Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Heritage Trail- Queenstown
Before we bring you on our journey through Queenstown, we invite you to view these videos first to have a better understanding on what Singapore's first satellite town is about. Enjoy!
Now that you have viewed these videos, you are now ready to experience what Queenstown has to offer! Have a nostalgic journey =)
We got off at Common Wealth Mrt station, as we had decided that it was nearest to our first stop of the day. It was around 3 pm when we officially started.
We set off towards the Ancestral Hall with Jun Jie leading the way. We had our ever ready photographer (Jeff), armed with the best cameras he owned, whom started clicking away as soon as we began our journey. We plotted our trail on the maps that Jun Jie had kindly prepared for us,and set off without further ado.
Now to give a greater insight into our first station along our Queenstown Trail.
4:04 AM By PUNITHA
Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Ancestral Hall (Ying Fo Fui Kuan)
1) Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Ancestral Hall (Ying Fo Fui Kuan)
As you take a MRT train towards Commonwealth MRT station, look out the window and you might spot a fascinating sight. A small cemetery located right in the middle of an urban area, next to a few new HDB flats. It is the Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Ancestral Hall located at Commonwealth Lane.
What was this land originally used for? What group congregated here?
The Hakka clan, Ying Fo Fui Kuan, bought the piece of land where Shuang Long Shan Wu Shu Ancestral Hall was located in 1887. It had originally measured 40.5 hectares of land of present of Commonwealth Avenue. Back then, it was used as a burial ground which they named Shuang Long Shan (meaning Twin Dragon Hill) for fellow Hakka kinsmen from Jia Ying prefecture in Canton, China, with the Ancestral Hall at the foot of the hill. In 1926, a branch of the Ying Xin School was opened by the clan, to provide education to the children of the village. At the school, children were taught Subjects such as Maths, Science, Geography, History, Art and Music in Hakka and Mandarin.
In 1968, the plot of land was bought back by the government
for the construction of public housing, leaving only 1.89 hectare site of the relocated graves and the original ancestral hall. The caretaker of the Ancestral Hall, an elderly who had been in charge of the place for 30 over years, explained that the cemetery no longer contain corpse but were of urns of cremated ashes after the relocation project. He even went on to show us around, relating interesting stories and incidents that has occurred there during his years of experiences. As it was broad daylight, we weren’t as intimidated. Yet you couldn’t help but feel a sense of reverie break over you, as he narrated to us some of the tales of ghostly presence that he had witnessed at night, along with the noises that he used to hear especially during the ghost month. Nonetheless we were so thankful that he could show us around, and explained about the place to us. There was a slight communication problem as Jun Jie and Jeffery couldn’t understand the dialect he was speaking, but they were able to get by, grasping at the root words of what he spoke which appeared to make sense of. Conscious of his language barrier the uncle even resorted to hand gestures to explain to us about the history and significance of the place, to Nithya, Devi and myself.Another thing that hit us during the heritage trail was that dialects and languages such as these were disappearing, and along with a significant part of our heritage and culture. Would we really miss it? Or do we know its disappearing in the first place? These were just some questions we were left to ponder over whilst we left the place.
3:10 AM By PUNITHA
Blk 115
2) Blk 115Significance of this block
We first found it difficult to find this particular block. A few friendly residents were able to show us the way. Located along Commonwealth Drive, Blk 115 is the First Flatted Factory in Singapore. It is a showcase of how our first few post colonial period leaders dealt with the issue of meeting our industry needs with the limitation of land with innovative ideas. One such leader was our first Minister of Finance, Dr Goh Keng Swee, hailed as the economic architect of Singapore, who successfully raised Singapore’s GDP to $4,833 million by 1969
What were some of the first industries that set up their manufactories here?
Build in 1965, right after independence, it houses light industries such as apparel manufacturing, electronics and plastics production. The idea was to quickly provide employment for the citizens of the new nation in order to provide social stability and economic growth. This pioneer block is still being used by light industries today but mainly for printing and photographic processing.
3:10 AM By PUNITHA
Queenstown Town Centre/ Common Wealth Food Centre
3) Queenstown Town Centre/Common Wealth Food CentreIt was a long walk before we could reach our next stop the Common Wealth Food Centre.
Brief History The Queenstown Town Centre, the heart of Queenstown, saw its heydays during the late 1960s till late 1970s. During which it was one of the most popular spots in Singapore. There were 3 cinemas situated within its vicinity and they all screened to full houses. The pioneer cinemas built here were called ‘Venus’ and ‘Golden City’. Today, these buildings are used as churches.
