Civic District Trail 1

2008-02-09T08:01:00.000-08:00

a pictorial discription of our trail....enjoy!!!!!!!

::Jacelyn's Reflection::

2008-02-07T22:51:00.000-08:00

At the end of the trail, I was very exhausted and almost burnt due to prolonged exposure to the UV rays. Simply put, it was extremely hot in the whole of that afternoon.

But still, despite the unbearable heat, I really enjoyed this heritage trail together with my group mates – Malinda, Leonard, Amelia and Zong Lun. They made me forget (temporarily, though) about the strong heat and my tiredness, and they all had been a great help. For instance, I practically depended on Zong Lun and Leonard to navigate the way and lead us, safely and soundly, to our finishing point. They are really good at reading maps! Also, my digital camera failed on me just as we began the trail. Thankfully, the rest of them had brought their own cameras and so we were able to take many fabulous pictures of us and the sites.

But most importantly, at the end of the trail, I have definitely learnt something about the history of our country. For instance, I was unaware that the Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall was the place where our government, the People’s Action Party (PAP) was founded. I was therefore enlightened while we were there. Although I have visited the place before, and had even performed at the Victoria Concert Hall during my secondary school days, I did not give much thought about the origins of the memorial hall back then, until this heritage trail came along.

Also, this heritage trail provided me a great opportunity to visit some of the national monuments and historical sites. For instance, it was actually my first visit to the Civilian War Memorial. I have always known about its existence, but to be really there physically and take in the magnificent view of the memorial was remarkable. Hence, this particular site is one of my favourites among the rest because it struck me the most. My mother used to tell me stories about my grandfather during the Japanese Occupation. He had gone through the war and witnessed the cruelty of the Japanese soldiers towards the civilians back then. I cannot imagine the kind of terror and fear the people back then had to endure when they were about to be killed. Hence, I think it was a brilliant decision to erect the memorial as a tribute to those who had perished during the war, so our future generations will always remember the horrors of the war and the importance of staying united in defending Singapore.

I was also impressed during the visit to the Arts House. Again, that was my first time there. Inside the Arts House, I walked down the Corridors of Time Gallery that traces the building’s conversion from a courthouse to a Parliament House. Among all the exhibits, I was particularly attracted to the “Pioneer Women in Parliament” display. So we women do have a say in the birth and growth of our independent legislative system and Constitution. But I think not many people now would know about their contributions in the past, as I believe much of their limelight was overshadowed by other politicians who are or were more renowned.

All in all, this heritage trail has definitely spiced things up a bit for this module. I can tell my family and friends that history is absolutely not a boring subject, not when we get to go for outings in search for our own identity, roots, and heritage. Also, this heritage trail has provided me an experience to plan for a class outing, should I need to organise one in the future. =)

::Zong Lun's Reflection::

2008-02-07T22:50:00.001-08:00

On embarking this trail, I had a sense pessimism about I would be able to learn from this trip. After all, I have been educated within the context of the Singaporean education system on a narrow perspective of the historical happenings of colonial Singapore since secondary 1. What deconstructed my beliefs was when we started walking from one point to another and I could pick out the various historical significances from my point to another did I realize that what valuable and rich history do we have.

Yes, we might not have a history as far stretching as those of Europe, China or even America. But from this heritage trail, I got to touch, see and understand (short of taste and smell) the social, economic and political aspect of Singapore short but yet vibrant history for a city. From the viewing of the Dalhousie Obelisk which reminded me how early Singapore derived its economic prosperity, to the Tan Kim Seng fountain which Victorian iron- caste design made it so ironic that for a moment I thought the fountain was more to commemorate the building of James Mac Ritchie’s reservoir from which changed my perspective that it was a immigrant who had the visions for a water system for the early town, to the steps of city hall where the signing of the surrender instrument took place for WW2 and then of course we had the humorous discussion of Prof. Blackburn’s previous module on biography on the famous ‘Goh Chok Tong’ scene where school girls were cheering the ‘Chok Tong’ cheer along the steps of city hall on his swearing in.

