TO OUR BLOG!
Please click the navigations on the right to explore.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Monday, August 30, 2010
Labrador Park/Fort Pasir Panjang
- former defence battery, nature park and designated reserve area, in the Bukit Merah area, located in the Central Region. Known as Fort Pasir Panjang during colonial times.
- one of 11 coastal artillery forts built by the British in the 19th century to defend Singapore's waters.
- Fort Pasir Panjang and the Labrador Battery was constructed to defend the western entrance to Keppel Harbour.
- Once a rocky coastline, land reclamation and development of a seawall has changed its original rugged look.
- Today Labrador Park, also known as Tanjong Berlayer Beach Park is a historic, leisure and nature park, and 4 of the original gun platforms of the Labrador battery still exist as historic relics.
- In 1864, a fort complex with concrete bunkers, underground tunnels, and gun batteries were built and embedded on this coastal cliffside, for defence purposes.
- Completed in 1878 and called Fort Pasir Panjang, the location overlooked the harbour and was part of an extensive network of coastal defences built by the British colonial rulers of Singapore.
- With the possible outbreak of war in the region in 1938, the Labrador Battery was upgraded.
- Thus on the eve of World War II, Fort Pasir Panjang had the addition of 2 six-inch 37-ton guns that could fire 102 lb shells to a distance of almost 10 miles.
- Added were also searchlights which could beam at enemy ships and track them.
- This defence position was part of a strategy based on the popular belief that an invasion of Singapore would probably come via a coastal attack, and so the placements of these guns fixed facing the sea.
- However they could be turned around.
- In fact this was the case in February 1942, during World War II, when the guns were reversed almost 180 degrees to fire the advancing Japanese Imperial Forces in the Pasir Panjang/Alexandra Road area, but they proved ineffective against invading land forces because of their very flat trajectory.
Harbour Limit Markert
- The original, Western Harbour limit is marked by a white obelisk, nearby the site where once stood a rock called "Lot's Wife" which looked like dragon's teeth, and was a navigational marker to ancient seafarers.
- This obelisk still stands at Tanjong Berlayer Point (in Malay, Tanjong literally means "land's end"), and beside it a gun turret for quick-firing guns as part of Fort Pasir Panjang's defences.
- Today the old bunkers with underground tunnels, gun turrets and look-out posts are still there, and although the complex entrances and peep-holes are now sealed, these structures are being preserved as a significant "war battle site" in Singapore for its historic and tourist value.
- In November 1992, the beach by Labrador Park was cleared of collected rubbish with the help of 100 volunteers as part of Singapore's "clean environment campaign", and, the Port of Singapore's development plans in 1993, included the protection of the rich marine life of Singapore's last remaining rocky seashore at Labrador Park.
- Tanjong Berlayer Beach Park is a 10.9 ha area with its beach reclaimed and a seawall built.
- Labrador Park, now a nature park which sits atop a hillock by the sea, with a rich collection of flora, is one of 3 designated reserve areas in Singapore, and an occasional venue for cultural concerts.
©http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_14_2005-01-25.html
Labrador Park/ Labrador Nature Reserve Park Lovers Best Choice
©http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WAqU5jL98E&feature=player_embedded
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Old Changi Hospital
©http://202.172.234.170/patrainer/blogs/gallery/20/1457-old%20changi%20hospital.jpg
The period following the British surrender saw a dramatic increase in the influx of patients, and this led to the shifting of hospital facilities to the nearby Roberts Barracks, currently Changi Airbase. Subsequently, the Changi Hospital had likely housed prisoners of war or accommodation for Japanese troops.
With the return of the British after the Japanese Occupation, Changi Hospital was once again used as a hospital for British troops. The Royal Air Force also located the headquarters of Air Command South-East Asia in the building.
Changi Hospital's use continued after the British withdrawal, and block 161 was added in 1976 by the former Public Works Department to link blocks 24 and 37.
The buildings were vacated when Changi Hospital moved to Simei and was renamed Changi General Hospital in 1997.