Commonwealth Food Centre is situated just behind the cinemas. Many of its veteran hawkers were itinerant hawkers peddling from pushcarts around Queenstown. Their signboards reflect their origins in Queenstown, such as ‘Xin Lu’ (Mandarin: colloquial name for Margaret Drive) and ‘Jin Dou’ (Mandarin: former Venus theatre). Today, this is the last cooked food centre in Queenstown in its original building. One of the uncles, whom we interviewed, told us that back then, the cinemas used to be ‘dating arena’ for many young couples.
We were already tired out, even though it was just our 3rd stop. We sat down to drink some delicious sugarcane juice and their famous ‘Yi Char Kuay’. The stall owner was first quite apprehensive when he saw Jeff’s professional camera and all of us taking notes, documenting our journey so far. He thought we were reporters. He then went on to tell us how certain journalists have sought them out to cover the food centre. After we assured that we were not journalists, we went on ahead to the next stop.
Commonwealth Food Centre is situated just behind the cinemas. Many of its veteran hawkers were itinerant hawkers peddling from pushcarts around Queenstown. Their signboards reflect their origins in Queenstown, such as ‘Xin Lu’ (Mandarin: colloquial name for Margaret Drive) and ‘Jin Dou’ (Mandarin: former Venus theatre). Today, this is the last cooked food centre in Queenstown in its original building. One of the uncles, whom we interviewed, told us that back then, the cinemas used to be ‘dating arena’ for many young couples.
We were already tired out, even though it was just our 3rd stop. We sat down to drink some delicious sugarcane juice and their famous ‘Yi Char Kuay’. The stall owner was first quite apprehensive when he saw Jeff’s professional camera and all of us taking notes, documenting our journey so far. He thought we were reporters. He then went on to tell us how certain journalists have sought them out to cover the food centre. After we assured that we were not journalists, we went on ahead to the next stop.3:08 AM By PUNITHA
Former Queenstown Polyclinic and Dental Clinic
4) Former Queenstown Polyclinic and Dental Clinic
Near to the commonwealth foodcentre was the former queenstown polyclinic and dental clinic and was located a few feet away from our next stop the Community Library.We could see that it was built upon a very simple design, unlike the ones with have nowadays.
When was this built? What was its history?
This place was opened by our Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew in 1963. This clinic started as a combined clinic providing outpatient, maternal and child health care. In the late 1980s, these services were merged to form the polyclinic and dental clinic. The most distinctive feature of the clinic was its open concept. Built in an era where air-conditioning was a luxury, the pavilion-like structures optimised airflow and kept the surroundings cool. For over 40 years, the clinic provided outpatient healthcare services to Queenstown’s residents.
3:07 AM By PUNITHA
Queenstown Community Library
5) Queenstown Community LibraryThis library was built in 1970 with a budget of $595,000.
Queenstown was the first town to have one. During the 1970s and 1980s, the library provided much-needed spaces for students to read and study. Story-telling sessions were also very popular here. In 1987, when the National Library began computerising, Queenstown Library was the first to roll out computerised services. It was renamed Queenstown Community Library in 1995. We then walked down the lane to the Queenstown Baptist Church. Along the way we passed the old prison house.
3:06 AM By PUNITHA
Queenstown Baptist Chuch
6) Queenstown Baptist Church
Along Margaret Drive there is the Queenstown Baptist Church which was established in 1962 by the Malaya Baptist Mission of the Foreign Board which has its origins in the Southern Baptist Convention of the United States. Despite its American origins, the first congregation of this Church was Cantonese-speaking, reflecting the dialect-speaking community in Queenstown then. The original Chapel can be found on the left. The larger block on the right was built in 1992 to house the growing congregation. The church still conducts its Cantonese service and continues to be active in community work, providing volunteer services to institutions along Margaret Drive, and in-kind relief to the needy.
Whilst we were there, a seminar of some sorts was going on within the church. We left quietly after taking a few pictures of the place. Following that, we headed down to our next stop
3:05 AM By PUNITHA
Lee Kong Chian Gardens School/ Rainbow Centre
7) Lee Kong Chian Gardens School/ Rainbow Centre
This school was established by the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Young Children (EIPIC) in 1987. This Rainbow is a collaboration of all the small schools that educated students with special needs during the 1980s. It has a great significance in showing Singapore’s education system. It shows that students with special needs were not neglected in the past and that we have served them especially so that they are able to integrate well in our society.
Its exterior was currently under renovation, so it was with great difficulty that we took photos of that place. I must say that we really enjoyed our walk. We all had declared that it was such a nice and quiet neighbourhood. Nithya had even declared that she wants to buy a house here in the future. Our next stop was at Queenstown Secondary School.
