Rojak Librarian

Teo Teck Huat is the story of many early Singapore Pioneers who through hard work left a lasting legacy. He was a humble carpenter from China who came to Singapore seeking opportunities. He started Teo Teck Huat Contractors in 1928 which not only took on building but also renovation and repair works. With quality and good work over the years, they manage to secured the contract to build the Cathay Building at Dhoby Ghaut in 1937. The structure was then labelled as the first skyscraper in Singapore and Southeast Asia. In 1972, Teo Teck Huat (Singapore) was incorporated and it had many projects, both for the public and private sector which included the Pasir Panjang Garden Estate, Tunas Building, Tong Building, Tengah Military Air Base, Bridgeport Machines Factory, Pandan Junior College, Clementi Condominium, Registry of Vehicles Headquarters and of course. The Amara (Amara Hotel). In 1981, the Teo Teck Huat group did a joint-venture agreement with Rush & Tompkins for major civil eng

I heard about the Tai Thean Kew circus  from my involvement with Bukit Brown and during one my tours on the Queenstown Heritage Trail , i was told of another Indian circus troupe that existed in the late 1950's and 1960's. Recently, while curating ideas for a Bukit Brown tour on Pioneers of Early Entertainment, i came across a travelling circus troupe by the name of Kamala Circus. Kamala Circus (source: NewspaperSG) Kamala Circus was reputed to be the largest travelling show in the Far East. It boasted over 100 Indian artist and featured acts such as the flying trapeze act, the "Globe of Death" motor cycle act by two young girls, a 30 foot leap by a motorcyclist and the "cat" act. It claims over 300 tons of equipment and animals which include 16 horses, 8 Ceylon baby elephants, an African lion and 2 lionesses, 2 tiger cubs and 3 Indian mountain goats. It came to Singapore in 1947 from India via Ceylon and performed for a month before touring around th

8 years ago i met the descendants of Yap Geok Song in a very happy gathering to celebrate the clearing and restoration of the tomb after they contacted me. The occasion did not go unnoticed and was reported in Zaobao dated 22 September 2014 . Today (16 April 2022) i was fortunate to meet again the descendants in their annual Qing Ming occasion to honor their ancestor. I am thankful once again for their permission to document this private moment and for allowing me to join them in this special occasion. I was also very happy they remembered me as well and to note that all who attended today are healthy enough to make the journey into the forest despite a wet muddy day. Fortunately everyone arrived to tomb of Yap Geok Song safely and without incident. Experience shows and everyone efficiently did their part to get ready the offerings and prepare for the prayers and subsequently completing it. It was a gathering of sorts as well, where while waiting for their ancestor to "finish ea

Toh Seah Hwee passed away at the age of 47 on 13 November 1939. On his tomb are the names of his children; Sons: Toh Chia Whatt, Toh Chia Heng, Toh Chia Seng, Toh Chia Chye, Toh Chia Poh Daughters: Toh Pek Gek, Toh Chik Kee, Toh Siam Gek, Toh Cheok Gek, Toh Poh Gek, Toh Baby  Toh Seah Hwee, 47 years old passed away at his residence, No. 187 Sims Avenue, leaving behind him his wife, 5 sons, 6 daughters and 1 adopted daughter. (Penang papers please copy). Mrs. Toh Seah Hwee nee Madam Chia Bee Gan passed away at the age of 91 on 7 March 1984 leaving behind; Sons: Toh Chia Huat (deceased), Toh Chia Heng,Toh Chia Seng (deceased), Toh Chia Chye, Toh Chia Poh, Johnny Daughters-in-law: Wee Suat Neo, Lim Chwee Leng /Lau Siew Tee, Tan Siang Hoey,  Daughters: Toh Keng Neo,Toh Keng Kee, Toh Siam Gek, Toh Cheok Gek, Toh Poh Gek, Toh Choo Gek, Toh Gek Hong Sons-in-law: Goh Kim Lim, Chua Ah Chia (deceased), Chia Bah Chee (deceased), Tan Chit Pang (deceased), Phang Ah Bah, Leow Choon Seng (deceased),

Gan Eng Seng was born in Malacca ( Melaka) in 1844. His Great Grandparents came from Sam-Toh, Fukien province. Born third in a family of 5, he had two elder sisters, Gan Gin Neo and Gan Guat Neo. He was the eldest son. His younger brother was Gan Eng Chye followed by the youngest sister, Gan Guan Neo. Born poor, he still was able to received some education, giving him the ability to read and write simple English. His father died when he was 16 years old.  He then left for Singapore and was involved initially in a nutmeg business in a small scale. He went on to served under Guthrie and Co. Gan Eng Seng Chief Campradore, Gutherie and Co. Thomas Scott, a partner of Gutherie, offered Gan Eng Seng a job in the godown at Coller Quay as a clerk and it was there he climbed up the ranks, from an Assistant Storekeeper to Chief Storekeeper and finally the Chief Campradore of Guthrie and Company after 13 years of service. He was the Chief Compradore for 25 years till he died in 1899.  (Chief

Whitley Cemetery was know "colloquially" as Kopi Sua, but it still a large cemetery system with parts of it cut of due to the construction of the Pan Island Expressway. While exploring the section of Kopi Sua area that was cut of by the Pan Island Expressway (PIE) (the entrance to this section of cemetery complex is via the long staircase just before St.Joseph Institution ), we rediscovered the tomb of Madam Tan Pheck Hong. Madam Tan Pheck Hong was the wife of Mr. Wee Aik Leng. Wee Ai Leng is a son of Wee Thiam Siew (well know millionaire and hotelier). Listed the name of her sons: Wee Choo Keng, Wee Choo Boo, Wee Choo Chuan , Wee Choo Chye, Wee Choo Tiong, Wee Wee Choo Yong. daughter: Wee May Lee, Wee May Hoon. Madam Tan Pheck Hong nee Mrs. Wee Aik Leng Death leaves a heartache no one can heal.  How dark is life around us,  we missed her so much still,  we missed her fond and earnest care,  what is home without her there. Very much missed by husband, children, son

Madam Seet Si Neo passed away on 15 August 1959 at the age of 68. On her tomb, it reads in English; In loving memory of his mother. Son: Peng Tam  Daughter: Guat Im  Location of tomb Madam Seet Si Neo tomb is located at Block 4 Section A, plot 404 (in front of Mr. and Mrs. Ong Soon Tee tomb).