Photo

By |2014-07-02T15:52:39+08:00July 2nd, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

I’m just making a guess here – I think this picture was taken in the 1950s, but I could be wrong. Date aside, what we’d like to know is who are these people in the picture. If anyone can translate the words at the bottom, we’d love to hear from you.

sam tetclick to enlarge

June 2014

The Former ‘Residents’ of Falim House

By |2014-07-05T17:43:26+08:00June 25th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

falim_cars

These two cars were at Falim House when it was sold.

But the owners gave them to the caretaker – as part of his retrenchment package rather than selling them with the house.

We do not know which of the Foo family they belonged to but we believe the oldest one was actually owned by Foo Nyit Tse. (We might be wrong!)

The caretaker put them up for sale at a very high price, but as far as we know there were no buyers.

Does anyone know where the care are now?

THE FIAT IS BEING RESTORED

IMG_2146 IMG_2148

Rojak!

By |2014-06-24T16:17:40+08:00June 24th, 2014|Categories: food, Ipoh Town|

Could this be the once famous Ipoh Padang Rojak stall?

rojak

We think it is….perhaps the Foodies out there might know better 😉

Chung Thye Phin’s Rolls-Royce

By |2014-06-17T09:55:34+08:00June 17th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, Restoration|Tags: |

20140601-026picture and story from: Bonhams Auctioneers, UK

Yes, folks…this is indeed the Rolls-Royce 20hp Sports Tourer once owned by Chung Thye Phin!

Chung Thye Phin bought it way back in 1925. A year or so later, this same car was lent to the Duke of Gloucester when he was touring this side of the globe. Then around 1942 this beauty ended up in the hands of the Japanese. After the Japanese left, the British Military Administration (BMA) returned the car to Chung Thye Phin; it was then sold in 1946.

The rest of the story can be found here.

The Japanese Carbide Factory

By |2014-06-13T16:32:13+08:00June 13th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage, tourism|Tags: , |

kpgTanjungBangkung1

Deep inside Kampung Tanjung Bangkung (Malim Nawar) was once a Japanese Carbide Factory. The picture above is that of the former guard house. It is said that the factory was part of a complex that manufactured armaments for the Japanese – which were then sent to Burma. All that remains of this factory now is the above guard post and one of the two chimneys (see pictures below).

kpgTanjungBangkung2

The chimney is around 6m (at the base) and 3m (top), with 4 arches: of these, 2 are at the bottom for fire (note picture on the right) while the other 2 above are closed to form the kiln. We were told that after the Japanese surrendered in 1945, the communists supporters went to town defacing the Japanese artifacts – they even stole some of the building material for themselves.

We thank one of our friends – Harchand Singh Bedi – for taking us to this place. Incidentally, this former factory was featured in ASTRO’s History Channel (in the episode “Hidden Cities in Malaysia”) back in 2010.

Tasty Snacks, at Leech Street

By |2014-06-12T16:56:54+08:00June 12th, 2014|Categories: food, tourism|

OCK1

Between the first (curry puff) and second (siew pau) picture, which one is YOUR favourite savoury snack?

Our photographer took these pictures at Jalan Bandar Timah (Leech Street) in Old Town. Besides the ones pictured above, they also sell other treats.

ock2

Tai Seng Restaurant

By |2014-06-11T15:38:28+08:00June 11th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories|

matchbox

Some of you out there may remember this restaurant. I wonder if it’s still there….or, perhaps it’s been replaced by another business? According to the images on this souvenir matchbox, Tai Seng Restaurant had two branches within Ipoh – one at Theatre Street and another at Green Lane. If anyone know more, we’d love to hear from you 🙂

A Stamp Fair & Exhibition in Ipoh

By |2014-06-08T09:43:14+08:00June 8th, 2014|Categories: Events, Exhibitions, ipoh|Tags: |

stamp_exhibition(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.

Playtime!

By |2014-06-06T15:56:35+08:00June 6th, 2014|Categories: childhood, games, Identify Photographs, Memories|

We received this from Ruth Iversen Rollitt. Based on previous pictures, I’m guessing that the girl on extreme left is Ruth herself.

1950 003

The children seem to be playing with make-shift bows and arrows.I confess trying to make one too, when I was a kid…this was after reading about Robin Hood – The bow didn’t quite turn out so well, and the twigs I wanted to use as arrows kept breaking while I attempted to shoot them 😉

What type of make-shift ‘toys’ did YOU come up with during your childhood playtime?

Yummy Seafood Noodles!

By |2014-06-05T14:32:41+08:00June 5th, 2014|Categories: food, ipoh|

seafoodnoodle

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 🙂

Did you own a ‘tiger’?

By |2014-06-03T23:36:55+08:00June 3rd, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , |

No, we’re not talking about those jungle-cats…we’re talking about the inflatable ones from Esso (see below). OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA We also have a little story about this on our database – it’s not this (above) ‘tiger’ but of a similar one. So, like we mentioned in the title: Did any of you own such a toy? I don’t think Esso sells these anymore (but I could be wrong).

‘Me and my Ride’ !

By |2014-06-02T16:25:20+08:00June 2nd, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, ipoh, Memories|Tags: |

boyonbike

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!!

By |2014-05-30T15:36:50+08:00May 30th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|

photo 2No prizes for guessing what this man is up to!

photo 3I’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).

photo 4

What we’d like to know is: WHERE in Ipoh can you find the best Cendol?

A Well-loved Snack

By |2014-05-22T15:00:19+08:00May 22nd, 2014|Categories: food, ipoh, tourism|Tags: , |

For today’s food-blog, we’re featuring the ever popular Popiah.

IMG_6788_edited

IMG_6789_edited

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?

Were YOU an Ovaltine Kid?

By |2014-05-21T14:21:03+08:00May 21st, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

ovaltine

Our donor Mano told us that: “The three wheeler is the Piaggio Ape. Unfortunately, it’s not a full picture of the scooter with the ‘Ovaltine’ as the subject was the toddler, my brother. The photo was taken in 1965. He had recently wrecked his tricycle and rolling one of it’s wheels, ‘parked’ it against the wheel of the scooter.”

Hence our question: were you a fan of Ovaltine? Has the taste changed over the years? 🙂

ACS Alumni Dinner 2014

By |2014-05-20T23:20:44+08:00May 20th, 2014|Categories: celebrities, festivals/celebrations, Memories|Tags: |

Poster - Celebrating umpteen years of life & friendship together 2014

It’s Party time again! ~ Come & CELEBRATE! our fun & wonderful years of Life & Friendship Together! – *Saturday, August 2nd, 2014* *@ Kinta Riverfront Hotel & Suites, Ipoh.*

This year will see the debut of our Alma Mater’s magnificient Bagpipers & Wushu Drummers!  Get ready to be tickled and entertained by the professional emcee, comedian & stand up comic ~ Mr. Stephen Fernando!

Hurry, book your seats now! for an evening of fun, cheer & reminiscence. For booking & inquiries, pls call | Ms. Lim 05 241 2523 or 05 253 2882 | Mr. Looi Teik Aun 012 515 1116 | Mr. Lau Wun Chew 017 882 0608 | Mr. Hum Kee Kuang 012 336 0770 | Collection : 47-A, Jalan Tokong, 31650 Ipoh.

Estate Manager’s Bungalow – Then and Now

By |2014-05-16T17:20:59+08:00May 16th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, Restoration|Tags: |

lima_blas(click to enlarge)

We thank Ruth Iversen Rollitt for these photographs. On the left is the Lima Blas Estate Manager’s bungalow built by B M Iversen for his brother Werner as referred to in the earlier post below – just as it was in those days. On the right is the same bungalow (photo taken around 2008). Wouldn’t it be nice if more was done in preserving such places – especially in Ipoh? Just a thought 🙂

The ‘Iversen Club’ house

By |2014-05-16T15:28:22+08:00May 12th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

Iversen Club

In one of our old posts about B M Iversen, someone suggested that the city council should name a road after Iversen. Then, we received a recent e-mail from his daughter with a picture of a CLUB named after him 😉

Yes, there’s an Iversen Club at the Lima Blas Estate – this is what Ruth Iversen Rollitt told us. Incidentally, Ruth’s uncle – Werner Iversen – was the Manager of the Lima Blas estate.

Anyone seen/heard of this place?

A New Attraction – Old House Museum, Taiping

By |2014-05-10T09:06:29+08:00May 10th, 2014|Categories: festivals/celebrations, history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, nature|Tags: |

Old House

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.

Simpang Pulai, 1930s

By |2014-05-07T15:45:22+08:00May 7th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

Yes, believe it or not THIS (picture below) was the Main Street of Simpang Pulai back in 1936! 🙂

photo_edited(click to enlarge)

We thank our donor – Mohamad Sharizan bin Mohd. Supian – for this picture. The discoloration is probably due to water. The Chinese words roughly state that this was taken at the funeral of Mr Chan.

Ipoh’s Castle!

By |2014-05-05T15:15:36+08:00May 5th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

It’s not there anymore, but those of you who remember it are probably grinning at these pictures.

 

castle1

castle2

These were taken in 2011 (by Charlie Choong) – yes, this is the same house near the Polo Ground. Does anyone know the story behind this unique looking abode? Perhaps someone knows the architect? We’d love to hear from you 🙂

A Malay Funeral

By |2014-05-02T16:06:01+08:00May 2nd, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

malay_funeral

Yes, this is indeed a Malay Funeral procession. This was taken, with kind permission, from the Imperial War Museum London. The photo was taken from a colour transparency, back in the 1950s. If you look closely you can see the Ipoh East Post Office in the background – that should give you a clue about the location.

We thank Mario Francis Armadass for giving us the link.

April 2014

Where’s Ipoh’s Best Satay?

By |2014-05-05T11:37:44+08:00April 30th, 2014|Categories: food|

satay

These pictures (above) are said to be from a stall at Kopitiam Gui Lin, Jalan Perajurit in Ipoh Garden East. According to our photographer, the satay here is quite tasty.

What do you, dear Readers, think? Does anyone know the best place (in Ipoh) for satay? That is the question we’d like to ask all you Foodies out there!

A Handy Gadget?

By |2014-04-25T16:02:04+08:00April 25th, 2014|Categories: childhood, food, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

At first glance, it probably looks like a stool. But it’s really an ice shaver – look closely and you can see the blade 😉

20070413-015

An ice block is run over the blade repeatedly while the shavings are collected into a bowl underneath. Have you seen your ABC / Cendol seller use this? Or, have YOU ever tried using this gadget before?

Were You a Proud Owner of a Ford Popular?

By |2014-04-23T11:05:40+08:00April 23rd, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , |

20070417-025

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 😉

Kaya Puff for Dessert?

By |2014-04-15T14:27:50+08:00April 15th, 2014|Categories: food, Identify Photographs, People|Tags: , |

kayapuff1

I’m sure some of you have seen this shop….some of you may be regular customers too! This shop, located at Jalan Mustafa Al Bakri, is said to be famous for its Kaya Puff – a light and fluffy pastry with egg-jam filling.

kayapuff2

Ideal for those with a sweet-tooth, don’t you think? Have you eaten one of these tasty treats? Or, perhaps you know of yet another place which serves this particular sweet.

We’d love to hear from you 🙂

Did you see the Merdeka Float Parade?

By |2014-04-09T15:57:22+08:00April 9th, 2014|Categories: Events, festivals/celebrations, history, Ipoh Town, Memories, tourism|Tags: , , |

float

From the pictures, we think that this float was one of the many at a Merdeka Parade back in 1967. Does anyone remember this parade? If you do, where was it held – at the Stadium, or along the main streets of the town?

Also notice the old Malay used in the description and the labels on the float.

Did you know…

By |2014-04-07T16:38:23+08:00April 7th, 2014|Categories: food, Memories|

20070802-006

…that pineapples were once grown under coconut and rubber trees? This 1920 postcard shows a bullock cart used in transporting pineapples. I do wonder how much a pineapple cost back then 😉

Could THIS be the famous Hugh Low Street Curry Mee?

By |2014-04-03T15:43:24+08:00April 3rd, 2014|Categories: food, Memories, People, tourism|Tags: , , |

In previous blog posts, we’ve had Readers talk about the famous ‘Police Station Curry Mee’. I do wonder if this (Restoran Xin Quan Fang) is the place you guys were talking about.

food1

If you answered yes to the above query, then perhaps you know these gentlemen. [And they in turn will know you as a ‘regular’ and probably also know your order 😉 ]

food2the ‘chef’ and his assistant

food3the final product!

March 2014

“Home Sweet Home” ?

By |2014-03-27T12:59:17+08:00March 27th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, Restoration|Tags: , |

We were told by Ruth Iversen Rollitt that these houses were designed by her father B M Iversen.

malim_nawarclick to enlarge

Yes folks, these houses are STILL THERE – at the compound of the Perak Hydro Power Station in Malim Nawar! Those of you who once lived here, do you see YOUR former home in these pictures? 😉

The ‘Post Office’ Mystery!