This school was established by the Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Young Children (EIPIC) in 1987. This Rainbow is a collaboration of all the small schools that educated students with special needs during the 1980s. It has a great significance in showing Singapore’s education system. It shows that students with special needs were not neglected in the past and that we have served them especially so that they are able to integrate well in our society.
Its exterior was currently under renovation, so it was with great difficulty that we took photos of that place. I must say that we really enjoyed our walk. We all had declared that it was such a nice and quiet neighbourhood. Nithya had even declared that she wants to buy a house here in the future. Our next stop was at Queenstown Secondary School.
3:04 AM By PUNITHA
Queenstown Secondary School
8) Queenstown Secondary SchoolThis school was previously called Queenstown Technical Secondary School. It was established together with Tanjong Katong Technical School in 1956 with the aim of fulfilling the need for technical skilled labour. During the 1960s, when Singapore was entering a period of rapid industrialization, these schools were intended to produce and help technicians and engineers. They helped them acquire skills for the specific industries that they were employed into. Another interesting fact about this place was that, it started off as an all-boys school. But in 1971, it became co-education school and was renamed as Queenstown Secondary School.
We were actually quite surprised to find the school still opened on a Sunday. It was already around 6pm when we reached our destination. There was some sort of sports gathering in the school. It was still light enough to take our photos clearly. We then quickly moved down to our next station.
3:02 AM By PUNITHA
Masjid Jamek Queenstown
9) Masjid Jamek Queenstown
The mosque was built in the late 1950s, with the help of Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) and Federation of Malaya. Its architecture is unique because of its Javanese design elements. Initially the mosque was in a shape of a cylinder which was not appropriate for the Muslim prayers as they need to face in the direction of ‘Mecca’. Eventually the authorities extended the building with a rectangular structure. This was a similar problem found in another mosque that we visited later.
We were conscious that we were running late on our schedule, and so we decided to take a bus down to the next station.
3:01 AM By PUNITHA
Blks 45; 48; 49 Stirling Road/ Masjid Mujahidin
10) Blks 45; 48; 49 Stirling Road/ Masjid Mujahidin
We were almost reaching the end of the day when we headed to our next stop, blocks 45, 48, 49 along Stirling road. We stopped at a seven-eleven store, for some drinks before moving on. Looking at its condition now, it’s quite impossible for us to believe that these blocks played an important role in the transition from the SIT to the HDB era. It didn’t look too shabby, however it looked distinctively old. But we agreed that it must have been considered a luxury for those living here back then, to have running water, electricity, a stable roof over their heads, as opposed to the kampong areas they must have been living in. As we climbed up the stairs for our photo opp, we were able to look into some of the houses. They appeared to be comfortably furnished 3-room flats. I suppose they were just smaller than we were used to, but comfortable nonetheless.
Significance of the flats
Now currently located near Queenstown
swimming complex, many terrace units can be found clustered around the area as well. These surrounding terrace houses along Stirling road were built by the SIT in the late 1950s. These blocks, 45, 48 and 49, were then the very first blocks built by the HDB in the year 1960. The British planners had built these terrace units with the intention of keeping the population density low. Also as building higher blocks would require lifts, they decided it was unfeasible to build them because it did not fit into their budget. However the HDB, decided to go ahead with it, as building high-rise blocks served a practical and more pertinent use of maximising land space. They installed slower, but cheaper lifts, which stopped at every fourth floor to fit into their budget.
About Lim Kan San
Mr. Lim Kim San who was handpicked by then PM Lee Kuan Yew and Dr. Goh Keng Swee was the driving force behind Singapore’s public housing programme. In his course of years as the Chairman of HDB, he rooted out corruption and slashed building costs by breaking contractors’ cartels which inflated construction costs. He was awarded the Order of Temasek in 1962 and the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1965.He was also served as Minister for National Development, Finance, Interior and Defence, Education, Environment, and Communications, before retiring from politics in 1980.
Masjid Mujahidin
We continued down the road to the Masjid Mujahidin mosque, which was opposite MDIS at the end of the road. In the past, the Mosque stood opposite the Baharuddin Vocational Institute, where the current MDIS stands.Significance of the mosque
It was the first mosque that was built by the HDB. With 11 years of planning and hard work the Muslim community in Queenstown, together with the MUIS and the HDB. It was completed at a cost of $800,000 with some funds raised by the community; and was officially opened by Dr. Ahmad Mattar, then Acting Minister for Social Affairs, on 9 October 1977.
A unique feature of this mosque that the rectangular prayer hall, which has to align itself towards the direction of Mecca, is housed in a circular building in line with Islamic principles. It was difficult to achieve this, since it was a corner site, and it was not able to achieve the alignment of the building and the adjoining roads at the same time. However they were able to overcome this architectural constraint eventually.