©http://www.singapore180.com/places/changi-point/old-changi-hospital
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Singapore River
Before:
©http://www.baum.com.au/Dr_J_Baum/archiv_foto/small/23/23067-Singapur,_na_Singapore_River,_13.II,1929.jpg
©http://www.orientaltales.com/photography/singapore/singapore_river.jpg
Immigrant Arrivals
Economic activity and opportunity centred here attracted thousands of immigrants. Many of our early settlers first set foot in Singapore on the banks of this river, and many of them returned to work along the quay. Most of these people were Chinese, but there were also Indians and Malays. Some set up businesses here and or lived by or around this vibrant waterway and became Singapore River Communities.
Economic Activity
The first quay was built in 1823 on today's Boat Quay, where major companies first set-up in Singapore, including the first European trading house founded by Alexander Laurie Johnston in 1820; and other offices and wharehouses owned by Edward Boustead, Yeo Kim Swee and Tan Kim Seng. Trade growth in the 1860s, gradually extended upstream, and by the late 1890s, there were godowns, ricemills, sawmills, Chinese-owned boat-yards, and an assortment of other trades and home industries. In the 1930s, the areas nearer the upper reaches of the river were heavily industrialised, with godowns and shophouses everywhere. Singapore's free port status and strategic location attracted all types of sailing craft, especially those bound on the trade routes between India and China. The river's calm waters, ideal for trading activities, served as the harbour for the growing British Settlement.
River Transport
The river divided Singapore into the 'commercial' and 'government' sectors, and before the construction of bridges, the two sides were linked by dhonies (English spelling of Tamil word Thonee), a river-crossing Sampan (row-boat) operated by Indians. Propelled by oars, these small wooden boats were also outboard-motor driven and carried goods or passengers, or hawked snacks and sundry items.
The much larger bumboats or lighters ferried goods for import and re-export. The "River Clean-up Campaign", which began in September 1983, saw the last of a few hundred lighters and small boats on their final journey out of the river. Today, converted bumboats operate as river-taxis which carry sightseeing passengers, with pickup and disembarkation points along Boat Quay and Clake Quay.
Today
The Singapore River is a story about change, of how a river contributed to the success of Singapore. In modern times, this legendary river will still be remembered for its old charm and its great importance in the history of Singapore.After the "Clean-up Rivers Campaign" in the 1980s, the stone-walled banks were repaired, some new buildings including hotels have sprung up, and the old-time riverine and quayside businesses have given way to exciting recreational activities such as al fresco dining, "live music" entertainment, disco-dancing and more. The river is now venue to many public events, and activities staged here include the Lunar New Year "River Hong Bao '92", Annual Duck Race, fishing competitions, and many more.
Our point of view: Singapore river is a common place now to most people. Many schools brought their students for a trip to learn about Singapore river or held activities around Singapore river. If anyone has anything unsure about Singapore river, they can read those information above.
©http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_148_2005-02-02.html
©http://www.baum.com.au/Dr_J_Baum/archiv_foto/small/23/23067-Singapur,_na_Singapore_River,_13.II,1929.jpgThen:
©http://www.orientaltales.com/photography/singapore/singapore_river.jpgHistory
The mouth of the Singapore River saw the beginnings of an ancient fishing village, Temasek, later renamed Singaura (in Malay means "Lion City") by Sang Nila Utama, and in modern times founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819. The Orang Laut ("Sea-Gypsies") were the earliest known inhabitants in the area around the river mouth. In 1818 Temenggong Abdul Rahman arrived from Rhio with his followers and set up a village by the left bank of the river mouth. On that same bank one year later in 1819, he signed the historic treaty with Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
Description
The most famous river in Singapore, aslo fondly known as "The River", the Singapore River spans 3.2 km from the sea to it's upper reaches in Kim Seng Road. The Boat Quay banks in 1823 were first to have offices, wharehouses, godowns and jetties; then subsequent developments continued up-river, along the banks of Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and later even further upstream, near the upper reaches and the Source of the Singapore River.
The mouth of the Singapore River saw the beginnings of an ancient fishing village, Temasek, later renamed Singaura (in Malay means "Lion City") by Sang Nila Utama, and in modern times founded by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles in 1819. The Orang Laut ("Sea-Gypsies") were the earliest known inhabitants in the area around the river mouth. In 1818 Temenggong Abdul Rahman arrived from Rhio with his followers and set up a village by the left bank of the river mouth. On that same bank one year later in 1819, he signed the historic treaty with Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles.