By |2014-03-24T15:16:56+08:00March 21st, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , , |

PostOfficeBrewsterRoadBatuGajahAug57

According to Nick Band (our donor), the caption for this 1957 photograph reads as Post Office, Brewster Road, from the Eastern. If you zoom in on the ‘Pejabat Pos’ signage, the smaller street sign (left) reads as Cockman Street. THIS is what’s confused us 😉

Ipoh-experts out there, can you help us? Is this really the junction of Brewster Road and Cockman Street?

Once Upon a Time at Cator Avenue…

By |2014-03-18T15:28:21+08:00March 18th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: |

photo_edited-1This 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!

By |2014-03-17T16:08:15+08:00March 17th, 2014|Categories: childhood, food, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

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.

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?

Have you seen a Pegboard?

By |2014-03-14T16:09:54+08:00March 14th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , |

If you’d asked me before these photographs arrived, I would confess to not knowing what a pegboard was. In fact, now that I’ve seen what it looks like, I’m still wondering what they were used for. Well, for those of you who are still clueless about WHAT a pegboard looks like, take a look at Nick Band’s photos below:

pegboard1

pegboard2

ps: we were told that the man holding the pegboard (2nd photo) is Lee Kit.

Wah On Theatre

By |2014-03-12T15:21:44+08:00March 12th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , |

Anyone remember Wah On Theatre? (see below)

WahOnTheatreBatuGajahAug57Nick Band tells us that this theatre was in Batu Gajah. This photograph was taken in 1957.

Does anyone know what’s happened to the theatre? Has the theatre been taken over by another establishment (as how furniture shops have taken over theatres in Ipoh)?

Getting ‘personal’ with a bucket dredge?

By |2014-03-08T08:55:40+08:00March 8th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

P1020759

Here’s a close-up of a bucket dredge – for those of you who’ve seen an actual dredge bucket, you can imagine the size of this machine! We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this photograph. From her emails, we think that this was probably part of the Keramat Tin mine in Bidor (if we’re wrong, do let us know 🙂 ).

Men’s Fashion from the 1930s?

By |2014-03-03T14:18:45+08:00March 3rd, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , |

20140226-005a(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

Souvenir Drinking Glasses

By |2014-02-26T12:06:17+08:00February 26th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|

20140210_172327

Mano sent us this photo recently. The first two glasses (left and centre) are Merdeka souvenirs, while the one on the right is a Hari Raya special. Mano also told us that these were a present from Mrs Helen Ross, whose parents were based in Changi. Helen’s parents probably obtained these during their tour of Malaya (around 1957).

Anyone own similar souvenir glasses? Perhaps you could tell us about your collection…

Per and Ruth Iversen

By |2014-02-25T11:16:58+08:00February 25th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories|

Per & R

We thank Ruth Rollitt for sending us this photo of her and her brother Per. According to Ruth, this was taken in 1950. The siblings are wearing local national costumes.

I’m sure there’s an interesting story behind this. On that note: what did you and your siblings get up to in your younger days?

Lorong Said Tauphy, Greentown

By |2014-02-24T12:29:23+08:00February 24th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, nature, People|

GTown(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! 🙂

 

“Workshop” or “Woksyop”

By |2014-03-10T12:59:14+08:00February 18th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, nature|

ipohThe landmark that I was looking for (1997 visit)-edited

We thank Taffy Owen for this one. I’d like to draw your attention to the unique signboard – this was taken around 1997 (according to Taffy); note the spelling of the word ‘workshop’.

Also take note of the mountain in the background – yes, folks….it looks like Gunong Panjang….or could it be another mountain?

The ‘Dobie-Woller’

By |2014-02-19T15:44:36+08:00February 13th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

dobie_woller

Graham Barton (our donor) calls this the “Dobie Woller”. We locals call him the “Doby Man” 🙂

Looking at the lines of laundry (far right), I’m reminded of the famous ‘doby man’ who ran his business along Silibin Road.

I wonder if the Silibin Road laundryman is still in business….anyone knows more about it?

Std.2 Cator Avenue, 1962

By |2014-02-12T15:12:32+08:00February 10th, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

KC_cator-avenue2

(click to enlarge)

KC sent us this cute one via Facebook. We thought we’d share it with all of you – especially with the Cator Avenue Alumni 🙂

KC shared a little bit about this photograph with us:

This photo was taken when I was in Standard-2 at Cator Avenue Primary School. Some of us in the photo are still in contact with each other after all these years. The class photo was taken in 1962, if I remember correctly. Would like to get feedback from people who were in this class. Cannot remember the teacher’s name now. Along the teacher’s row, on the far left is a Caucasian boy. I remember him only as Ian. He was with us for one year and we never see him again. It would be interesting to know his full name and hopefully know where he is now. One of my classmate whom I am still in contact with reminded me, and I recalled, he had a fight with a boy from another class and both were called to the headmaster’s office. Those were the days…….

We look forward to hearing about all the other shenanigans you boys got up to in your youth….and like KC, we’re also wondering what’s happened to Ian!

Inside A Bungalow in Batu Gajah

By |2014-02-05T10:22:35+08:00February 3rd, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

178_edited-1

This was among the lot sent to us from Nick Band. His father Albert Roy Band was part of the Malay Tin Dredge Co. in Batu Gajah.  He had two stints there: 1954-57, where he stayed at Bungalow A11 & 1958-61, residing at Bungalow A13. As Nick explains, his father was known as ‘Roy’ and he was an Engineering Draughtsman. The woman in the photograph is Nick’s mother; standing next to her is the family pet Ginger.

January 2014

Have You Heard…of Wilkinson Road?

By |2014-01-15T16:43:15+08:00January 15th, 2014|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, nature|

Album

We received this from Alan Steel, with the words Wilkinson Rd from the back seat of a bus. Do any of you know WHERE Wilkinson Road is? Since many road names in Ipoh have been changed over the years, I wonder what the new name is. Or, perhaps I got it wrong…and this place is not Ipoh after all?

The 12 Inf. Hairdresser!

By |2014-01-10T15:09:30+08:00January 10th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

barber

We thank Graham Barton for sharing these pictures with us. Do you remember such Hairdressers? Do they still use those(ever sharp!) razors/blades and ‘Good Morning’ towels? Looking at these pictures, I couldn’t help but think about the famed Star Barber – who once ran their business at Belfield Street 🙂

On that note, how much would a standard haircut and shave cost today?

New Book, Road to Revolution

By |2014-01-09T14:13:18+08:00January 9th, 2014|Categories: Books, history, Memories, People|Tags: |

Money047_edited-1

“Chan Sue Meng, the author of “Road to Revolution – Dr. Sun Yat Sen and His Comrades in Ipoh”, is the great-great-granddaughter of Lee Guan Swee, leader of the Tong Meng Hui (Chinese Revolutionary Alliance) in Ipoh, Malaya, during the 1911 Revolution. Two years ago, upon learning about the great deeds of her ancestor and portions of family memoirs, she decided to compile an annal of the activities of Dr. Sun and his revolutionaries in Ipoh, in an attempt to present the trail that was left behind by Dr. Sun and its impact on Ipoh.” – Wong Sin Kiong, Associate Professor, Department of Chinese Studies, National University of Singapore.

The above book can be purchased at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall for $S 12.00 (RM 30.00). The book will probably be re-launched in Ipoh later.

Famous Names – Run Run Shaw

By |2014-01-09T09:18:18+08:00January 8th, 2014|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People, tourism|Tags: , , , |

runrunshaw(Picture 1: Run Run Shaw)

LOM-028(Picture 2: Runme Shaw)

We pay tribute to Run Run Shaw, of the famed Shaw Brothers, who passed away in Hong Kong yesterday.

The Shaw Organisation began in 1924, with operations in Singapore screening their own brand of silent movies. Frustrated by local distributors, they set up their own cinema, “The Empire”, to screen their movies. Led by brothers Run Run and Runme Shaw, they began to branch out into Malaysia building new cinemas and operating a mobile cinema for rural areas. However, it was only with the advent of sound that movies began to really launch themselves – by 1933 the Shaw’s had produced the Cantonese opera film ‘Normal Dragon’ which proved a breakthrough for them in both Singapore and Hong Kong. [more can be found at –  http://www.hkcinema.co.uk/Articles/shawbronews.html ]

I’m sure many movie-lovers out there remember these famous brothers and their contribution to the cinematic industry. I was not born in that era, but from what I’ve read (and heard) the Shaw Brothers always had interesting ways of advertising the up-and-coming movies. (see sample below)

20080125-014

The Gunong Panjang Camp

By |2014-01-06T15:44:51+08:00January 6th, 2014|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , |

Gunong Panjang

We thank Alan Steel for this picture. It shows the camp and gates of the 12th Inf. at Gunong Panjang. I’m just making a guess and putting this location at Tambun Road (though I could be wrong). Is this place still called ‘Gunong Panjang’? Or, perhaps the camp has relocated? Hope those familiar with the area could help us out 😉

Something for the Foodies!

By |2014-01-03T15:43:17+08:00January 3rd, 2014|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

[ Warning: the picture below may cause some of you to drool excessively 😉 ]

party

We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this one. To what we were told, this was taken at a wedding – and yes, folks…the guests are eating on banana leaves!

So, fellow Foodies…when was the last time YOU had a banana-leaf meal? 🙂

 

December 2013

Part 6, of Ipohbornkid’s series.

By |2013-12-30T12:51:59+08:00December 30th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

The long-awaited Part 6 of Ipohbornkid’s series! Happy Reading 😉

Wan Hwa copy

The Schools that Chong Soon Fan Built – by IpohBornKid

(The picture above shows the generous donors for Wan Hwa Public Schools)

Many Chinese schools were built after World War II during the tin boom in the Kinta Valley, especially in Ipoh and surrounds in the early 1950s.   The establishment of these schools was driven by the tin miners’ desire to maintain the Chinese language and culture in their newly adopted homeland of Malaya.  However, there is one particular school that comes in mind that will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2014, ie. the Wan Hwa Primary Public School (萬華小學) in Menglembu.  The author wishes to congratulate the Chairman Mr Chong Yong Fook and his Board member, the donors, the Principal Mr Ong Yah, , teachers and pupils in their forthcoming  celebration, the 100th Anniversary of their Founding of the  School.

Many Chinese schools in Ipoh began to bloom in the 1950s and they include the Wan Hwa Primary School, the Yuk Choy Primary & High Schools, the Peraks Girls Primary and High Schools, Poi Lam High School, Sam Tet High Schools, Ave Maria School and the newest Sam Jai School.  Most of the X generation who went to the Chinese schools in Ipoh/Menglembu, will have gone through one of these schools.

In this article, the author will concentrate on the late Chong Soon Fan, JP, and his role in building the Wan Hwa Primary School (萬華小學) in Menglembu (萬裡望), which is currently located opposite his family home.  It is obvious that the school derives its name from the township by using its first character (萬) & Chinese (華) language school.

As far as the author can remember, Wan Hwa Primary had its humble beginning in the location where the Grace Lutheran Church is now situated.  It is at the southern end of Menglemgu’s Main Road (Jalan Lahat) where the road bends to the left.  A mountain stream runs along the boundary of the old school building.  This building, from memory, had a class room, a large blackboard facing south and with windows (facing east) opening to Jalan Lahat and the Tamil settlement across the field.  Below the window of this building was a small mountain stream that runs through Menglembu.

After the church bought the old school property, the Wan Hwa Primary School, in 1954, was relocated at the Assembly Hall Road and its entrance facing the western type bungalow of Mr Chong Soon Fan and the Nayang Picture Theatre.  On the western side of the school was the famous Kledang Hills of Menglembu.

The author remembered being in the original attap roof classrooms as a child of 6 years old in the afternoon school, after finishing morning school in ACS Ipoh.  However that arrangement did not last long and the author remained in ACS.  As the old school huts made way for the construction of the school hall, other developments were also taking place.  A U-shaped, single-storey building was built adjacent to the new school hall and the bottom of the U facing north.  At the far north end of the school was the Teacher’s quarters and the Principal and his family also lived there.

The old library building and the tuck shop were directly opposite the Nanyang Picture Theatre.  The old bicycle park was adjacent to the library wall.  All these structures including the Picture Theatre no longer exist.

Each Chinese New Year, the school grounds were decorated with paper banners hanging from a rope and on each paper, was written the name of the donor and the amount donated.  There were many donors in Menglembu (see picture) and Ipoh and most of them were tin miners and business people.  Many Clans denoted money to the school and in particular, the author remembered the Hakka Clan well as they were mainly tin miners, pawn shop owners and bankers.  Knowledge of the history of Hakka Clan in China will reveal their inborn determination for education and their participation as Generals and Scholars in Hennan Province for 2,000 years, before coming down to South China as Song Dynasty refugees.  Chong Soon Fan is of Hakka origin (Tai Poo, Quangdong Province) and had a strong urge to ensure the Chinese immigrants in Malaya can have a good Chinese education to maintain their language and culture.

