Kampong Houses, Rickshaws & Bullock Carts

Two more pages from the Heritage calendar 2009.

February page:
Typical scene of kampong houses built very close to one another. Today, in our sprawling housing estates many people hardly talk to their neighbours.
Back then, every kampong folk knew even if a stranger wandered into the kampong. People had time for conversations, innocent gossip or just chit-chat after dinner. Children ran around barefooted and played with other kampong kids without a worry and care in the world.
ps: I'm surprised this old photo has such a sharp focus and good resolution. Even the motor-bike number can be seen clearly...SAJ 2381.

March page:

These are two wonderful photos that told so much about our past, not only in Upper Serangoon Road but in old Singapore as a whole.

Bullock carts were carts pulled by a single bull or two bulls. They were used to carry heavy goods, people and stuff. Some from the older generation may remember that Chinatown used to have a " Bullock Cart Water" street.

The local Cantonese equivalent is "Ngau Cheh Sui and in Hokkien "Goo Char Chui ". However, over the years, this term generally refers to Chinatown in South Bridge Road area as a whole and not to any particular street anymore.

Rickshaws were common all over our island in the 50's, 60's and 70's.

Once a week, Unk Dicko's late mother will " book" her regular rickshaw for the weekly visit to

the wet market at Lorong 25, Geylang. Then she will make the journey home in the same way.

Sometimes, one of us kids would tag along.

It was not easy at all for the rider. Much hardwork, muscle power and stamina was required and all for a few cents....not even dollars!

Yet, I seem to recall them never complaining at all about their fate but even smiling gleefully.

Those were the days!

Unk Dicko