Old Chinatown: Continuing the story of the Charcoal Shop at 41 Temple St

 It is with sadness that I have to report of the passing of Mdm Kok Ying Oi (who was 103 years old) on 3 Oct 2020. I was talking with her son, Robert Chua about her, oblivious to the fact that just a few metres away, around the corner was her Wake.

As there were Covid CB Rules, we understand why the Wake was held low key, considering that she had a rather big extended family.

Our deepest condolences to Robert Chua and the extended family. Will continue to chat with him about the wonderful stories and threads from the Charcoal Shop, 蔡维發.

Old Chinatown: Continuing the story of the Charcoal Shop at 41 Temple St

Following the previous post on 5 Sep 20 (I insert here as well), thanks to Robert Chua, son of Mdm Kok Ying Oi (who is now 103 years old), he shared with me a link to another video of Mdm Kok in 2013, recorded by irememberSG. Thought to add as I gather more information of the treasure of Chinatown.

An Interview with an Old Charcoal Seller
sgchinatown Nov 10, 2010

Hands: Gift of a Generation -- Mdm Kok Ying Oi

irememberSG Sep 3, 2013

The second video has reviewed more about Mdm Kok's life, the shop and her family. Interesting times and life of those years.

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?

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.