As Chairman of the Board of Wan Hwa Primary School, he had to lead the donation and each year, whilst as Chairman, his donation amounts to $10,000 annually.  As Chairman, he was also able to encourage his business colleagues to contribute to the worthwhile cause, and they did.  Wan Hwa Primary School could not have existed without the generosity of the business and private donors.   Menglembu residents, having benefited from the school, should always remember the pioneering work of many philanthropists who readily gave their money for the building of the school and particularly the leadership shown by its Chairman, the late Mr Chong Soon Fan, who was also the “Penghulu of Menglembu”.

Chong Soon Fan passed away in 1969 and the Chairmanship of the school also went to his son the late Mr Chong Hong Chew, PJK, and later his grandson, Mr Chong Yong Fook.  The author congratulates Yong Fook in following a good tradition set up by the Patriarch.  One of the former Chairman Mr Chan Chak Yung was an old friend of the author for more than 50 years.

The author has visited the school recently and many changes have occurred.  The author would like to remind the people of Menglembu to remember the dedication and commitment of the pioneers who gave so much for the public education of their fellow immigrants in Menglembu and Ipoh.  I am sure that the current Chairman, Mr Chong Yong Fook could provide an aerial photograph of the present school to Ipoh World.

It is interesting to note that the late Mr Chong Soon Fan was at one time, the Chairman of the Board of 6 other Chinese schools including Yuk Choy, Perak Girl, Sam Jai and Wan Hwa.  The author heard a comment by one of his grandsons who said “the old man can afford many Mercedes Benz in his life time and yet he never bought one for this family.  He was contented with the old red Vauxhall Cresta (AA9788) who took his grandchildren to schools in Ipoh.  All the Mercedes went to the schools of course!” (Note- at that time each Merc costs $10,000 or more).   I believe that, he and his fellow philanthropists have accumulated enough good Karma for all their descendants to be blessed.

Where Are They Now?

By |2013-12-23T17:07:58+08:00December 23rd, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

alan_steel

According to the donor of this photograph (Alan Steel), those posing here are: Chan Sai Yu, Foo Kim Lim (nicknamed ‘Lofty’), Lau Weng and Yip See Chee. Anyone know where they are now? Based on what Alan told us, this was taken somewhere in the mid 1950s – either 1955 0r 1956. They were working with the British Army at Gunung Panjang Camp. Do you see someone you know in this photograph? Do point him out to us 🙂

Here Comes Santa Claus!

By |2013-12-21T17:07:28+08:00December 20th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

P1020580

Here’s something to put you in the Christmas mood! We thank Alison Cotterill (nee Caldwell) for this one. According to Alison, this was taken in 1962 at the Lower Perak Club in Teluk Anson. On the far left is Trisha Caldwell, holding Fiona.

Well folks,  it looks like Santa arrived on foot instead of coming down the chimney! 😉 I do wonder what was in those large sacks…..

Untitled-1

Not wishing to have Teluk Ansom beat Ipoh, Ruth Rollitt sent us this one and said:

The Christmas party at the Presbyterian church was in 1963! Wow – 50 years ago. The little fair-haired boy is my brother Per’s son Morten – he is with his mother Vivi (Iversen). The lady in the batik dress on the other is my mother and the smiling lady is Dutch: Marian Voorhoeve – her husband was with Lindeteves Jacob and we are still much in touch.

Thank you Ruth for keeping Ipoh in the picture.

What’s Happening at Sam Tet?

By |2013-12-13T16:35:26+08:00December 13th, 2013|Categories: Events, history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|

We’re hoping some alumni from Sam Tet, Ipoh, would be able to help us out with this photograph (see below).

St Mikes050

This was taken from the 90th Anniversary Magazine of St Michael’s Church (which is next to Sam Tet School). Does anyone remember when this photograph was taken? We don’t seem to have a caption for this photo, so we’re hoping someone out there could fill in some details for us.

We look forward to meeting some former Sam Tet students on our blog 😉

1964 Soccer Team

By |2013-12-06T16:11:39+08:00December 6th, 2013|Categories: childhood, games, Memories|

School Soccer Team 1964

Are you in this photo? Or, perhaps you knew some of the players in this soccer team. Did any of them end up in our national football league?

If you look closely, there is a trophy at the bottom of this photo…which made me think that this was probably taken after a soccer match. I’ll leave it to you to tell me more.

We thank Zahar for this nostalgic photo 🙂

November 2013

Surprise!

By |2013-11-08T16:15:13+08:00November 8th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, games, history, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

In our previous post, we had a reply from the brother of the pretty lady sitting on the sports car. We now know her as Joan Lau. After some searching, we found a picture of Lawrence Lau (see below).

Triumph006

The caption for the above picture is as follows: “Adrian Boudville looking on, Barry Jansz acting as Time Keeper and Lawrence Lau acting as Starter.”

This was taken on 18th August 1971 at the Ipoh Railway Station. Anyone remember this event?

Favourite Magazine Pin-up?

By |2013-11-06T16:38:34+08:00November 6th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, tourism|Tags: , |

Triumph009

The picture may not be that clear, but it’s obvious what it is…yes, even in those days we had pretty girls posing with sports cars!

This was taken from a Triumph Owners’ Club Magazine. The picture is said to be from the 1970s. Can the car lovers out there guess what car this is?

 

We thank Charlie Choong for lending us the magazine.

October 2013

What to buy for ‘Satu Kupang’?

By |2013-10-23T16:54:20+08:00October 23rd, 2013|Categories: childhood, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

magnolia

Do you recall the days when you could by an ice-cream sandwich for “satu kupang” (10 cents)? It was big money then, but today you hardly get a handful of sweets for that price.  The donor of this photograph says that the location is somewhere up north – Was “kupang” a common phrase used for money in Ipoh?

We thank Taj Firdaus for this photograph 🙂

Were you a ‘Lactogen’ kid?

By |2013-10-18T15:51:09+08:00October 18th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Memories|Tags: , , |

20130901-001

Don’t know about you, but milk is one of my favourite beverages – I especially love Dutchlady’s chocolate flavoured milk 😉

I vaguely remember growing up on Dumex. Can’t recall if there were any other famous milk brands in the 80s. From what I’ve heard, Lactogen was quite popular some years ago. Is this brand still around? What brand of milk did YOU enjoy as a kid?

Something for the Car Lovers

By |2014-05-22T15:52:15+08:00October 8th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

car_show This photograph (from Charlie Choong) was taken in the early 1960s. We think it was at one of the car shows by the Triumph Car Owner’s Club. Do you remember the car show? Do YOU own a Triumph? photo This is the Triumph that  Dr Jeya was referring to. We are not normally into car sales at ipohWorld but we make an exception in this case as it suits the blog comments. If you are interested in the vehicle we can pot you in touch with the owner.

It is a very rare classic Triumph 2000 Mk1 :)

September 2013

Life in the Fishing Village

By |2013-09-30T16:34:20+08:00September 30th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Memories, tourism|

This picture is from Keith Nelson’s collection. It’s not Ipoh, but we thought we’d share it with you all the same. Perhaps, someone out there grew up in or visited a fishing village. We’d love to read about your experiences 🙂

20121206-020b

Spot the antique!

By |2013-09-27T16:54:59+08:00September 27th, 2013|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: |

20130926-004

Although this picture was not taken in Ipoh, we’d like to share it with all of you anyway. Can you spot the antique typewriter? Anyone care to guess what model it is? Did any of you own such a model before? Have a good, long look… 🙂

The Chinese Opera

By |2013-09-23T22:13:31+08:00September 23rd, 2013|Categories: festivals/celebrations, ipoh|Tags: , |

20080126-045

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 🙂

The Boys of Cator Avenue!

By |2013-09-20T09:32:44+08:00September 20th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

Std3_edited-1

Yes, folks…this seems to be the Standard 3 Class of Cator Avenue School. Do you see yourself in the photograph? Do you remember your class teacher’s name? Was he a much feared, strict man…or a warm friendly mentor? Be it fond or horrific, we welcome all sorts of recollections – and we’d also like to know a little bit about the history of this school too (if you can recall).

MORE Scenes from Brewster Road

By |2013-09-18T14:45:48+08:00September 18th, 2013|Categories: Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , , |

john macauley005i

One look and most of you can already guess what this iconic building is. Of course, so much has changed now: the small field in front of this cinema is no longer there; instead there’s a row of food stalls. Also, right next to the cinema is one of the entrances of Sam Tet School. Lately, I did notice that there seems to be some construction going on at this very site. Are they restoring/renovating Odeon?

Photograph courtesy of John McAuley, a former serviceman who worked in Malaya in the 1950s.

Remember that time when…

By |2013-09-16T08:42:38+08:00September 16th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, festivals/celebrations, greetings, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: |

St Bernadette’s Convent (in Batu Gajah) had a charity event for the victims of the Turkish earthquake? Here’s a photograph to jog your memory (see below)

20100211-008

We were told that this replica of the Malaysian flag was made entirely of JELLY! Can anyone tell us more about this event? Do you recognise the official cutting the jelly?

 

Happy Malaysia Day, Dear Readers! 🙂

The Pusing Police Station

By |2013-09-13T15:50:10+08:00September 13th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

KV288

We have here a 1951 photograph (courtesy of  the Kinta Valley book) showing the Pusing Police Station. The guard is standing by a protective fence consisting of coconut tree trunks and 50 gallon oil drums!

Anyone here from Pusing town? Do tell us what the police station looks like today 😉

Now Here’s a Sight for Sore Eyes!

By |2013-09-05T14:11:27+08:00September 5th, 2013|Categories: Events, games, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: |

1968SKCAI (2)

 

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.

Something to remember…

By |2013-09-02T14:55:21+08:00September 2nd, 2013|Categories: Ipoh Town, Memories|Tags: |

…and that ‘something’ is none other than the ‘ol Radio & General Trading Co Ltd!

CCBok001b

So, what’s happened to this store? Was it taken over by another company? Or, has this row of shop houses been demolished (like the many unfortunate ones around Ipoh Town)?

This photograph was probably taken in the early 60s (but we could be wrong). We’re hoping someone out there could tell us more about Radio & General.

August 2013

Broadway, Here We Come!

By |2013-08-26T13:53:53+08:00August 26th, 2013|Categories: childhood, concerts, Events, ipoh, Memories, People|

3_edited-1

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?

NTPS Pasir Puteh Take Off For Penang

By |2013-08-19T18:13:32+08:00August 19th, 2013|Categories: celebrities, childhood, Events, games, Memories|Tags: |

6 (2) blog mano

 

Here is a bit of nostalgia if ever there was one! Sent in by Mano it is a photo taken on a bus on the way to Penang from the famed NTPS Jalan Pasir Puteh, Ipoh in 1967.

Mano tells us: At the rear is Semret Singh, SEA Games Gold medallist at the Hammer Throw in 1985 and 1989. He is the son of the equally famous Ghenda Sing (deceased) who donned the national colours for the Hammer Throw as well till he was 55!

To the left of Semret is Suhaimi who, together with his brother, formed the band Apple Jam and went on to open Ipoh’s first Discotheque – Apple Jam.

In the right half of the photo, in the middle, wearing a zippered shirt is Suhaimi’s brother, none other than Wah Idris – Musician extraodinaire from the Berkeley Scool of Music.

As for me, I’m the other Indian kid looking out the window, behind the Indian kid smiling at the camera.

Cheers to all at Ipohworld!

Thank you so much Mano – may

Dressing ‘Ipoh’ Style?

By |2013-08-14T08:27:46+08:00August 12th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People, tourism|

IpohGals

One look at this photograph and you will notice that not only were the Ipoh Girls pretty, they also dressed in style 😉

If you look close enough, you can probably deduce where in Ipoh Town these buildings are. But we’d like to draw your attention to the sign behind the lady with the handbag – ‘Dress Maker by Chan”. Is this tailor/dressmaker still around?

[We thank Charlie Choong for this photograph]

July 2013

Vendors Outside the Cinema

By |2013-07-24T15:09:51+08:00July 24th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Ipoh Town, Memories, movies, People, tourism|Tags: , , , |

john macauley005a

We thank John McAuley – who was once part of the British Military serving in Malaya, back in the 1950s – for this photograph. Yes, folks it’s none other than the Majestic Cinema :). Although it doesn’t show up clearly, but if you zoom in you can actually see some vendors just outside the entrance of the cinema. Anyone remember them? What did they sell?

