Saturday, September 19, 2020

Can you recognise this place?

 [From the karang guni] Thanks to Victor Lim who offered me this photo from the karang guni (the guy who buys any unwanted things) man, as I was very interested in the background of this photo. Of course, the people in this photo must have many stories to tell, but alas, perhaps, one day we might be able to know.



It is amazing how photos got lost and might find their way around. While I do not know the persons in the photo, the photo tells much more about Singapore Chinatown. The lady in the centre, was she an Amah (Majie)? The garden was and still is Hong Lim Park (a historic spot in many ways). And behind them were the famous 9 Storey Flats. At the end facing South Bridge Rd, Victor Lim remembers his father making the stamp (chop) from the stamp makers. I remember my favourite coffeeshop where my kids first learn to appreciate fishball noodles, starting with Bee Chai Mak (Loshifan) to sic-mee (Sou-mian?) to meepok. 

And I understand that one or more of these flats was said to be "popular" spot for suicides! How many untold stories. In yet another block, there were 2 barbershops, said to be manned by ladies. Lady barbers were unheard of in those days.

Do you have more stories to share from this photo?

Saturday, September 05, 2020

Old Chinatown

Thanks to Uncle Foo, I have discovered some great video interviews conducted by the Chinatown Business Association. For the ease to watch, I am linking the videos here. The interview was in Cantonese but there are English subtitles.

An interview with an old Charcoal Seller (shop 蔡维發)

An interview with a Majie

An interview with an old Hawker

An interview with an old Tailor

An interview with an old Resident

Hopefully I can find more such stories and videos of old Chinatown to share. If you know of any, please let me know.