Episode 4: Let’s Go Places

Wonderland. Van Kleef Aquarium. Great World. The kids go on an adventure and explore attractions from the past. Special guest Uncle Wilfred shares his miniature dioramas and stories of old homes and places of interest.

Books

My Favourite Days
by Illo Picto
Publisher: TOUCH Community Services

The story conveys a heart-warming interaction between a little girl and her grandpa through a journey of self-discovery. Young readers will get to be inspired by a future where technology improves lives and opens up fresh opportunities.

Source: Synopsis from TOUCH Community Services

Out & About in Singapore
by Melanie Lee
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish Editions

With Out & About in Singapore, young readers go on a fun and colourful tour around Singapore through the evocative hand-drawn illustrations of Singaporean artist William Sim. The book starts out with Singapore’s origin story, followed by captivating “tours” around the Civic District, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India. Popular spots such as Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Sentosa and Gardens by the Bay are explored as well.

Some related craft activities are thrown in as well just for the fun of it! This book is for children between 7 and 12 years old.

Source: Synopsis from Marshall Cavendish International

Rosie and the Mamak shop
by Rachelyn Gordon
Publisher: Rachelyn Gordon

Rosie loves the Mamak shop uncle and the kentang curry puffs Amma buys for her every morning. Then one morning, the Mamak shop is closed. Where is the Mamak shop uncle? What has happened to him? Will Rosie get to see him and eat kentang curry puffs again?

Source: Synopsis from book cover

Blast from the Past
Kampung Spirit
An important part of Singapore’s treasured heritage, the kampung (Malay for rural villages) spirit refers to a sense of community and solidarity. It was not uncommon for people to readily offer their neighbours food, help and support.

Off the Record
Singapore Miniature Zoo, 1950s - 1960s
Did you know that there were once about six private zoos in Singapore?

Great World Amusement Park, 1950s
One of the three known amusements parks of Singapore of yesteryear, find out what attractions the Great World Amusement Park was known for back then.

Capitol Theatre, 1930s
Which movie stars promoted their movies at the Capitol Theatre when they were in town?

Singapore Infopedia
Street Wayang
by Serene Cai

Wayang, a Malay word meaning “a theatrical performance employing puppets or human dancers”, is also used to refer to Chinese street opera in Singapore, as well as other forms of opera such as wayang kulit.

Oral History Interviews

Oral History Interviewee with Richard Woon Kai Yin
Accession Number: 002908

Mr Richard Woon talks about the experience of watching movies with his friends at King’s Theatre on Kim Tian Road, Tiong Bahru. He also shares his experiences at the Capitol and Odeon cinemas. He talks about the Great World amusement park and explains why it was popular back then. To listen to the interview, head on to reel/disc 2 and 3.

Oral History Interviewee with Aloysius Leo De Conceicao
Accession Number: 002057

Mr Aloysius Leo De Conceicao talks about watching movies and trips to Happy World amusement park. He also describes the traditional games he played as a boy and talks about how Chinese temples would host wayang (Chinese street opera) performances during festivals. To listen to the interview, head on to reel/disc 2 and 5.

Oral History Interviewee with Tan Wee Him
Accession Number: 003058

Mr Tan Wee Him describes how Orchard Road was back then – where he and his friends hung out, the houses, the landmarks and where people would go for entertainment. Examples of entertainment venues include Lido Theatre and Barbarella, the first discotheque in Singapore. He also talks about the origin of the Malaya Cup and how important football matches used to be played at the Jalan Besar Stadium before they were moved to the National Stadium. To listen to the interview, head on to reel/disc 2 & 7.

Audiovisual Recordings

Programme Title: The People’s Singapore 3: 1. The Polytechnic 2. Community Centres 3. The Aquarium
Accession No: 1982000304 Ministry of Culture, courtesy of the National Archives of Singapore

Produced by the Ministry of Culture, this 1960 news magazine film features King George V Park, a popular park for picnickers and the Van Kleef Aquarium.

Photographs

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