‘Chicago’ in Ipoh

By |2013-07-25T16:38:04+08:00July 22nd, 2013|Categories: childhood, ipoh, Memories, tourism|

matchbox

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.

Bread

The Ssssnake Charmer

By |2013-07-19T15:05:33+08:00July 17th, 2013|Categories: Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

snake charmer

Truth be told, I have never seen nor met a snake charmer. But I’ve always wondered HOW he makes those reptiles ‘dance’ to his music 😉

Have YOU seen/met a snake charmer?

 

Since the above photograph was not taken in Ipoh, we have another one – a different snake charmer but this time from Ipoh. Note: is he feeding the snake an egg?

snake charmer2

We thank Ruth Rollitt for both pictures.

Mr Postman!

By |2013-07-16T15:53:35+08:00July 16th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

postman

Remember him….your friendly neighbourhood Postman? He used to go around on a bicycle with a large brown bag full of mail. Take note of his uniform too! What else do you remember about him? We’d love to read your comments and memories – especially those (like me!) who are more familiar with electronic mail 😉

We thank Ruth Rollitt for this photograph.

The Tapah Railway Station

By |2013-07-11T10:45:35+08:00July 11th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

tapah

The photo may not be that clear, but I’m sure you notice the wire fence in front of the station. This is similar to the perimeter fencing which was a common sight at the New Villages during the Malayan Emergency.

Those of you who are familiar with Tapah – is this building still there or have they built a new one?

This photo is from Bob Peers (from UK).

Need a Ride?

By |2013-07-08T16:44:51+08:00July 8th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

girlonbike

This photograph is from Ko-Chi Wai. Do you recognise the building in the background? At one glance, I’m guessing it’s probably a school, but which school is it? And to the motorbike experts, correct me if I’m wrong – but is this young lady riding a Vespa?

June 2013

A Day Without the Haze…

By |2013-06-26T16:29:01+08:00June 26th, 2013|Categories: history, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , |

Yes, folks – this is none other than Anderson Road!

john macauley005g

Taken in the mid 1950s, you can see that not only is the traffic light…the skies are clear too! Here’s hoping that the haze situation resolves itself soon.

By the way, anyone know what building that is on the far right corner? From the words, it looks like a hotel….

What Does It Say?

By |2013-06-21T15:12:45+08:00June 21st, 2013|Categories: Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: |

“Sited at the key junction of Hugh Low Street, Gopeng Road, Tambun Road and Brewster Road it welcomes travellers to Ipoh from all directions.”

Yes, we’re talking about the Sultan Yussuf Fountain (see picture below). While many of you have interesting stories about this unique landmark, we’d like to draw your attention to the plaque. Any idea what was written on it? As far as I know, that plaque is no longer there (or perhaps it’s hidden among the flowers?).

fountainIpoh

We thank Edwin Seibel for this photograph.

Specially for the ‘Foodies’ out there!

By |2013-06-17T16:29:41+08:00June 17th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, ipoh, Memories, People|

1965 ISC

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?

Book Launch – “My Days in the Sun: A Memoir”

By |2013-06-13T11:31:00+08:00June 13th, 2013|Categories: Books, Events, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

My Days in the Sun Invitation

Perak Academy and Areca Books invite you to keep 5th July free, for there will be a book launch at No. 41, Lapangan Symphony Business Park.

My Days in the Sun – A Memoir will be launched by Tan Sri Prof Khoo Kay Kim; plus, those of you who purchase this book will have a chance to meet the author too!

Here’s a brief synopsis of what the author – Mark Yoi Sun Soo – presents in his book:

In ‘My Days in the Sun’, a distinguished radiologist presents a candid self-portrait of his first 40 years. Mark Y.S. Soo was born in 1933 into a Cantonese family who divided their time between business interests in Malaya and Hong Kong. As a precocious child, Mark was an eyewitness to the Battle of Kampar, the Japanese occupation of Malaya and the post-war trauma of the late 1940s.

A graduate of Hong Kong University in 1957 and the Lysholm Department of Radiology in London in 1967, Mark Soo reflects on his intimate acquaintance with mentoring surgeons, eminent professors and pioneering radiologists, and offers privileged glimpses of the work practices in prestigious teaching hospitals in four different countries.

The humanistic philosophy of the Chinese sage Mencius, memorized at a young age under his grandmother’s watchful eye, made him a compulsively ethical practitioner in a moneyed profession. Ever the keen observer of life’s subtleties, Mark recounts many of the lessons he learnt, both moral and practical, during his time as a young medic in the Colony’s hospitals, a struggling general practitioner in Ipoh, a mature student of radiology in London and the first Asian Head of Radiology at University Hospital, Kuala Lumpur, just before the riots of 13 May 1969.

Married with four children, Mark moved to Australia in 1971, where he still resides. From his traditional Chinese upbringing to his embrace of modern life as an immigrant of Australia, Mark Soo’s memoir conveys the sense and sensibility of an overseas Chinese who has lived in interesting times and memorable places.

In case you are unfamiliar with the area, here’s a map:

Location Map

Those interested, kindly RSVP before Friday 28th June 2013. Reservations can be made through –

Mrs Lee, of Perak Academy (605-5478949 / 016-5518172) contact@perakacademy.com [if you’re in Perak]

or,

Ms Kooi Nee, of Areca Books (604-2610307) arecabooks@gmail.com [if you’re in Penang]

The Pony Express Comes to Town

By |2013-06-12T21:40:26+08:00June 12th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Exhibitions, history, Memories|Tags: , , , |

Yes, here is the latest attraction to arrive at Falim House Exhibition “A Tin Mining Family”. It is the Mobo Pony Express, a dual purpose toy that can be used as a baby’s push cart and a pedal car,

IMG_1548a

And there are more good things to come. So if you have been to see us then don’t hesitate to come again. And if you have not got there yet then don’t forget we close finally on 11 August.

Can you spot them?

By |2013-06-12T13:47:49+08:00June 12th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage, People|Tags: , |

john macauley003a

This isn’t a hard one to guess. Yes, it’s another photograph of Ipoh Motors Ltd. What I’m curious about is the street vendor – far right of this photograph (click to enlarge). What was he selling at that time? Can you also spot the petrol pump (below the sign Fargo Truck)?

This photograph is part of John McAuley’s collection. McAuley served in Ipoh in the mid 1950s.

A Tale of Two ‘Parks’…

By |2013-06-08T22:49:51+08:00June 8th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: , , |

Jubilee Park, Ipoh

This was Jubilee Park then….when they first started business. Later, the Shaw Brothers gave it a ‘facelift’ (see picture below).

jubilee_park2

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’

By |2013-06-05T15:33:52+08:00June 5th, 2013|Categories: childhood, ipoh, Memories, People|

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!

SportsDay1965

The Perak Hydro Power Station, Malim Nawar

By |2013-06-03T16:04:41+08:00June 3rd, 2013|Categories: childhood, Events, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

monday_blog1

According to Wendy Lewis (the donor of these photographs), 
her father Alfred Simon (left) was the Superintendent 
of the Perak Hydro Power Station in Malim Nawar. 
On his right is none other than the Sultan of Perak.

monday_blog2

These 1966 photographs bring back lots of memories 
- especially for Wendy and her sister, since they 
stood at their gate to watch the entourage. 
Wendy also recalls Peter Channer being the General Manager. 
Do you recognise anyone else in these pictures? 
Perhaps, YOU might be one of the crowd too!
We'd love to hear your thoughts...

May 2013

My Favourite Group

By |2013-05-31T23:42:33+08:00May 31st, 2013|Categories: Events, Exhibitions, history, ipoh, Memories|Tags: |

3 generations blog

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 old man and his wares

By |2013-05-29T08:22:29+08:00May 29th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|

wednesday_blog_edited

Here we have a cigarette vendor somewhere around the Ipoh Market. This photo was taken back in 1972 by Cheang Kum Seng, ARPS, a local professional photographer who has kindly allowed us to publish it. Do you recognise this man? Perhaps someone out there has seen him back in the 70s. I wonder what’s become of him now….

Play Time!

By |2013-05-27T08:42:06+08:00May 27th, 2013|Categories: childhood, games, history, Memories, People|Tags: , |

Whether they’re quiet, noisy, cheeky, hyperactive, or even the book-worm types…..kids will always have a special place in our hearts 😉

Today, we’d like to share this photograph with you. We don’t know what these boys were up to when this was taken, but I would like to guess that they were probably playing hide-and-seek (note that both kids are behind a pillar). Notice what they’re wearing? Have children’s clothes changed much over the years. I’d say definitely…what say you?

john macauley001d

We thank John McAuley for this lovely photograph!

Do you know your movies?

By |2013-05-20T11:40:42+08:00May 20th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Memories, movies|Tags: , |

john macauley005e

We’ve had posts where we’ve asked you to guess the street/event/person/ etc. This time, we’d like you to guess the movie 😉

Yes, take a good look at the advertisement on the outside of the cinema – do YOU know this movie? If you do, don’t be shy about leaving us a comment or two. Better yet, if you’ve seen it do tell us about your favourite scene in the movie.

A special thanks going out to John McAuley – the donor of this photograph.

The Christmas Concert

By |2013-05-13T09:06:58+08:00May 13th, 2013|Categories: childhood, concerts, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , |

1958 012

I know it’s not even close to December yet…but all the same, I’d like to share Ruth Rollitt’s photo with you. This was taken at St John’s Hall back in 1958. According to the programme, those on stage were probably from the Ipoh Musical Society. The singers were accompanied by the band from the 13th/18th Royal Hussars (QMO) and the Perak Philharmonic Orchestra. This concert was in aid of the Federation of Malaya Red Cross Society.

Were you one of the performers? Or perhaps you recognise someone in this photo? Do share your thoughts with us!

Rare Sightings…

By |2013-05-08T14:56:26+08:00May 8th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage|

…no, we’re not talking about UFOs! Look closely at the shop house in the middle. Yes, the shop that says ‘Chop Thong Heng’…

john macauley007e

Are those petrol pumps? I’ve never come across such a scene before. Does anyone remember these? On another note, does anyone recognise the row of shop houses or the street?

This was taken back in 1956/57 by John McAuley, a former British serviceman.

Falim House Exhibition – Update 2

By |2013-05-16T21:39:23+08:00May 6th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Exhibitions, history, ipoh, Memories|Tags: , , |

IMG_1404 blogThis 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.

Steve Oh blog

And here is Steve Oh (left), the Malaysian author from Australia in the exhibition.

The Unknown Restaurant

By |2013-05-03T15:26:26+08:00May 3rd, 2013|Categories: Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, tourism|Tags: , , |

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!

john macauley009b

Polls and Predictions! (Part 3 of the July 1955 series)

By |2013-05-01T14:23:37+08:00May 1st, 2013|Categories: elections, history, Memories|Tags: , , |

According to Tom Turnbull (our donor), “the impending ballot did not interfere with the work of this Bomoh who with his sheep’s head and other paraphernalia of his trade is keeping the crowd in suspense.”  This picture was taken in Pasir Salak, close to the Birch Memorial – way back in 1955, when Malaya was holding her very first Elections. We never found out his prediction of who would win.:)

bomoh

We wonder what the Bomoh’s forecast would be today!

April 2013

Where were YOU back in July 1955 – part 2

By |2013-04-26T16:41:43+08:00April 26th, 2013|Categories: elections, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , |

1955_2a

 

picture 1

1955_2b

 picture 2 1955_2c

picture 3

These three pictures were taken by Police Lieutenant Tom Turnbull during the transportation of ballot boxes to Kampong Gajah and Pasir Salak for the first Federal election.


Picture 1 shows the official boat carrying the ballot boxes and stuck on a sandbank in the Sungai Perak. Because the ballot boxes were on board it was important for the party to keep going and so boatmen and police had to simply get out and push. This happened three or four times before reaching Kampong Gajah. Picture 2 shows the back-up emergency boat which carried spare fuel, but was too small to carry the ballot boxes. The Police Lieutenant in charge here took Picture 3 and wryly remarked, “Perhaps the authorities should have employed a fleet of smaller boats similar to this. It seems to be carrying a fair pay-load without hitting any snags.” And the result of the election? The UMNO-MCA-MIC Alliance, headed by Tunku Abdul Rahman (TAR), won an overwhelming victory (51 out of the 52 seats available), and he was appointed the first Chief Minister of the Federation of Malaya.

If anyone out there has MORE memories about past elections to share with us, we’d love to hear from you. 🙂

 

Where were YOU back in July 1955?

By |2013-04-24T10:42:41+08:00April 24th, 2013|Categories: elections, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , , , |

The first Federal elections in Malaya were held in July 1955 to determine the new rulers of the Federation of Malaya after Merdeka (Independence). This was a milestone in the history of the country which led to the people becoming independent from the British on 31 August 1957. Of course the responsibility for the safety of the ballot boxes was given to the Malayan Police Force – a difficult task at the time as with many isolated villages with limited access and not forgetting that apart from natural hazards, the Communist Terrorists were still active, particularly in the Northern States.