After the mosque we then trekked down to the Church of The Blessed Sacrament.
2:59 AM By PUNITHA
Tanglin Halt
11) Tanglin Halt Road
The name of Tanglin actually came from the term “TUA TANG LENG” which means “Great Eastern Hill”. This name was given by the Chinese inhabitants during the colonial period to the hilly area around Tanglin Road. As the Malayan Railway used to have a stop at this location (near the junction of present day Tanglin Halt Road and Tanglin Halt close), it was therefore named as Tanglin Halt.
At the Tanglin Halt Road, there are a few old ten storey flats which still stand today. As flats of such height were rare in the beginning of 1960s, these flat were therefore used as landmark and called “Tanglin Chap Lau” (meaning Tanglin ten storeys) by the local residents.
There are a few shops here that have been operating for over 40 years. An interview with this particular shop owner revealed that it was passed to him by his father who opened the shop in back in the 1950s. The shop still retain some of its old traditions of using huge jars to store biscuits and the use of a bucket with pulley system to store its money. It also had a big ancient looking signboards, that were common around many of these shops around here, demonstrating its history.
2:57 AM By PUNITHA
Blessed Sacrament Church
12) Church of the Blessed SacramentIt was actually situated right next to our next stop, the Sri Muneeswaran Temple.
What is unique about the structure is that it looks like a folded origami creation. It was built in 1958, when the Archbishop Michael Olcomendy of the Archdiocese of Malacca saw SIT's advertisement of available religious sites in Queenstown. He sought help from the Congregation of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Holland to establish a new parish In Queenstown. Completed in 1965, it was designed by Y. Gordon Dowsett of Van Sitteren and Partners. Some of its unique and iconic features included the blue slate roof, constructed in folds in the shape of a tent over the building, shaped like a cross. At points, the roof appears to touch the ground, thus resembling anchoring pegs.
It was really beautiful and peaceful to just sit there and soak in the ambience. Thought the recommended time to visit the church was at sunset, we missed it slightly. Nonetheless it was beautiful in its own right. We were invited to come in and view the place, and were asked to leave by the side door by the person who was closing up the main doors. There was a youth committee meeting still ongoing whilst we were at the church. So we just paid our respects and left. The church was decorated on one end by amural 'the last supper'.
The church had a real homely feel to it, yet a sense of solidness as represented by its long standing origins. Recognised for its unique architectural features, it was accorded the conservation status just 5 years ago by the URA. I would say it was well worthy of this recognition and their congregation must be really proud of what they have achieved.
2:54 AM By PUNITHA
Sri Munneswaran Temple
13) Sri Munneswaran temple
It was near evening when we crossed over from the church to the Indian temple next door. The temple was open for the evening prayers. There was some construction work going on though, therefore the main door was not open.
It was near evening when we crossed over from the church to the Indian temple next door. The temple was open for the evening prayers. There was some construction work going on though, therefore the main door was not open.
The temple’s humble origins begin from 1932, when the Malayan Railway began. Originally known as the Munniandy temple, it was created by the Hindu employees working on the railway. Back then it began with just a stone planted with the spear, under a banyan tree. It became a spot for all to congregate and pray. Soon it gave way to a modest hut, which housed the spear and the stone. Soon enough a working committee was set up and headed by Mr Dharmalingam, who decided to register the temple as an organization to build and administer the temple. On the 1st march, 1967 it was officially registered and the Indian community in Queenstown was able to rally for support in funding the building of the temple. To build the temple, permission had to be sought from the Malayan Railway authority, as the temple currently stood on their land. True enough after walking away from the temple, we were able to recognize the original place, as we saw the old railway track still remaining there.
With the cost of $7000, Hindu members of Queenstown were able to draw up sufficient funds, which saw the completion of the temple in 1969. Though permission was obtained to build the temple, and it was accorded the temporary occupation permit, it had to give way to the widening of the Queensway road project, and had to be built in a different location. This new site was along common wealth drive next to the Damien hall and was purchased from the HDB. With $2,000,000 the new temple was completed in 1998, complete with the consecration ceremony. A newly added feature of the temple would be the multi-purpose wedding hall that they built next to the temple.
It is clear that this indeed a community-driven temple, given its background, and you can really feel the community spirit within the temple. However due to time constraints we couldn’t spend more time at the temple, and had to move on to our next location. Truth be told, this particular heritage site didn’t quite affect me like the church before this. Perhaps I was still in awe of the previous one. Nevertheless, I was glad to be aware of the significance of the temple. I believe that at times, its narratives and stories like this that anchors our present, in terms of adding historical significance and meaning to our Indian community here in Singapore.