The trail on the whole allows one to feel that you just reviewed through Singapore’s history from it conception at the landing site of Raffles, through the World Wars, independence, government; and it takes you back to the very beginning at Fort Canning where it all started within 3 hours (we walked really fast and have pictures to prove it that we were sweating, panting and literally ludicrous due to the lack of water: Look at Leonard’s self posing pictures).

On the whole the heritage trail has revived my interest in Singapore history and has offered me a wider perspective to things which I used to believe was merely ‘propaganda’. I also have grew closer and understand my team mates better as we were all very excited and enthusiastic history students who are on their first time field trip on ground. We hope that we will get more chances to do more ground work; which will help us understand and develop whatever we learn in the classrooms and text books.

ZongLun

=)

::Amelia's Reflection::

2008-02-07T22:47:00.000-08:00

I personally do not feel that the trail was cheesy at all. In fact, I feel more like a history student now than before. My favorite part of the trail was The Arts House and Fort Canning Park. I think along the trail we didn’t get to learn much about the history behind each site on the spot, but for some reason seeing the old buildings, architecture, and artifacts, brought me a step closer to the history of Singapore. I realize now history is a part of our everyday, all around us, only if we care to pay notice; not just a time long gone.

After the trail, I was tasked with the research of Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall, Cenotaph, and The Old Supreme Court. It was interesting. Like, before the Old Supreme Court was erected, in its place stood a hotel known as the Grand Hotel de l’Europe, in 1900. And, the PAP was founded on 21 November 1954 in the Victoria Memorial Hall which is now known as the Victoria Concert Hall. Places and people. Places come alive with the stories and happenings people bring to them. It would be a pity if such places of historical value slowly lose their place in modern Singapore.

I think it’s a good thing the government makes an effort to gazette these places as National Monument. There are also plans for the Old Supreme Court and City Hall to be transformed into the National Art Gallery of Singapore by 2012. I think this is a promising move, for both history and the arts scene in Singapore.

To quote a Sunday Times article titled “Reclaiming the past for the future” by Janadas Devan, “If Singapore is to have a renaissance, its artists and writers, its scholars and thinkers, its art patrons and spectators, will have to [make new what had been handed on to them by tradition;] their own gifts from the past.”

::Malinda's Reflection::

2008-02-07T22:44:00.000-08:00

At the end of the whole trail, we were all extremely tired, especially so for the 3 members of our groups who had to rush back to school for classes after the whole thing. But, nonetheless, the whole trail had been fulfilling and meaningful because I never knew the real story behind those architectures we have visited. And given the opportunity to find out more about those architectures, further deepen my understanding, as well as appreciation of Singapore even more.

To me, I believe that those buildings and architectures was built for a greater meaning besides memorial purposes, and I think that they were erected in a place like Singapore was so that to show others, despite our smallness in terms of country size, we do have a history, we do have roots to trace back to. Hence, this then provides not only the foreigners, who are ignorant of our cultures or heritage, but also the locals, especially the younger generations, an understanding of Singapore’s past.

Lastly, I just want to say that the site which gave me the most lasting impression would be the Fort Canning Park, because it is a place which had many memories due to the fact that quite a few key events happened there, such as Japanese Occupation where the British held base at the Park. Not only that, the place also contained many memories of the dead whose names were left on the boundary walls of the Fort Canning Park. So to me, I thought that Fort Canning Park was a nice place and I really like it. (:

::Leonard's Reflection::

2008-02-07T22:41:00.000-08:00

Having gone through the civic district, I was left with a feeling of awe. Little did I realise that the sites chosen were largely along the Singapore River. This highlights the significance of the river and its position as the focal point of political and economic activity and even to some extent diplomatic activity. This can be expected as sea trade was the only means of transportation around the world till the invention of air travel. Even then, the sea lines of communication remained a popular avenue of communications and transport by many during the 1800s and early 1900s. Therefore having these important buildings around the river reflects the importance of the river as the major political and economic centre in the era. Also given that the lands first given to the British are the lands surrounding the river, it is totally understandable that the infrastructure would firstly be concentrated in areas of British control.

These sites indeed give sufficient understanding to the history of Singapore. While plagues and markers are left around the monuments, it gives a very touristy feel to the area and the explanations are not adequate enough for an in-depth understanding of the history. However, if you are someone looking for little tidbits of Singapore history and the monuments, a tour of the civic district is indeed a nice plan to have in your programme.