The Police escort party from Batu Gajah first travelled to Kampong Gajah where they were divided into three sections: a section in each of two boats and one in a Land Rover. The first picture is of the Police Escort assigned to deliver and collect the ballot boxes to Pasir Salak and Kampong Gajah, by boat, along the Sungai (River) Perak.

While there were difficulties for those who traveled by boat, the road was not the best either and the Land Rover crews were lucky to get the vehicles through. The second picture shows one incident – the damage the Police Land Rover left behind it at Kampong Gajah. The vehicle was lucky to cross the bridge with its ballot boxes intact and would not have done so without a mighty effort from the villagers.

Since the 13th GE is just around the corner, we’d like to give you Readers a little ‘blast from the past’ – the pictures shown here (courtesy of Tom Turnbull) were taken way back in 1955, at Kampong Gajah, Perak.

1955a

The first picture – polling

1955b

While transporting the ballot boxes, the Land Rover had to drive across this wooden bridge! (yes, almost like a scene from Indiana Jones, isn’t it?)

Keep watching this space….we’ll have MORE of such pictures to share with you in conjunction with the up-coming polls! 🙂

 

The Cowan Street/Brewster Road Landmark

By |2013-04-19T09:15:30+08:00April 19th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, movies, Natural Heritage, Restoration, tourism|Tags: , , , , , , , , , |

grand

This is none other than the Grand Theater & Jubilee Park – before the Shaw Brothers renovated it. From the clues in the picture, some of you may be able to roughly guess the year this was taken. What was YOUR early memory of this famous landmark? Were you a patron of the Cabaret? Did you frequent the amusement park? Or, were you one of the many movie-goers?

We thank Edwin Seibel for this picture.

Fung Lum Restaurant

By |2013-04-17T16:40:50+08:00April 17th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

matchbox

I’m sure some of you out there remember Fung Lum Restaurant. From what we were told, this restaurant once had its own building somewhere behind Lido Cinema. Could this be the building? This picture was taken off a matchbox cover, hence the poor quality……but some ‘sharp eyes’ may be able to give us some feedback 🙂

ipohWorld at Falim House – Update

By |2013-04-14T15:52:35+08:00April 14th, 2013|Categories: Exhibitions, ipoh|Tags: , , |

House 1 1927 500

 

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.

Ipoh’s Common Folks?

By |2013-04-05T16:12:59+08:00April 5th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|

Sometimes we’re so caught up with ourselves that we don’t ‘stop to smell the roses’ 😉 Here’s a look at what used to be a common sight in Ipoh – probably in the 1950s or 1960s. I do wonder if such a sight is present in this day and age…..but, like many of us I too am sometimes guilty of not observing my surroundings….

We thank Keith Nelson for this gem!

people

March 2013

Home Guard on Parade

By |2013-03-28T13:54:52+08:00March 28th, 2013|Categories: history, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

HomeGuard

We thank Ong Kor Leong for sharing this photograph with us. Yes, this is indeed the Home Guard – set up by the (then) Government of British Malaya in countering the threat of Communist Terrorists. Once the threat of the CTs lessened, the Home Guard was eventually disbanded and the Malayan Territorial Army took its place. The Malayan Territorial Army was later renamed Askar Wataniah.

A Former CPM Heroine Passes Away

By |2013-03-26T14:07:57+08:00March 26th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , |

ImageProxy.mvc

Suriani Abdullah, a well-known leader of the outlawed Communist Party of Malaya (CPM), died peacefully at 6am today at her home in Narathiwat, Thailand, after battling ill health for almost five years.

Suriani was born in 1924 as Eng Ming Ching, in Setiawan, Perak, and joined the underground CPM in 1940 at the age of 16.

She was then actively involved in organising women workers in the Kinta Valley and later participated in the anti-fascist guerrilla, the Malayan People’s Anti-Japanese Army (MPAJA).

She studied at the Nan Hwa High School in Setiawan together with CPM secretary-general Chin Peng and in 1975, became an elected member of the CPM’s central committee member.

More can be read at http://www.malaysiakini.com/news/224537

Do You Remember…

By |2013-03-22T15:55:58+08:00March 22nd, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, movies, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: , , |

isisTheatre

…what the Isis Theatre looked like? My generation have most likely never heard of this cinema hall. We’re more familiar with it’s ‘new’ name – Rex! Yes, for those of you who don’t already know, Isis was renamed Rex when the Shaw Brothers renovated it 😉

Earth-Hour Ideas!

By |2013-03-15T16:00:06+08:00March 15th, 2013|Categories: festivals/celebrations, nature, tourism|Tags: , , , |

EH@ECPoster Sm

Want to do something different this year for Earth Hour? How about joining this fund-raising event?  (click poster above to enlarge)

Part of the proceeds of the ticket sales will be donated to the WWF-Malaysia. Your generous contribution will also pay for 40 underprivileged children from various charitable organisations – who will be able to participate in 6 “adrenaline-pumping zip line rides”.

For more information, do call Nomad Adventure  at 03-79585152 or email them event@nomadadventure.com

Employment Vacancy

By |2013-03-12T08:31:13+08:00March 12th, 2013|Categories: About Us, Exhibitions, ipoh, Museums, tourism|Tags: , , , |

Untitled-1

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.

 

 

“Long Live the Queen”

By |2013-03-11T16:36:07+08:00March 11th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, tourism|Tags: , , |

arch_brewsterroad

This arch was put up by the Perak Chinese Celebration Committee (you can vaguely make out the fine print if you zoom in).

Today, there’s still an arch above Brewster Road (roughly the same location as the above picture states). I wonder who decorates it now? Does the Celebration Committee still exist?

Ipoh’s First Waiters’ Race

By |2013-03-09T11:37:28+08:00March 9th, 2013|Categories: festivals/celebrations, ipoh, Ipoh Town, People, tourism|Tags: , , , , |

ScreenHunter_09 Mar. 08 22.35

 

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.

ScreenHunter_10 Mar. 08 22.36

An Exhibition NOT to be Missed!

By |2013-03-08T19:31:19+08:00March 8th, 2013|Categories: Exhibitions, ipoh, Natural Heritage, tourism|Tags: , |

Exhibitionflyer

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.

In & Around Ipoh Town

By |2013-03-06T16:15:38+08:00March 6th, 2013|Categories: childhood, concerts, Exhibitions, Ipoh Town, Memories, People, Perak heritage Society, tourism|Tags: , , |

Family_0015

Here’s a nice one from a family album. We thank Alexander for this gem. According to him, the girl (standing) is his grandmother Madam Ursula. Behind her are her parents Mr Arokiasamy and Mrs Iruthayamary. The little one on the car is Ursula’s sister Kolanda Theresa. Incidentally, Mr Arokiasamy was involved in the textile & liquor business.

Anyone else have similar memories of their childhood to share? We’d love to hear from you 🙂

Walking Around Ipoh Town

By |2013-03-04T16:05:23+08:00March 4th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People, tourism|

whatsIt

Try not to be distracted with the pretty ladies 😉 We’d like to draw your attention instead to the large sign on the far left of the picture. It seems to be an advertisement for a cinema. Any idea which cinema this is?

We thank Keith Nelson for this photo (we believe he may be one of the 4 gentlemen walking behind the ladies 🙂

February 2013

One Sunny Day…

By |2013-02-18T14:58:44+08:00February 18th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, movies, tourism|

scan0004

We received this from Stephanie Keenan. She thinks this was taken around 1962/63. She also pointed out the banner hung across the street (where the words appear in reverse). Apparently, the banner is said to be advertising a film. Can anyone tell us what’s written on the banner?

Does anyone recognise the street? Could this be somewhere in Ipoh?

…at the corner of Brewster Road and Cockman Street…

By |2013-02-15T17:16:54+08:00February 15th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage, tourism|Tags: , |

Eastern Hotel, Ipoh

Special thanks to Ruth Rollitt for the one – yes, you read it right….this is none other than the Eastern Hotel. This was taken in the 1940s; according the Ruth, he father (Danish architect B M Iversen) had an office here. Today, the facade seems so different – and the hotel is now known as D’Eastern Hotel (last I checked)!

CNY Fashion – Ipoh Girls

By |2013-02-13T08:36:32+08:00February 13th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

pic003 copy 2

I’m making a rough guess and stating that this picture is from the 1960s (if I’m wrong, let me know). I found the designs of these cheongsams quite interesting. Personally, I’ve tried looking around for a simple one at the malls…..and found that the ones sold are rather costly (especially since they are embroidered or have some elaborate bead-work). 🙁

I wonder, how much did a cheongsam cost back then? Were they sold at malls…or did you have to get them tailor-made?

January 2013

‘Behind the scenes’

By |2013-01-30T13:42:12+08:00January 30th, 2013|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

4 edited4blog_edited-1

We thought about sharing this classic with you – Bet some of you didn’t know what a sluice box was (or looked like)!

Well, here’s a picture taken from one of the mining sheds. We don’t know the year nor the location of the mine. Notice the hand tools and the large buckets 😉

 

PS: For those who are awaiting the results of our photo-contest, keep watching this space 🙂

A Night of Music

By |2013-01-23T10:11:48+08:00January 23rd, 2013|Categories: concerts, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

pic003 copy 3

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.

The ‘FARGO’ Bus

By |2013-01-21T16:59:02+08:00January 21st, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, tourism|

bus copy 2

Remember these buses? Wonder what’s become of them. What drew my attention were the unique signal lights – notice the left and right arrows below the windshield! I’ve not come across such a sight before…. 😉

For those of you who rode such buses around town, how much was the fare?

Cycling Around Ipoh…

By |2013-01-18T13:59:50+08:00January 18th, 2013|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, Natural Heritage, People|Tags: , , , |

friday_blog

In the background is none other than the Fraser & Neave Ltd Aerated Water building. At the bottom right, there are railway tracks leading towards the F&N building. We don’t know who the gentleman on the bicycle is…neither do we know the date this photograph was taken.

We look forward to your comments – especially if YOU are the gentleman on the bicycle! 🙂

The British Army Children’s School

By |2013-01-04T16:33:26+08:00January 4th, 2013|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|

We’ve had quite a few readers on the blog talking about this school, hence today’s blog post. This picture is from Nicholas Jennings’ sister; and according to Nicholas, this building was “one of the two (or more) barrack-like structures” which were used as class rooms for this school. From the descriptions we’ve been given, this school was somewhere along Ashby Road. We could be wrong though. Does anyone remember the EXACT location? Could the barracks still be there…or perhaps, the place is now part of a housing area?

Note: The sign above the door is difficult to read (even on the original 600dpi scan), but we’re guessing it reads as “British Army Children’s School, Ipoh”.

December 2012

Cinema Classic?

By |2012-12-17T16:58:09+08:00December 17th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, ipoh, Memories, movies|Tags: , , , , |

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!”

By |2012-12-12T16:54:09+08:00December 12th, 2012|Categories: childhood, ipoh, Memories, nature|Tags: |

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….

156, Hugh Low Street, Ipoh

By |2012-12-07T10:47:27+08:00December 7th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

From what our donor (Ko-chi Wai) tells us, this is a “view from inside Choon Seng shop house along 156 Hugh Low Street, ground floor front. Shows the structure of the horizontal sliding metal grill/shutter door, and an old heavy-duty weigh (in green, left bottom). My brother, sister and myself on the old Honda cub.”

This picture was taken in 1979. I wonder if the shop house is still there….perhaps another establishment has taken over? Those of you familiar with the layout of Hugh Low Street might be able to tell us more 🙂

November 2012

“At Ease”

By |2017-04-12T14:56:08+08:00November 30th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

[front]

[back]

Suriya Sankaran sent us this picture, along with an interesting email. According to Suriya, his grandfather – T.N. Balakrishnan – is the Inspector (with a pistol at his waist) standing in front of his troops. T.N. Balakrisnan was part of the Perak Homeguard, and this picture was taken at the stand off area in Bidor (Batang Padang District) during the early 1950s.

To read more about the Home Guard go to http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/2224

And for those who are not aware of the special Chines force, The Kinta valley Home Guard please go to http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/4162.

I am sure that those of you who grew up in the New Villages will have many memories of the Home Guard.

But, for readers who do nor know about the Briggs Plan and New Villages there is a well written account of life in a local New Village here http://db.ipohworld.org/view/id/3247

To conclude. Suriya is very keen to find out more about his grandfather and service in the Home Guard. Can you help him in his quest please?

A Special Event in KL

By |2012-11-24T09:07:12+08:00November 24th, 2012|Categories: concerts, festivals/celebrations, history|Tags: , , , |

A (Medieval) Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

 International choir CANTUS MUSICUS and Jusz Kidz Children’s Choir will present an Advent service of THE FESTIVAL OF NINE LESSONS & CAROLS in the sanctuary of St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, Kuala Lumpur on 9 December 2012 (Sunday), at 6.00pm.