Description
The most famous river in Singapore, aslo fondly known as "The River", the Singapore River spans 3.2 km from the sea to it's upper reaches in Kim Seng Road. The Boat Quay banks in 1823 were first to have offices, wharehouses, godowns and jetties; then subsequent developments continued up-river, along the banks of Clarke Quay, Robertson Quay, and later even further upstream, near the upper reaches and the Source of the Singapore River.
Economic activity and opportunity centred here attracted thousands of immigrants. Many of our early settlers first set foot in Singapore on the banks of this river, and many of them returned to work along the quay. Most of these people were Chinese, but there were also Indians and Malays. Some set up businesses here and or lived by or around this vibrant waterway and became Singapore River Communities.
Economic Activity
The first quay was built in 1823 on today's Boat Quay, where major companies first set-up in Singapore, including the first European trading house founded by Alexander Laurie Johnston in 1820; and other offices and wharehouses owned by Edward Boustead, Yeo Kim Swee and Tan Kim Seng. Trade growth in the 1860s, gradually extended upstream, and by the late 1890s, there were godowns, ricemills, sawmills, Chinese-owned boat-yards, and an assortment of other trades and home industries. In the 1930s, the areas nearer the upper reaches of the river were heavily industrialised, with godowns and shophouses everywhere. Singapore's free port status and strategic location attracted all types of sailing craft, especially those bound on the trade routes between India and China. The river's calm waters, ideal for trading activities, served as the harbour for the growing British Settlement.
River Transport
The river divided Singapore into the 'commercial' and 'government' sectors, and before the construction of bridges, the two sides were linked by dhonies (English spelling of Tamil word Thonee), a river-crossing Sampan (row-boat) operated by Indians. Propelled by oars, these small wooden boats were also outboard-motor driven and carried goods or passengers, or hawked snacks and sundry items.
The much larger bumboats or lighters ferried goods for import and re-export. The "River Clean-up Campaign", which began in September 1983, saw the last of a few hundred lighters and small boats on their final journey out of the river. Today, converted bumboats operate as river-taxis which carry sightseeing passengers, with pickup and disembarkation points along Boat Quay and Clake Quay.
Today
The Singapore River is a story about change, of how a river contributed to the success of Singapore. In modern times, this legendary river will still be remembered for its old charm and its great importance in the history of Singapore.After the "Clean-up Rivers Campaign" in the 1980s, the stone-walled banks were repaired, some new buildings including hotels have sprung up, and the old-time riverine and quayside businesses have given way to exciting recreational activities such as al fresco dining, "live music" entertainment, disco-dancing and more. The river is now venue to many public events, and activities staged here include the Lunar New Year "River Hong Bao '92", Annual Duck Race, fishing competitions, and many more.
Our point of view: Singapore river is a common place now to most people. Many schools brought their students for a trip to learn about Singapore river or held activities around Singapore river. If anyone has anything unsure about Singapore river, they can read those information above.
©http://infopedia.nl.sg/articles/SIP_148_2005-02-02.html
Friday, August 6, 2010
Tan Tock Seng Hospital
Hospital built by pioneer Tank Tock Seng at his own expense 'for the diseased of all Countries'.
On Pearl's Hill was the first Chinese hospital of Poor House built from profiles made in Government Pork Farms. For the diseased and the poor an attap building was erected but because of the poor facilities the Chinese avoided using it.
In 1844 a Chinese merchant Cham Chan Seng bequeathed $2000 and another merchant $5000, to the hospital.
On 3 February 1844 a public meeting under the chairmanship of Tan Tock Seng affirmed that the Chinese community was most anxious to build a hospital. The foundation stone of the new Paupers' Hospital at Pearl's Hill was laid. A tablet (dated 1854) in front of the main entrance to the present new wards in Moulmein Road reads as follows:
THE HOSPITAL
for the Diseased of all countries,
was built A.D. 1844
at the cost of
Seven Thousand Dollars
wholly defrayed by
TAN TOCK SENG.
The wings were added,
and large improvements effected,
at a cost of
Three Thousand Dollars,
wholly defrayed by
TAN KIM CHING,
son of the founder.