With the cost of $7000, Hindu members of Queenstown were able to draw up sufficient funds, which saw the completion of the temple in 1969. Though permission was obtained to build the temple, and it was accorded the temporary occupation permit, it had to give way to the widening of the Queensway road project, and had to be built in a different location. This new site was along common wealth drive next to the Damien hall and was purchased from the HDB. With $2,000,000 the new temple was completed in 1998, complete with the consecration ceremony. A newly added feature of the temple would be the multi-purpose wedding hall that they built next to the temple.
It is clear that this indeed a community-driven temple, given its background, and you can really feel the community spirit within the temple. However due to time constraints we couldn’t spend more time at the temple, and had to move on to our next location. Truth be told, this particular heritage site didn’t quite affect me like the church before this. Perhaps I was still in awe of the previous one. Nevertheless, I was glad to be aware of the significance of the temple. I believe that at times, its narratives and stories like this that anchors our present, in terms of adding historical significance and meaning to our Indian community here in Singapore.
2:52 AM By PUNITHA
Alexandra Fire Station/Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre
14) Alexandra Fire Station/ Queenstown Neighbourhood Police CentreAfter trekking on from the Munneswaran Temple we were able to see the original site of the temple, near the railway. We are also able to see the old Malaysian Railway as well. There were a few makeshift houses along the way. This
was enroute to our next stop the Alexandra Fire Station cum Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre. It was already darkening when we reached our stop. In the 1960s, many Singaporeans were still living in the Kampong Area. However the wooden attap housing was deemed as a great fire hazard. Therefore the Alexandra Fire station was able to play an important role of fighting kampong fires, including the infamous Bukit Ho Swe
e fire in 1961.
Next to it was the Queenstown Neighbourhood Police Centre. The concept of NPC (Neighbourhood Police Centre) was conceived in 1997. It was modelled after the Japanese system of Koban. Queensway was chosen to pilot the NPC mainly because of the close relationship enjoyed between the Queensway residents and the police. More NPCs were opened island-wide, following the success in Queensway.
2:51 AM By PUNITHA
Queenstown Shopping Centre
15) Queenstown Shopping Centre
It was completely dark when we reached Queenstown. This was where we stopped for dinner before finishing our trail. We had two more stops to go. Upon arriving at the shopping centre, we looked around. There were lots of shops for sportswear especially.
The presence of Queensway shopping centre suggests that the Singapore government were looking into every details of the housing development plans. They were not just concerned with providing Singaporean with a roof over their head but they also had their welfare in mind - making sure that satellite towns were convenient and comfortable to stay in. With the provision of such shopping malls, it must have been a one-stop shop for their amenities and needs. Also, it would have place for recreation for many whom have not been exposed to town life. The government may have also wanted to use Queensway shopping centre as an added incentive to win Singaporeans over to the idea of staying in satellite towns. 
2:50 AM By PUNITHA
Former Archipelago Brewery Company
16) Former Archipelago Brewery Company
After our quick dinner at Queensway shopping centre we trudged down to the Brewery Company down Alexander Road. We passed IKEA and Anchor point along the way. The Brewery no longer stands at the place it used to be. Nonetheless, here is some history of that place.
Establishment of the Brewery Company
This brewery was first established in 1931 by a German brewing group who had the brewing equipment and the mind for exploration. It was strategically built near the Malay railway so that transportation could be convenient. The current Anchor Point was where the brewery plant stood before and the now IKEA was the canning line. Though the company was annexed by the British and sold to the Malayan Breweries Limited, it was known to be doing very well and that their administration and employee welfare was praised. The Archipelago Brewery had been revived in 2006 with the inspiration of combining the traditions from the west and the flavours of the east.We were really tired at this point, and were sorely tempted to go home.
It was nearing 10pm, when we decided to persevere and finish our last stop at the Tiong Ghee Temple.
2:47 AM By PUNITHA
Tiong Ghee Temple
17) Tiong Ghee Temple
We reached our final station with fervour like never before. I couldn’t explain how we felt when we reached the steps of Tiong Ghee Temple. It was actually quite fortunate that we selected this temple to be our last station. It was really calm and peaceful. Truth be told, we were quite intimidated by the quietness and the lack of light. The whole place was casted in red light reflected from the lanterns. Yet it was comforting in some way. We took a moment to deliver our prayers before we took our picture.