This is a traditional Christian choral festival in which Christmas carols and songs from around the world would be sung in their original languages, interspersed with readings by diplomats and leading members of KL’s international community.  This is also the 10th year that the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has been sung by CANTUS MUSICUS in St. Andrew’s.

In celebration of this milestone, some of the carols that will be sung this year will be medieval in character to reflect the humble origins of the choir when it first started as a small group, singing medieval music and madrigals.

Mulled wine and mince pies will be served after the service, using recipes from the medieval age, made by various choir members.

Cantus Musicus is an international choir based in KL founded in 2003. The original members of the choir were drawn from an experimental choir formed to complement the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra and known unofficially as the Dewan Filharmonik Petronas Chorale. Unfortunately, the choir project was subsequently abandoned. buts the project choir’s rehearsal conductor, took the best of the singers, 17 in all, and formed Cantus Musicus. Within 2 days, the choir gave its first public concert, and the rest is history.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cantus_Musicus

I hope you would be able to attend this unique carol service in which all the singers would be dressed in European medieval costumes. If you are unable to attend, I would appreciate it if you could please inform your friends about the service and forward the poster and write-up to them. Thank you.

The choir would be accompanied by Lisa Ho on the pipe organ and piano, Lionel Morbelli on the violin, and Christoph Zilian on the oboe.

The S.E.A.L. Trip

By |2012-11-23T15:40:32+08:00November 23rd, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

Ask me what SEAL is, and I’ll relate it to the US Navy SEALs 😉 But, here we have another type of SEAL – apparently this SEAL is a name of a factory (picture above).

This was sent to us from Ko-chi Wai, along with this message:

School Visit to S.E.A.L Corporation Ltd factory – This was a school visit by my mum’s class to a S.E.A.L Corporation Ltd factory located in Perak (might be Tasek). The company that owns the factor is now known as SEAL Incorporated Bhd, and the registration of the “Sealply” logo/trademark of a seal was last renewed by the company in 1991 (http://www.trademarkuk.info/tm/1214169/sealply). Taken in Oct 1964.

 

ps: is this factory still there?

Episode 5 – by IpohBornKid

By |2012-11-20T17:24:13+08:00November 20th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , |

 

The Grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan’s eldest daughter lived in the  “old house” at Main Road, Menglembu.  They were all studying in the English schools in Ipoh.  At the break of dawn, they all got up, brushed their teeth and started to walk towards the Chong Family bungalow opposite the Wan Hua Primary School.  There were two reasons for going to the bungalow, to have breakfast and getting a ride by car to school in Ipoh.

There were also 6th, 8th and 14th Aunties going to school in Ipoh,  Breakfast was served starting a 6:30 am.  Breakfast menu were usually, toast with Kayang and Coffee, porridge or simple rice meal.  Sometimes the late comers (usually getting out of bed late or spend too much time making up or some unexpected circumstances) would take their breakfast in the car.  Generally speaking, the aunties spent too much time making up their faces in the morning and they were causing the delayed departure to school   They were the elders and hence no comments or protest or you would get “hot tongue” for additional breakfast.

The Grandchildren living in the bungalow were spared these delays as they just walked from the front door of the house, cross the road and they were in school.  Lucky for them, but when they started to go to high school, they had to join the crowd.  By that time, most of the aunties have graduated from high schools.

The driver arrived at the bungalow at 7:00 am and his job was to take us to school.  Sometimes the car would not start because of flat battery and we had to push it to start.  Luckily there were plenty of people who can push.   We all piled up in a Red Vauxhall Cresta 1956 model  (AA9788) l with 3 forward gear, column shift and a bench seat in the front (seated 3 people including the driver).  Later in the early1960s, a Ford Galaxy (BH2131) was used to transport the kids to school in Ipoh.

The journey to school started usually at sunrise 6:45 am.  Turning out of the gateway to the right, it passed the Movie Theatre and at the junction of Lahat Road (Main Road), the car turned left and headed for Ipoh.  Passing through the Menglembu Police Station on the right, it continues north passing the saw mills and iron foundries before reaching Falim.  Passing Foo Nyit Sze bungalow on the right, it then crossed the Sungei Pari.  The road then became divided with lamp post in the centre.  Sometimes, the driver, on the urging of his passengers would overtake cars weaving pass the lamppost and crossed to the right hand side of the road and then weaved back between the lamp post into the left lane,  It was exciting start of the day to be thrilled.

In those days, there were plenty of bicycles and motor cycles competing for the road.  Bicycles were 2 to 3 abreast and sometimes they bunched together in a group of 12 cyclists.  Cyclists did not wear helmets in those days and it was amazing that accidents were quite rare with bicycles.

Prior to arriving at the railway crossing, the car would turn left into Maxwell Road.  After passing the road tunnel below, it turned left heading into the direction of the Kidd Bus Station.  Then it turned right into Ipoh Tutorial, dropped off an Aunty and returned into the main road and this time heading for Guru Nanak School.  From Guru Nanak, the next stop was the Convent and Rajah Perempuan, and it continued to Perak’s Girls High School in Kampar Road.  On returning from Kampar Road, it went to Jalan Datoh and headed in ACS Ipoh at Lahat Road.  In this route, the poor fellow who went to school in ACS was mostly late.  If the car is driven up into the main building, you are sure to be caught. by the Prefects.  The penalty at ACS Ipoh was one 220 yards round in the field for every 5 minutes late.

After much complaining and a change of circumstances, where there were two ACS students, the route was changed to ACS the first stop.  It then went ahead through St Michaels to Yuk Choy High School, then to Convent, Raja Perempuan and Perak Girls High School.  A few years later, the ACS boy got smarter and rode a bicycle to school.

There was no afternoon pickup service as the Grandfather used his car for business all day.   Most of us take the bus home.

There were no TV in those days and it was fortunate for the Grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan to have a picture theatre next door and the admission is complimentary.  I believe, the movie theatre leased the premises from Chong Soon Fan and he was given many complimentary tickets.  Coming home after school, one would throw the school bag into the dark corner, eat lunch and headed straight for the movies which started at 2.00 pm, school day or not.  It did not matter what language film was showing as long as we could sit there for one and a half hour entertained.  In a year, we can have seen at least 50 movies (twice a week) and sometimes seeing the same movie twice.

The favourite food for the movies were ice kachang or ice ball,  With the ice ball, you sit on the rattan seat (full of ticks) and you attempt to suck all the melted ice with the fan blowing hard under you.  Of course, your clothes were dripped with coloured ice water.  After the show, we cool our heads with the picture theatre tap located inside the cinema complex before returning home.

If we had seen a sword fighting movie, most of the boys would get some sticks and started to imitate the swordsman.  Yes that was fun until one of the younger boys got hit accidently with the stick and started to cry.  In a whiff, we all disappeared so no one can take responsibility for hurting the young brat.  We swore not to include him in our activities but he also managed to get in because he could invoke the elders to fix us.

By 6 pm, the local appointed time for evening meal.  Grandchildren can choose to eat at the bungalow or at the old house.  Most of the time, , the old house Grandchildren ate at the bungalow.

After dinner, we had a bath and changed into pyjamas.  We did our homework from 700 pm till 9:00 pm and were expected to go to bed by 9:30 pm.  .

The Main Convent Hockey Team

By |2012-11-19T17:30:31+08:00November 19th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

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?

Once Upon A Time….

By |2012-11-14T13:59:46+08:00November 14th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Ipoh Town, Memories, People|Tags: , |

…such a scene (picture above) was a common sight around Ipoh Town. I never had a pair of striped pajamas, but I do remember (as a child) walking about in cartoon-themed pajamas and bed-hair! This cute picture was sent to us by Ko-chi Wai, who also included this message:

My mum (Lau Siew Hwa), my uncle, and my cousin on the stairs at the side of the Rex Cinema building. On the right one can see the rear part of the row of shop-houses facing Hugh Low St. where my mum’s family stayed in one till late 1990s. One can see the back doors to the shop-houses, as well as the small trap doors at the bottom where the “night soil” buckets were placed. Taken in 1959.

Ipoh’s Uniquely Designed Fountain

By |2012-11-09T15:11:58+08:00November 9th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage, nature, tourism|Tags: , , , |

Since this fountain was erected, many Ipoh-ites have posed for pictures at this very roundabout. I suppose it was possible back then when there wasn’t much traffic – imagine doing photo shoots here in this day and age!

And what about those buildings in the background? Any idea what they are?

Tilapia Fishes at D R Park?

By |2012-11-08T16:02:25+08:00November 8th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, nature, People, tourism|

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

“It’s My Birthday!”

By |2012-10-31T11:50:08+08:00October 31st, 2012|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations, greetings, Memories|

The girl in the picture seems overjoyed as she poses with her birthday cake and presents. Notice the presents on the table: biscuits, prunes and a mock iron.

I vaguely recall posing for similar pictures during my early birthdays. I didn’t receive biscuits….instead I had dolls, a large LEGO set (which I still have and treasure dearly!) and story books.

What were YOUR birthday presents like? These days, many kids would rather have an Ipod instead of a good book…..

We thank Sybil for sharing this picture with us 🙂

‘Pretty Maids’ All in a Row!

By |2012-10-22T09:57:15+08:00October 22nd, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories|Tags: , , |

After WW2, Carradino D’Ascanio – the designer for the Piaggio Company – came up with a “simple, sturdy, and economical vehicle” which was also comfortable. This elegant design was named Vespa!

Here’s a row of Vespas, looking ‘pretty’ outside the shop houses. Recognise the street?

The Chua Cheng Bok Building

By |2016-12-07T11:44:45+08:00October 19th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Natural Heritage, Restoration|Tags: , , |

 

This was taken off a postcard; the date on the stamp says 1938, so we think the picture was taken a few years earlier.

Nevertheless, on the far left of the picture is the sign that reads as Huttenbach, Lazarus & Sons Ltd. Did any other business take up residence at the Chua Cheng Bok building?

Born to Ride!

By |2012-10-10T12:58:14+08:00October 10th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

We have here a photograph from Chan Kok Keong. Anyone recognise the model of the motorbike? If you look closely, you can see the number plate – PK 57 – which would give you a hint as to the year.

Did any of you/your family own a vehicle with a PK number plate?

Fashion of the 1920s!

By |2012-10-05T11:25:11+08:00October 5th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|

Nicholas Jennings sent us these – showing Freda, the wife of J A S Jennings (Editor of Times of Malaya).

Freda with her friends at the Ipoh Race Course

Freda playing billiards at the Crag Hotel, Penang

What fashion trends were popular during YOUR time? Did you attempt the ‘Jackie Kennedy’ look? Or perhaps you had a pair of ‘Saturday Night Fever’ pants? 😉

Episode 4: The 12 Grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan – by IpohBornKid

By |2012-10-04T15:01:48+08:00October 4th, 2012|Categories: childhood, festivals/celebrations, history, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

Here’s the 4th installment in IpohBornKid’s series. The picture (circa 1958) shows a little boy in brand new clothes – specially worn for Chinese New Year. In the background is the Man Hua Primary School.

Episode 4 -The 12 Grand Children of Chong Soon Fan

Celebrating Chinese New Year & the Ang Pow trail  By IpohBornKid 

This article describes the memoirs of the first 12 Grand Children of Chong Soon Fan where most of them had lived together and grew up together. The events mainly took place in the bungalow, the house of Chong Soon Fan in Menglembu, opposite the Man Wah Primary School in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Not long after the 1963, the elder Grand Children of Chong Soon Fan began to study in tertiary institutions. All the 12 grandchildren have either studied abroad or are now residing abroad.

Chinese New Year (CNY) was an important event in the family. From the children’s point view, it was a time to get something new and cash from the ang pows. In those days, the family did not spend too much money on new clothes or shoes and that only occurred during Chinese New Year.

During the eve of CNY, the family gathered together to have a reunion meal. Married daughters usually brought their husbands and children back to Menglembu, the headquarters of the Family of Chong Soon Fan. The cousins living in Menglembu, would anxiously wait to see their cousins from interstate. After the family meal, done in 3 batches of 12 were taken, the grandchildren would play with each other and renewing their relationship with each other. The night also led to the praying to the heavenly god (Tian Gong) around midnight, led by the matriarch of the family.

On the first day of CNY (Lin Chor Yat), it was a tradition to remain at home and not visit relatives. The visiting of relatives or the beginning of the ang pow trail started on Day 2 of the CNY. Hence on Day 1 morning, all grandchildren would line up and greet the Patriarch “Kung Hee Fatt Choy” and in return, each grandchildren was given an ang pow. In the 1950s, each ang pow contained a crisp new one dollar note. The sons and daughters of Chong Soon Fan got more than this and it was never revealed to the children who got what. It was not polite to ask.