In addition, the well restored buildings retain almost all of its structural design and it gives a very good feel of how buildings are designed in the early days of colonisation. Indeed, I do hope more and more historical monuments are able to be preserved, it would give a very good insight into the history of Singapore. What can be a better way to show the history of our colonisation than to have a walk around the civic district and have a feel on how it was like during the days of Singapore being a colony.

At the end of the day, I feel that this trail that we have embarked on indeed gives a much deeper insight into the history of the nation. Never did I expect early Singapore to have deep diplomatic ties with other South East Asian Nations such as Siam. The willingness of a ruling monarch to visit this dinghy little island speaks volumes of the diplomatic ties involved. I guess this heritage trail thingy should not be just a tourist attraction. Singaporeans should take time and have a good look around the area and maybe they would come away with a profound appreciation of our history, just as I did.

17. Fort Canning Park (by Malinda)

2008-02-05T23:58:00.000-08:00

Our last stop:

Now you know why we are so happy... =)

Fort Canning Park, once known as ‘Forbidden Hill’, is the most historic part of Singapore, where Malay and Chinese historical records indicated this hill as the center of a kingdom that arose around 1300AD.

Located within this park are a few places of interests, one of which would be the Keramat Iskandar Syah. A Malay meaning for sacred, the Keramat is the traditional burial ground of a well-known and respected leader. The place has a 14th century-styled Malay roof called a pendopo, supported by 20 wooden pillars carved in a fighting cock motif of Javanese origin.

Besides that, our group has also discovered some archaeological excavation sites where thousands of artifacts were uncovered, which then provided us with evidence that Fort Canning was a significant place even before the British arrival.

Some legend about Fort Canning Park: it was built by the British in the 1920s as headquarter for the Far East command and the office of Lt. - General Percival. In 1966 the Singapore Armed Forces(SAF) converted the building into its premier training institution, or so known as the Singapore Command and Staff College.

Nonetheless, the place is currently used as a town club, where it is open to public. Not only that, Fort Canning Park is also now commonly used as a place for wedding photos background! (:

But not to forget, as we were walking out of the park, we noticed the cupolas and the tombs on the boundary walls. The cupolas are still standing prominently in the park with not much damage to it. However, the tombs along the boundary walls were covered by mosses and some names were quite difficult to read. I noticed that most of the tombs belonged to Europeans (of course, for it is after all a Christian cemetery) and they seem to have some sort of achievements. How amazing.

We also made some interesting discovery along the way: Comics!

Hahah.

16. The Arts House (by Leonard)

2008-02-05T23:50:00.000-08:00

The Arts House, formerly known as the Old Parliament building remains as one of Singapore’s National Monument. Built in 1827 by G.D Coleman, it is one of Singapore’s oldest surviving building and it was used to house the Court and other government offices until 1965 when it became the parliament house.

Inside, you can walk up the steps into this gallery area known as the Corridors of Time. The exhibits give interesting information on the parliament and there was even a section on Women in Parliament. It is an interesting area of history which many of us tend to neglect as we scrutinize the events of our nation.

Last page of the Treaty between Sir Stamford Raffles and Sultan Hussein dated 6 February 1819...

The door that opens up to power...

Interestingly, right at the current area of the café stands a small bronze elephant statue. According to the inscriptions on the statue, it was given to Singapore in 1871 from King Chulalongkorn of Siam(AKA Thailand) on his visit to the island of Singapore. Surprisingly, it seems that as early as in the late 1800s, Singapore already had diplomatic relations with other South East Asian nations.

Some interesting displays outside The Arts House...

15. Singapore Cricket Club (by Jacelyn)

2008-02-05T23:43:00.000-08:00

Cricket was first played in Singapore as early as 1837, and the Cricket Club was established fifteen years later in 1852. The Club’s early members came from the colonial elite, and its club presidents included several governors of the then Straits Settlements.

When Singapore fell to the Japanese on 17 February 1942, the club was closed and turned into a luxurious restaurant and bar for the Japanese military officers during the war.