We reached our final station with fervour like never before. I couldn’t explain how we felt when we reached the steps of Tiong Ghee Temple. It was actually quite fortunate that we selected this temple to be our last station. It was really calm and peaceful. Truth be told, we were quite intimidated by the quietness and the lack of light. The whole place was casted in red light reflected from the lanterns. Yet it was comforting in some way. We took a moment to deliver our prayers before we took our picture.
History of this temple
Surprisingly Tiong Ghee temple has a very rich and interesting history! The temple origin is in Bo Beh Kang village, which gave way to Queenstown's development in the 1960s. It is dedicated to the Taoist deity, Guan Gong and is a gathering place for villagers to update themselves with daily news and consulted mediums on life issues such as health and husbandry matters.
In 1931, the attap hut temple is moved into a warehouse, which is converted into a temple. With the increase in space, more Deity was able to be added to the temple. It was eventually renamed as "Ghee Tiong Temple", meaning "righteousness" and "loyalty" in Hokkien.
After the Second World War, the temple is again upgraded into a bigger temple on Hong Ying Hill, a new piece of land brought by the villagers. It was also renamed to its current name “Tiong Ghee Temple”.
Role of the temple it played in the lives of the villagers in the area
The fast pace development in Queenstown in the 1960s brought about the demolition of the temple (1968). Determined to keep the temple going, villagers registered the temple as a religious organization and they begin to raise fund to build a new temple. In 1973, they finally raised enough fund and build the temple at its current location in Sterling road.
When you visit the temple, you can still see the original statues, medium chair, spirit whip and sword dating from the kampong days. Till today, like many other village temples, Tiong Ghee temple remains as a gathering point for former Boh Beh Kang villagers.
With the satisfaction of completing the trail, all of us went back home to hit the sack as we were truly tired. The trail took a total of seven hours to complete. But nonetheless, it was worth every bit. :)
2:39 AM By PUNITHA
General Reflections
Punitha’s General reflections
I have always been sceptical of arguments that tearing down buildings is equivalent to the erasing of our cultural identity and heritage. I always believed that culture and heritage is within the person and that the building is just a symbol to house that identity. But this trip has taught me that history and culture hides in many unknown places. It doesn’t have to be a monument, a museum, but rather they are places where people engage in everyday activities. By bearing witness to all these events, it becomes a heritage place. To tear them down then becomes equivalent to erasing the memories that have been formed there, forgetting all those whom contributed it in some way or rather.I was really glad that this trail gave me such a great opportunity to find out a little bit more about my beautiful Singapore. It just makes you think that there history everywhere, even in our own towns, neighbourhoods. I truly enjoyed the trip with my fellow team members. Jun Jie was really funny during the trip. His occasional jokes and comments saw us through the day, along with all of our will power. We truly felt victorious when we completed the trail at the Tiong Ghee Temple. It will definitely bring us fond memories, whenever I have the opportunity to visit Queenstown next. And in Jun Jie’s words, we don’t need to feel guilty about pushing our own students to complete such trails in the future, as we had already paid our dues!!!
Jun Jie’s General Reflections
When I was given Queenstown as my heritage trail destination, I thought to myself, “What history is there in Queenstown?” I had thought that the only places of historical value will be Chinatown, Kampong Glam and town area. I was proven wrong by the richness of its heritage value and by the numerous relics of its past as I embarked on my research of Queenstown.
As it is not labelled as a heritage site by many, nor does it enjoys the reputation that places like Chinatown has as a place of rich historical value, Queenstown has been slowly forgotten by Singaporeans as a place that many significant historical event took place. One of which is the fact that Queenstown is actually where the first few flats were built, contrary to popular belief that it is Toa Payoh that was the first satellite town.
The trip has made me realize that places or items of historical values are everywhere for us to discover. It does not mean that only areas that are promoted as “tourism or heritage sites” are truly the only places whereby we can seek a glimpse into the past. Upon careful research, you will be surprised that places that are deemed as “boring or normal” might have an interesting or significant story behind it. I had always taken the MRT train line towards Queenstown but have never ever noticed the unexpected presence of a Chinese cemetery next to few blocks of HDB flats.
As I was walking down the heritage trail of Queenstown, I also had a feeling of remorse and shame that we as the younger generation of Singaporeans, have become neglectful and ignorant of our past history and culture. How can we try to become experts of other countries history if we do not even have some basic knowledge of our very own heritage? It is even more saddening to see some of thse places of historical values being vandalized by people by using spray paints. I felt appalled by the idea that the legacies left behind our ancestors have been labelled as worthless by us as our society becomes more and more materialistic.