Later in the morning, the Lion Dance troupes would arrive. They came to take the “green”, (a green “sang chow”) with the ang pow tied together. The Lion would first come into the house and bow to the God that was in the dining room and then back tracked to the front door. Firecrackers (big ones) were lit and this time, the Lion would take the green which was hung under the porch. The grandchildren will then wait for the next Lion Dance troupe to come.

On the second day of the CNY, the whole entourage of grandchildren in 2-3 packed cars did the customary route to get rich from their relatives. Most of the visits were to the sons and daughters of Foo Choon Yit, ie. the Matriarch’s siblings. Great Grand Mother (Mrs Foo Choon Yit) was first on the list (including 6th & 7th Grand Uncles) in Greentown, followed by 1st Grand Uncle (Foo) in Belfield Street, 2nd Grand Aunty(Lim) in Greentown, 3rd Grand Aunty (Khoo) Greentown, 3nd Grand Uncle (Foo) in Gopeng Road and 5th Grand Uncle (Foo) in Jalan Pasir Puteh.

In some years, the grandchildren also visited Grand Uncle Foo Yet Kai, a cousin of the Matriarch. At these visits, the grandchildren were well dressed and put on a good behaviour to show the relatives that they have manners. After saying the magic words, the ang pows flowed in and went straight into the pockets. A smile emanated from ear to ear. After all, the grandchildren appreciated cash and it was the only time of the year where you can get cash without doing any work. Cash was not the only things that the kids got from their relatives but food and soft drinks (F&N stuff) went into their hollow legs. Third Grand Aunty was best known for her “western” baked cakes.

Prior to New Year, the whole family were involved in making crispy wafers which wrapped like a fan (keuy ban cake – in Hokkien). Firstly, the cars were removed from the garage, a piece of metal roof was place on the concrete floor and hot charcoal was laid on the metal. A metal grill was put on top of the charcoal to allow the frying pan to rest above the burning charcoal. The pan was a special design frying contraption made up of 2 metal piece joined together like a set of pliers. Each had a 6 inch diameter round pan with etched patterns and was joined to a metal handle about 2 feet long. The two pieces were joined together next to the rounded pan which could be opened and closed by pulling the handles apart or together respectively.

After initial heating of the pan, it was opened and a scoop of flour mixture was placed on the pan. The pan was then closed by putting the 2 handles together and the excess flour mixture (with fresh coconut milk) ran back to the mixture container. The flour mixture was cooked in less than one minute with the frying pan turned once over. The pan was then withdrawn from the charcoal fire, opened and the cooked flat rounded cake (soft and ‘malleable when hot) was placed on a flat surface where someone would then wrapped it into a fan shape by folding it twice. If you were not careful, you could burn your figures. The cake hardens when cooled and it was tasty (coconut flavour) and crispy.

As an aside about working for money, one of the senior grandchildren told me that he was earning good cash buying wholesale cigarettes and selling it to the Uncles and Aunties who smoked (profit -$1 per cartoon of cigarette – 10 packs). He also said that as a courier in the number rackets (before they became legitimate), one can get 10% commission for every dollar gambled.

Gambling was “verboten” (forbidden) for the grandchildren but this ban was lifted during the 14 days of the Chinese New Year. Everyone in the family played the cards (except the Patriarch) and two games were usually the favourite, the 3 cards or 21 points. Winners were happy but losers were miserable, but that’s life. Some of them were careful gamblers and set a budget for losing no more than $5.00 for the gambling season.

Aside from gambling, the male grandchildren were allowed to drink some brandy. In the early 1960s, one young and foolish teenage grandson challenged his uncle (a regular drinker) to a duel on the brandy. He was knocked out after consuming half a bottle of brandy and he was out for the rest of the day. He was so sick that day that he vowed never to get drunk ever again.

Some of the traditional New Year rules about ang pow were followed. Only children and unmarried adults get it from their seniors whilst married people got to pay to all their nieces and nephew and unmarried junior siblings., There were also auspicious rules about the sum of money, in the ang pows, and preferably with similar double digit, ie. 2x20c, $1.10, $2, $8 or $10. The gross intake per grandchild averaged $20 (big money!). What was left in the pockets after Chinese New Year went straight into the children’s bank account and most of them had an account with Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank in Belfield Street, Ipoh. You were not allowed to have those dollars burning a hole in your pocket.

The children of relatives also came to pay respects to the Patriarch and they also received ang pows. The other popular pastime was lighting fire crackers. Cheap ones were little firecrackers and sparklers but the big ones were expensive. They were all made in China even till today.

A Wedding to Remember

By |2012-10-01T17:36:50+08:00October 1st, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|

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!!

By |2012-09-29T10:53:02+08:00September 28th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People, tourism|Tags: , , |

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?

The Main Convent had a Kindergarten?

By |2012-09-19T14:39:16+08:00September 19th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, Natural Heritage|Tags: , , , , |

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.

We All Scream for ICE CREAM!

By |2012-09-17T09:45:03+08:00September 17th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

As a kid, I remember the ice cream van driving around my neighbourhood on certain evenings. You know the ice cream man is coming just be keeping an ear out for the distinct music which plays on a loop. Oddly enough, I was actually afraid of the music….and if I were out in the garden, I’d freeze and just watch the van drive pass! (maybe it’s because the music reminded my of the creepy carnival music from the movie IT)

But there were occasions (when an adult was outside with me, thus giving me an ounce of ‘courage’) when I would run to the gate and wave to the driver. I never paid attention to how much the green-coloured ice cream cost, but I loved the taste 😉 Yes, folks – lime flavoured green ‘shell’ with a vanilla centre!

This picture here, from Keith Nelson, shows a smiling man in a topi, with a Magnolia Cold Storage box on a bicycle. How many of you remember this? We’d love to hear from you.

An Exhibition on The Life & Legacy of Eu Tong Sen

By |2012-09-13T10:08:48+08:00September 13th, 2012|Categories: Exhibitions, history, ipoh, People, tourism|Tags: , |

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.

Episode 3: Chong Soon Fan’s Grandchildren – by IpohBornKid

By |2012-09-06T10:43:25+08:00September 6th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

IpohBornKid shares his 3rd installment with us. Happy reading 🙂

The picture showing the first 12 grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan was probably taken in 1957, during the Chinee New Year. The location is the bungalow, the family residence of Chong Soon Fan.  The background building with the tin roof is the Nanyang Picture Theatre where the daughter of Chong Soon Fan was married.

Among the grandchildren, the eldest grand daughter and grandson came from the Pun family.  Ranking in seniority among grandchildren were as follows:  SFPun, YFPun, SLPun, (FWong,SLian Pun, YV Chong, PL Khoo – all same age), YW Chong, KC Khoo, YF Chong, KO Khoo, YT Chong.

Among the first 12 grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan who now resides overseas are  Dr SF Pun (US), Dr SL & YF Pun (Australia), SLn, F Wong, YT Chong & YW Chong (UK) , KO Khoo (Canada).  At the moment, Dr SF   and Dr SL are proud grandparents., More 5th generation babies will be popping out soon.  After the first 12 grandchildren, many others were born after the picture was taken and at last count, there were additional 3 residing in UK, 1 in Canada and 4 in Australia.

Among the 12 grandchildren there can be found graduates in Medicine, Science, Law, Engineering, IT,Teachers, Nurses and Businessmen.

I would like to invite those of you who are featured in this photograph to give your side of the history.  Later chapters in this series will talk about a day in the life of the Family in in early 1960s, the other grandchildren and  the golden wedding anniversary of Chong Soon Fan.

The number of grandchildren residing overseas reflects the sad picture of Malaysian brain drain to the Western countries since 1950s but it also reflects the global spread of the Chinese diaspora in Western countries.

Where Are They Now?

By |2012-09-05T13:51:46+08:00September 5th, 2012|Categories: childhood, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|

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

By |2012-08-30T16:36:33+08:00August 30th, 2012|Categories: greetings, history, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

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).

School Bands at the Perak Stadium

By |2012-08-17T12:43:42+08:00August 17th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories, People|

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 🙂

The Teachers of SMJK Poi Lam, 1970

By |2012-08-09T09:45:10+08:00August 9th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , |

We’re featuring another photograph about SMJK Poi Lam. From what our donor (Veronica Woo) told us, the Poi Lam Alumni will be having a gathering this Saturday. With that in mind, how many of you former Poi Lam teachers/students recognise this (see below)?

This is a photo of teachers of SMJK Poi Lam, Ipoh during the school general assembly on 12 November, 1970.  SMJK Poi Lam, a Chinese-based secondary school,  was founded by the Perak Hock Kean Association in 1955.  In the early years, the school started off with only three classrooms and an enrolment of 120 students.  Then, in 1962 SMJK Poi Lam was granted status as a government-aided school.  The first principal of the school was Mr Ng Cheng Aik who retired in 1976 after 21 years of service in the teaching profession.

‘Sing Kong’ (Star Cinema), Ipoh

By |2012-08-08T10:30:48+08:00August 8th, 2012|Categories: history, ipoh, Memories, movies|Tags: , |

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?

SMJK Poi Lam Visit the Nanyang Office in 1967

By |2012-08-07T15:08:37+08:00August 7th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

This photo was taken on 17 December, 1967 during SMJK Poi Lam’s school visit to Nanyang Siang Pau office. The two lady teachers were dressed in their traditional Chinese cheongsam. The girls were wearing their white sleeveless blouse and black skirt uniform while the boys were all attired in their white short-sleeved shirts and shorts. This was the uniform common for all Chinese secondary schools then. The new school uniform policy was implemented in 1969. From that year onwards until today, female students from all types of secondary schools in Malaysia are required to wear the white blouse and turquoise pinafore uniform while the boys their white short-sleeved shirts and olive green long pants.

We thank Veronica Woo for the picture and the short story.

To all our Poi Lam Alumni out there…..do you remember this school trip? Do share some of your memories with us 🙂

The ‘Round Market’ Saga

By |2012-08-03T12:31:12+08:00August 3rd, 2012|Categories: Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories, Restoration|Tags: , , |

It was early in the new millenium when the Yau Tet Shin Bazaar was demolished. It now remains an empty plot and has since been turned into a parking lot 🙁 Recently we heard about some plans to rebuild it…

What the Bazaar looked like in the 90s (the Syuen Hotel can be seen in the background, far right).

The proposed design for the New Bazaar.

Has anyone heard the latest news regarding this project? Do tell us more.

Remember ‘Her’?

By |2012-08-01T10:23:36+08:00August 1st, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|Tags: , , |

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

The Children of Chong Soon Fan – by IpohBornKid

By |2012-07-30T09:35:22+08:00July 30th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, People|Tags: , |

Chapter 2:  The Children of Chong Soon Fan – by IpohBornKid

In a previous Ipoh World blog which I now called Chapter 1, (http://www.ipohworld.org/?p=3342), I wrote a short biography of the late Chong Soon Fan, JP, who was the Penghulu of Menglembu.  As a Menglembu village headman, he was well respected and despite his wealth, he stayed in Menglembu with his fellow villages instead of living in plush suburbs of Ipoh. 

In the picture above taken around 1939, was a family photograph of the patriarch with his children (Photo -courtesy of Mr Chong Yong Fook, a grandson of Chong Soon Fan).

Among his sons, the eldest was HC.  HC, an old boy of Ipoh St Michael’s Institution followed his father into business.  He served as a Councillor in the Ipoh Town Council in the late 1950s during the PPP era. Whilst a Councillor for MCA, his cousin in Belfield Street was a Councillor for PPP, He was honoured by the Sultan of Perak twice.

KC, the second son, was Chinese educated.  His father took some of the family members to Daipu, the Hakka ancestral village in Guangdong Province in the late 1940s.  For some reason, Kong Chew stayed behind when the family returned to Malaya.  During the KMT retreat to Taiwan, KC was conscripted into the KMT army and was on his way to Quemoy Island and Taiwan. He served in Quemoy Island for several years and he used to tell the story of how the artillery barrage started in the morning and before sunset, the loudspeaker from the mainland would broadcast some women pleading for his son to return to the mainland.  Of course, some villages made a living out of collecting the metal casings of the artillery shells.  KC later returned to Malaya in the late 1950s and married a Singaporean.  The couple and their children later moved to Singapore.

WC, the youngest son, attended Ipoh MAS (ACS Afternoon) school in the early 1950s.  Of course, the Japanese occupation disrupted many youth from going to school and getting an education, hence there were a lot of matured student enrolments in the old days.  WC also worked in his father’s business.

Chong’s daughters, MY2, MO3, MS4, MY5, MH6, and MN8 married into the Pun, Wong, Khoo, Lee, Bush, and Chew families respectively. The youngest daughter MC9 was not in the photograph since it was taken before she was born.  She later married to the Poon Family.