This Tablet is erected by the
COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT
1854
At the same time the foundation stone of the European Seamen's Hospital was laid.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital was managed by a committee; the meals for the patients were paid for by contributions from the public while the government provided the medicines and medical services. When facilities in the Hospital were found in adequate, additions were made to the buildings; the cost ware met by Tan Kim Chin, the eldest son of Tan Tock Seng. By 1854 the additions were completed. An inscription engraved in stone at the hospital gate acknowledged the donation of $7000 by Tan Kim Ching.
During the Indian Mutiny in 1857 both Tan Tock Seng Hospital and the European Seamen's Hospital were converted into military establishments. Tan Tock Seng Hospital was set in swampy ground on Balestier Plain, Serangoon Road in 1860. Government erected three blocks of buildings for the Hospital and by 1884 Tank Tock Seng Hospital had become a well managed Hospital in Singapore. In 1867 a female ward was added at the expense of Lee Seo Neo, the widow of Tan Tock Seng. (The Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital occupied the site and three wards of Tank Tock Seng Hospital are still used by the Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital was generously supported by the Chinese. The rich Arab merchant Syed Ali bin Mohamed Aljunied donated the rental of $1200 per annum of five acres of land in Victoria Street, Queen Street and Arab Street to the Hospital to meet expenses of the Hospital. The Hospital was overcrowded, had no proper drainage and food supply was limited. The average deaths were two per day. Mr Dunman the Chief of Police even sent cart loads of slaughtered fighting cocks on his raids during cock - fights. In 1909 the present buildings at Moulmein Road were erected at a cost of nearly half a million dollars. Government met the cost of the land and buildings. Loke Yew donated $50,000 and Wee Boon Teck $4,000. The Governor Sir John Anderson decided the new Hospital should carry the name of the founder Tan Tock Seng. A separate ward for the blind ws built and named after its donor Ong Kim Wee who gave $12,000 for that purpose.
Tan Tock Seng was born in 1798 in Malacca and later migrated to Singapore. He began as a vegetable, fruit and fowlseller and later opened a shop and went into business with Whitehead and Company. Governor Butterworth made Tan Tock Seng a Justice of the Peace; he was the first Asian to be given this honour. He was a philanthropist who contributed to numerous charities. He died in 1850 at the age of 52 years leaving behind his widow, three sons and three daughters.
Tan Tock Seng Hospital is an apt memorial to this great philanthropist and pioneer who was deeply concerned over the sick in early Singapore.
We feel that Tan Tock Seng Hospital is a place that everyone should know becuase without it, there might be quite a number of people dying due to diseases, injuries or any other sickness. Not just adults knowing about Tan Tock Seng Hospital, teenagers or even children should start to read up more about Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
©http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/historical_sites/266/tan_tock_seng_hospital.php
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Sultan Mosque / Masjid Sultan
The first Sultan's Mosque was built about 1824 when North Bridge Road ended at the junction of Arab Street. To erect the present Mosque, North Bridge Road was extended and Jalan Sultan was diverted to provide the space needed for the Mosque.
Sultan Hussein Shah, who signed the Treaty handing Singapore over to the East India Company, was given a sum of $3,000 by the Company to build the Mosque. Financial help also came from local Muslims.
The management of the Mosque was in the hands of the Muslim community. A member of the Sultan's family was responsible for its general administration.
In 1879, fifty-five years later, a special committee was set up to manage to Mosque. Sultan Alauddin Alam Shah nominated the five members of its administrative committee. This system of management continued up to April 1914 when the Colonial government established a Board of twelve Trustees for the Mosque.
In the early twentieth century decision was taken by the Trustees and leading Muslim residents of Singapore to erect a new Mosque because the old one needed substantial repairs. The estimated cost for the new Mosque was $200,000 and campaign was launched to raise the funds.
The construction of the present Mosque was begun in 1925 and was completed bye the end of 1928. A British architect designed the new Mosque in arabesque style with domes, minarets and balustrades. A special feature of the Mosque is the springing of domes from bases formed of many glass bottles.
While the construction of the new Mosque was in progress a part of the old one was used for regular prayers.
The latest renovation of the new Mosque were carried out and completed in September 1068.
The Kampong Glam is the Sultan's Palace - known as Sultan's Gate. The successors of the Sultan still receive an annual pension from the Singapore Parliament. In the precincts of the Mosque is the graveyard of the grandson of Sultan Hussein, Sultan Ali.
©http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/singapore/historical_sites/59/sultan_mosque__masjid_sultan.php
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)