At the end of the heritage trail, I had an impulse to visit the places where I had frequent as a kid and done ridiculous things. I’m sure that every one of us has a place like that, be it the playground that you had built you first sandcastle or the provision shop that u bought your very first kite. As we grow older and become more consumed in our fast paced life of just working hard, shouldn’t we take a break and visit these places that we used to have so much fond memories. Or do we really want to start to miss them when they are truly gone?
Jeffery’s General Reflection
Prior to this Heritage Trail exercise, I am confine with the idea that Heritage Trail is limited only to the CBD and town area. I am surprised by the fact that a heartland can be so rich in history. Growing up in the 1980s, Queenstown central is one of the places I frequent as a child. The trail is literally “walking down memory lane” for me. What saddens me was the fact that the lively town central I used to know as a child had turned into a “dead town”, which is facing the cruelty of demolition for future development.
One of the things I pick up from the trail is the pride I see in the Queenstown residents. Though the estate might not be comparable with new HDB flats we see in new town of today, the residents are proud to be part of this historical place. We had no problem finding people to give us direction or explaining to us the history of places and building on our heritage trail list. This is something you do not find in the younger generation or most Singaporean living in other parts of Singapore. In my opinion, being aware of their heritage is what distinguishes the Queensway residents. They are proud because they can identify with the place they live in. With this, I came to realize the importance of knowing our heritage.
Though walking the trail is a tiring affair to do in a hot Sunday afternoon, I felt that it was both meaningful and educational. I am determined to introduce this to my future history students in secondary schools. The trail also breaks many myths such as Queenstown being the first satellite town and not Toa Payoh (where many of us learned in school that it is the first satellite town). I am certain that Queensway is not the only town with rich historical roots. It will be great if we can extend the Heritage Trail effort to more heartlands. Imagine neighbourhood schools and residents being able to have a heritage trail right at their doorstep. Not only will it be more meaningful, it will make people more aware of their heritage. With this, I sincerely hope that more historical places in the heartland can be preserved in its original form. Sadly, I also have to admit that changes and progression is inevitable in a nation like our own,
Devi’s General Reflections
I personally enjoyed this whole experience. Though, honestly it started out very bad as we were all burning in the afternoon sun. But on the whole, going to these different places that I have never really heard or read about was very interesting. Places like the brewery which is not there anymore but holds a great deal of history with it. Having to picture the former infrastructure with the new ones today was a different experience. I liked going to the ancestral temple where I learned about the Chinese culture and the uncle who managed the temple told us several interesting pointers. Walking around the Queenstown neighbourhood itself was very different. The types of housing, the shops and the people there were all in a different world. They seemed to be living in a much relaxed world. At some instances it also felt like “hey are we still in Singapore?” Things around that neighbourhood looked very different and it allowed me to take a ride into Singapore’s past.
Nithya’s General Reflections
I feel that the conservation of historical sites in Singapore is successful to only a limited extent in preserving our historical heritage. I believe that most of the sites preserved in Singapore today are for tourism purposes and also for pride purposes such as to show off what Singapore then was capable of. As such, majority of the younger generation are clueless about the history of the places that they even reside at.
However, there are a select few sites which have been conserved with a sole purpose of preserving the heritage and culture of the site. Hopefully, more organizations will undertake active efforts in ensuring that the remaining historical sites are preserved for the future generation to have a glimpse of what Singapore was before.
I have always been sceptical of arguments that tearing down buildings is equivalent to the erasing of our cultural identity and heritage. I always believed that culture and heritage is within the person and that the building is just a symbol to house that identity. But this trip has taught me that history and culture hides in many unknown places. It doesn’t have to be a monument, a museum, but rather they are places where people engage in everyday activities. By bearing witness to all these events, it becomes a heritage place. To tear them down then becomes equivalent to erasing the memories that have been formed there, forgetting all those whom contributed it in some way or rather.I was really glad that this trail gave me such a great opportunity to find out a little bit more about my beautiful Singapore. It just makes you think that there history everywhere, even in our own towns, neighbourhoods. I truly enjoyed the trip with my fellow team members. Jun Jie was really funny during the trip. His occasional jokes and comments saw us through the day, along with all of our will power. We truly felt victorious when we completed the trail at the Tiong Ghee Temple. It will definitely bring us fond memories, whenever I have the opportunity to visit Queenstown next. And in Jun Jie’s words, we don’t need to feel guilty about pushing our own students to complete such trails in the future, as we had already paid our dues!!!
Jun Jie’s General Reflections
When I was given Queenstown as my heritage trail destination, I thought to myself, “What history is there in Queenstown?” I had thought that the only places of historical value will be Chinatown, Kampong Glam and town area. I was proven wrong by the richness of its heritage value and by the numerous relics of its past as I embarked on my research of Queenstown.