Chong’s first son-in-law, a Pun, was an Ipoh ACS old boy (class of 1932) and his occupation was an electrician working in the tin mines.  Wong was a school teacher in Yuk Choy High School Ipoh.  Khoo was in the Police force and retired as a Superintendent.    Lee was a former Ipoh Council worker and later became a successful businessman.  Bush was an UK engineer and he worked in Malaya for a few years before returning to UK.  Chew was a university graduate from Taiwan when he met MN8, a fellow graduate.  He was a school teacher in Yuk Choy High School and later became Acting Principal in Sam Jai High School, Ipoh.  Poon was an Industrial Executive working in the Tasek industry area for many years in Ipoh.

This article has two purposes.  Firstly, it is intended to put into history the children of Chong Soon Fan and secondly, to allow the third generation to identify their father or mother in the picture and share their history with the people of Ipoh and beyond.  The latter will remove any bias by the author. Chapter 3 will feature a short story on the first 12 grandchildren of Chong Soon Fan.  The global Chinese diaspora is well known and who would have guessed that the grand children of Chong Soon Fan are now part of this global phenomena.  Other Chapters will follow.

‘Lights, Camera, Action’!

By |2012-07-27T11:56:12+08:00July 27th, 2012|Categories: celebrities, childhood, history, Identify Photographs, Memories, movies, People, tourism|Tags: , , , , |

This is Mano, with part of the cast from the movie ‘Anna and the King’. (Mano played ‘Moonshi’ in the movie)

This picture was taken on location, back in 1999, and we were wondering: WHERE are the ‘Royal Children’ now? Recognise any of them? Or maybe you recognise yourself here?

We’d love to hear from you!

‘Magic’ Dragons?

By |2012-07-26T11:55:59+08:00July 26th, 2012|Categories: history, Memories, movies, Natural Heritage|Tags: , |

In a previous blog about the Rex Cinema, our fans talked about dragons. Thanks to the helpful staff at the former cinema, we managed to take these pictures (see below).

These were taken from the balcony (now full of mattresses) of the former Rex Cinema. As you can see, the right hand dragon is ‘suffering’ due to the leak in the roof above it – if left unattended to, this beautiful wall-art will be ruined 🙁

The lighting made it difficult to photograph, but somehow we managed. I’m sure there are some professionals out there who (with the proper camera and equipment) could do a better job – we’d be greatful for some better shots of these dragons, which we’d love to feature on our database.

When Lat met Mano…

By |2012-07-25T11:21:18+08:00July 25th, 2012|Categories: celebrities, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , , , , |

…or, what happens when 2 of Ipoh’s famous sons get together?

From what Mano told us, this was taken at the Astro Recording Studio back in 1998. Lat is seen here explaining the English version of the award-winning animated series of ‘Kampong Boy’.

I know many of you have read ‘Kampong Boy’; has anyone seen the animated series?
Well, if you have…you might know which character Mano did the voice over for 🙂
Were there any other famous names doing voices for the various characters?

The Cole Family – by IpohBornKid

By |2012-07-24T13:02:56+08:00July 24th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Memories, People|Tags: , , |

IpohBornKid would like to share something about the Cole Family, who lived in Ipoh in the early 1950s. Happy Reading! 🙂

Left to Right: L/Corporal Cole; the members of the Cole Family (the dark-haired boy is probably Brian)

L/Corporal Cole was a British Servicemen stationed in Ipoh and his family was given living quarters in Pasir Puteh, Ipoh in the early 1950s.  Brian, a member of the Cole family, was friendly with his neighbours in that area.  In particularly, he befriended the Hooi family, who runs the Hooi Chew Motors in Pasir Puteh.  He mingled with them and often ate at their house.  After 1957, most British military personnel returned to UK after independence and Brian returned to UK with his family.

A few years ago, Brian made a trip to Malaysia and to his credit and perseverance; he finally found the Hooi Chew Motors in Falim (Jalan Lahat) and renewed the old links with them.  Brian left a contact number behind when returned to UK.  One of the Hooi family daughters recently went to UK and looked up Brian, who is living in the vicinity of Bath Spa, England (east). 

Brian remembered his stay in Ipoh very vividly and he has kindly provided some family photographs of the Cole family living in Pasir Puteh.  To be able to meet up after half a century of absence and separated by a long distance, is indeed a miracle.  It is hoped that other Ipoh people resident in that area during the 1950s would remember the Cole family in Pasir Puteh.

Then & Now

By |2012-07-23T12:31:49+08:00July 23rd, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Memories, People|Tags: , |

These pictures were taken from the St Michael’s Church Centenary Magazine. Shown below are members of the church choir – from the 1930s and 1990s.

The Choir, way back in 1935.

A 1990 picture of the new Choir.

Anyone familiar in either of the groups? Perhaps some of you may know them; maybe there were/are some famous Ipoh-folks in the pictures?

IpohBornKid Remembers…..

By |2012-07-19T13:11:41+08:00July 19th, 2012|Categories: childhood, history, Ipoh Town, Memories, movies|

We thank IpohBornKid for the above picture. In his email to us, he mentioned that this picture was from Brian Cole of Bath Spa (UK). The picture belonged to the Cole family patriarch who served as a British Army personnel (in Ipoh) in the early 1950s.

The movie being advertised (see the board outside the main entrance) is none other than the Tony Curtis movie ‘The Black Shield’. While a lot has been said about the Rex Cinema (and the other cinema halls in Ipoh), IpohBornKid drew our attention to the Omnibus Service within the city:

The Ipoh Red Omnibus displaying Menglembu-Pasir Puteh or Menglembu-Pasir Pinji route, took movie goers to the front door.  The bus route travelled from Menglembu (via Lahat Road) to Kidd Bus Station passing Ipoh ACS.  From that, it  headed toward the old Ipoh fountain, cut across Belfield Street into Leech Street,  right into Hugh Low Street, then right to Rex Theatre.  It then wound its way through Majestic Theatre (Dai Wah), and finally turned right into Jalan Pasir Puteh to its final destination.  Cost of travel from Menglembu to Rex is 15 cents.

There was a time….

By |2012-07-18T12:08:48+08:00July 18th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories|Tags: , , , |

…when you could buy a Chevy in Ipoh 😉

As some of you may have guessed, the building on the far left – with the large ‘Chevrolet’ sign – is none other than Borneo Motors. Next to Borneo Motors is Ipoh Motors (formerly Cycle and Carriage Co, Ltd.) and across the road is the Brewster Road Fire Station.

Note that: Yik Foong Complex is NOT in the pictur; which means this was definately taken before the 1960s. Also observe that Brewster Road was still a two-way street (and almost FREE from traffic jams!). Could it have been the 1940s? Or earlier? You tell us 🙂

We thank Dr Ho Tak Ming for this picture.

‘Old Cottage’

By |2012-07-13T12:15:52+08:00July 13th, 2012|Categories: history, ipoh, Memories, People|Tags: , |

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’ 😉

…the story continues…

By |2012-07-12T18:27:29+08:00July 11th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories|Tags: , , |

We pick up where we left off in our previous post – regarding the Lido Cinema – where we were told that the the top two pictures were in fact the Rex Cinema and NOT Lido. Today, we present to you MORE pictures of the inside of Lido. 🙂 We thank Ruth Rollitt for her contribution.

This was taken by Ruth back in 2009 (see below). It is said to be the inside of the former ticket booth.

And now – the Lido Floor Plans as requested.

June 2012

What Happened to the Book Store?

By |2012-06-29T08:07:56+08:00June 29th, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, ipoh, Memories|Tags: , , , , |

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 😉

Ipoh Motors

By |2012-06-22T13:22:19+08:00June 22nd, 2012|Categories: history, Identify Photographs, Ipoh Town, Memories|Tags: , , , |

Here’s a photograph of Ipoh Motors – yes, the same Ipoh Motors which was once a familiar sight along Brewster Road. It is said that the building was previously the premises of Cycle & Carriage Co. Ltd.

Any idea as to WHEN this photograph was taken. We think it’s the 1950s – since Ipoh Motors did move off to another premise, leaving the building empty for some time…

Nostalgic Flashback to Ipoh ACS – It’s 1953!

By |2012-06-20T18:39:35+08:00June 20th, 2012|Categories: childhood, games, Memories|Tags: , , |

Nostalgic  flash back in Ipoh ACS – The little park in the site of the current Carpentry Shed  1953

by IpohBornKid

Prior to the erection of the Carpentry Shed, there was a little park of green grass with a middle line of trees, one of which was a frangipani tree of nearly 12 feet tall.  The park was bounded by a bamboo plant fence parallel to Lahat Road, the main entry road to the Ipoh Anglo-Chinese School (ACS) Main Building, the impenetrable fence (south) and a deep grassed slope  (west).  On top of this slope was a School Residence (see illustration above).  From the park looking towards Lahat Road, you can see the Hindu Temple.

Some students waited in the park to be picked by private transport.  Many activities occurred in that area within a space of 30 mins after school. 

When a piece of leaf from the palm tree was found, it was everyone’s favourite to do “bob sledging” down the steep slope.  You climbed to the flat top, position your bum on the end of the wide leaf (bark side), move it on the edge of the slope, and with one shove, you make a quick descent to the bottom of the slope.  It was a cheap thrill.  Sometimes, your pants could be severely stained if you accidently slide off the leaf and continue downwards without it or you simply fell off.

The frangipani was a source of entertainment and prankish behaviour.  One day, whilst I was sitting under the tree for shade and was waiting to be picked up,I felt something wet dripping on my head.  My hand reached for the spot and felt wetness.  I inspected my fingers and found the wetness was caused by a sticky white liquid.  At first, I thought it was bird shit but the consistency and the smell (rather sweetly) eliminated my first guess.  On looking up the tree, I discovered that the latex from the tree was dripping on my head.  What a sigh of relief because if that was bird poo, it was considered unlucky and to reverse the curse, I would have to buy lollies and shared it with my friends.  However, I did remember seeing someone known to me, had climbed up the tree as I was sitting down.  He had cut the bark of the tree (or carved a grove in the bark similar to tapping rubber).  The latex then flowed to the opening and when it accumulated, gravity did the rest.  It was the “dripping latex on your head” trick.  I had a fight with him then but we remained friends.

After learning the trick from him, I was able to do it to another person.  You climbed up the tree and waited for the next victim to sit in the spot where the cut in the tree would result in the latex falling into his head or body.  All you need is a good pen knife.  All bad things can be learnt from ACS boys if you are willing to learn.

The little park is only second to the ground below the gymnasium for fighting.  Many scores were settled in the park after school.  It was a good place because the teachers were busy preparing to go home in the teacher’s office and the park was unsupervised.  I had cut lips, sore arms and black eyes during my early primary years.  As a young boy with classmates 2 years older and bigger, you need to defend yourself when they dislike you being more intelligent than them or you being the teacher’s pet.  Or they were just bullies.  Once you have established that you can fight back and not necessarily win the fight, you have gained their respect and they will not touch you again.  The motto “I can bleed all over you” .was a principle that we smaller beings lived by in ACS.  Despite these fights, we were all friends in the later years and we seem to have forgotten our past disagreements.

My maternal uncle attended the afternoon school in ACS called the Methodist Afternoon School (MAS) with Mr Wong Wai Lam as the Principal.  He parked my Grandfather’s green Vauxhall near the little park and he had the driver’s window wound down so I could use the horn to summon support if the boys tried to wallop me.  His classroom was in the Main Building where he could see the car from where he sat.  Fortunately, I did not use his service because I was able to take care of myself.

The ice-cendol Indian man always came and parked his tricycle store in the front lawn between Lahat Road and the bamboo fence.  If I had 10 sen in my pocket, I would also get a bowl of ice cold cendol.  Very tasty and when I think of it, my mouth watered.  As boys we were curious to investigate whether there is any truth in the matter about earthworms at the bottom of the cendol pot.  The Indian man obliged us by scooping out the green cendolwith his large spoon and declared “see, no earthworms”.  We were satisfied.  I found out the truth whilst I was overseas when the discussion of the earthworms in the cendol pot started again.  Yes, there were earthworms but they were carefully wrapped in a white piece of cloth and it sat on the bottom of the pot.  Some said that it reduced the chances of the coconut oil in the coconut juice turning rancid, ie an anti-oxidant.  Believe it or not!

One last comment on the bamboo fence – there were no fighting spiders living there but you can make a single note flute by pulling a young shoot of the bamboo and pulling other joints out and use the one part with a leafy stem.  You can make a single note by either blowing into it or sucking it.  Another old ACS boy trick.

I believe the fence on the south boundary did have some spiders (fighting ones).  True or False?

P/S Does anyone remember the rabbits that were kept at Horley Hall, adjacent to the railway line?

Go to Top