As it is not labelled as a heritage site by many, nor does it enjoys the reputation that places like Chinatown has as a place of rich historical value, Queenstown has been slowly forgotten by Singaporeans as a place that many significant historical event took place. One of which is the fact that Queenstown is actually where the first few flats were built, contrary to popular belief that it is Toa Payoh that was the first satellite town.
The trip has made me realize that places or items of historical values are everywhere for us to discover. It does not mean that only areas that are promoted as “tourism or heritage sites” are truly the only places whereby we can seek a glimpse into the past. Upon careful research, you will be surprised that places that are deemed as “boring or normal” might have an interesting or significant story behind it. I had always taken the MRT train line towards Queenstown but have never ever noticed the unexpected presence of a Chinese cemetery next to few blocks of HDB flats.
As I was walking down the heritage trail of Queenstown, I also had a feeling of remorse and shame that we as the younger generation of Singaporeans, have become neglectful and ignorant of our past history and culture. How can we try to become experts of other countries history if we do not even have some basic knowledge of our very own heritage? It is even more saddening to see some of thse places of historical values being vandalized by people by using spray paints. I felt appalled by the idea that the legacies left behind our ancestors have been labelled as worthless by us as our society becomes more and more materialistic.
At the end of the heritage trail, I had an impulse to visit the places where I had frequent as a kid and done ridiculous things. I’m sure that every one of us has a place like that, be it the playground that you had built you first sandcastle or the provision shop that u bought your very first kite. As we grow older and become more consumed in our fast paced life of just working hard, shouldn’t we take a break and visit these places that we used to have so much fond memories. Or do we really want to start to miss them when they are truly gone?
Jeffery’s General Reflection
Prior to this Heritage Trail exercise, I am confine with the idea that Heritage Trail is limited only to the CBD and town area. I am surprised by the fact that a heartland can be so rich in history. Growing up in the 1980s, Queenstown central is one of the places I frequent as a child. The trail is literally “walking down memory lane” for me. What saddens me was the fact that the lively town central I used to know as a child had turned into a “dead town”, which is facing the cruelty of demolition for future development.
One of the things I pick up from the trail is the pride I see in the Queenstown residents. Though the estate might not be comparable with new HDB flats we see in new town of today, the residents are proud to be part of this historical place. We had no problem finding people to give us direction or explaining to us the history of places and building on our heritage trail list. This is something you do not find in the younger generation or most Singaporean living in other parts of Singapore. In my opinion, being aware of their heritage is what distinguishes the Queensway residents. They are proud because they can identify with the place they live in. With this, I came to realize the importance of knowing our heritage.
Though walking the trail is a tiring affair to do in a hot Sunday afternoon, I felt that it was both meaningful and educational. I am determined to introduce this to my future history students in secondary schools. The trail also breaks many myths such as Queenstown being the first satellite town and not Toa Payoh (where many of us learned in school that it is the first satellite town). I am certain that Queensway is not the only town with rich historical roots. It will be great if we can extend the Heritage Trail effort to more heartlands. Imagine neighbourhood schools and residents being able to have a heritage trail right at their doorstep. Not only will it be more meaningful, it will make people more aware of their heritage. With this, I sincerely hope that more historical places in the heartland can be preserved in its original form. Sadly, I also have to admit that changes and progression is inevitable in a nation like our own,
Devi’s General Reflections
I personally enjoyed this whole experience. Though, honestly it started out very bad as we were all burning in the afternoon sun. But on the whole, going to these different places that I have never really heard or read about was very interesting. Places like the brewery which is not there anymore but holds a great deal of history with it. Having to picture the former infrastructure with the new ones today was a different experience. I liked going to the ancestral temple where I learned about the Chinese culture and the uncle who managed the temple told us several interesting pointers. Walking around the Queenstown neighbourhood itself was very different. The types of housing, the shops and the people there were all in a different world. They seemed to be living in a much relaxed world. At some instances it also felt like “hey are we still in Singapore?” Things around that neighbourhood looked very different and it allowed me to take a ride into Singapore’s past.
Nithya’s General Reflections
I feel that the conservation of historical sites in Singapore is successful to only a limited extent in preserving our historical heritage. I believe that most of the sites preserved in Singapore today are for tourism purposes and also for pride purposes such as to show off what Singapore then was capable of. As such, majority of the younger generation are clueless about the history of the places that they even reside at.
However, there are a select few sites which have been conserved with a sole purpose of preserving the heritage and culture of the site. Hopefully, more organizations will undertake active efforts in ensuring that the remaining historical sites are preserved for the future generation to have a glimpse of what Singapore was before.
2:33 AM By PUNITHA