During an archaeological dig on the premises of the club in 2003, locally-made earthenware, imported Chinese trade ceramics and other artefacts from the Tang and Song Dynasties, as well as Jin Dynasty coins, metal slag, glass beads and bangles were discovered.

14. The New Supreme Court (by Zong Lun)

2008-02-05T23:39:00.000-08:00

The supreme court of Singapore moved from the old building to the new building in June 2005. Its official opening was on January 7, 2006 by none other than our own president, Mr S. R Nathan. The building itself is eco-friendly as it uses natural light and makes maximum usage of artificial light at night. The circular disc, which represents the impartiality of justice, is a modern interpretation of the dome of the old Supreme Court building.

In my opinion, the disc looks alot like a set from Men in Black (MIB) where aliens living secretly on earth have built a huge UFO disc hidden and incorporated into the design of a build. =)

But jokes aside, being a public building we were disappointed that we could not take direct photo shots with the building and the court lack much of the feel of the older building which bring about justice. I guess maybe more traditional symbols of justice should have been incorporated into the building. Other than that, it really looks like another ‘Esplanade’ class of building. We got the durians and now we have a space ship. I think the new national stadium is really going to push the limits for all designers... Haha...

13. The Old Supreme Court (by Amelia)

2008-02-05T23:34:00.000-08:00

The Old Supreme Court was built between 1937 and 1939. It was designed by Frank Dorrington Ward of the Public Works Department, and was his last and most significant work. The courthouse’s Corinthian columns, classical design, and spacious interiors featuring murals were by the Italian artist, Cavalieri Rodolfo Nolli, whose work was most noted.

Before the building of the courthouse, it was where many colonial houses were built. However, these houses had to make way for the Grand Hotel de l’Europe in 1900, the only other hotel in Singapore that could compare with the landmark Raffles Hotel. The Grand Hotel boasted a lounge, reading room, a bar, shops, and a roof garden, a novelty at that time.

In 1932, the hotel’s business declined and filed for bankruptcy. It was demolished in 1936 to make way for the present building. The verandah of the old hotel had a good view of the Padang.

The Allegory of Justice is the central figure in the tympanum sculpture fronting the Old Supreme Court Building, with a figure immediately to its left representing the lost soul begging for protection from it. Next to this figure are two legislators with books in hand, representing the law. To the right of Justice, a figure bows in gratitude, followed by a man with a bull, representing riches and prosperity. Two young children holding a sheaf of wheat represent abundance from law and justice.

12. The Padang (by Malinda)

2008-02-05T23:30:00.000-08:00

Sitting on the steps of City Hall, one could take in a good view of the Padang, a Malay word meaning ‘flat field’. To think back then, it was this place where the British flag was raised in 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore. It is no wonder whenever one walks past the Padang, you could get the colonial feel.

The Padang was also a significant location in that, it was a place where activities such as sporting events and social gatherings were held for the Europeans. During the Japanese Occupation, a group of Europeans were also rounded up at this location and interrogated.

Getting ready to pose on the stands...

Chilled green tea and H2O save the day! Three cheers for the drinks!!! =)

11. City Hall (by Leonard)

2008-02-05T23:25:00.000-08:00

Built in 1926 to 1929 by British municipal architects, A. Gordans and F.D Meadows, the City Hall remains as one of the heritage treasures of Singapore.

Over its short life of less than a hundred years, the City Hall has seen its fair share of significant events. First known as the Municipal Hall, it was the place where General Itagaki of the Imperial Japanese Army surrendered to Lord Louis Mountbatten in 1945 to mark the end of the Second World War in Singapore.

In 1951, it was renamed City Hall to mark Singapore being granted the City status. From then on, City Hall remained as the central symbol of political power in Singapore.

In 1959, after being granted self-governance, the then prime minister Lee Kuan Yew declared home rule as well as the unfurling of the new national flag and anthem. City Hall is also the place where the Lee and his eight cabinet ministers was sworn into office in the presence of the first Yang-di Pertuan Negara, William Goode.

In 1963, City Hall is also the place where the Malaysian Proclamation was read. Following Singapore’s independence, City Hall was also the place used to hold the very first National Day Parade, using its steps as VIP sitting area during the parades.

In a more recent setting, City Hall underwent major upgrades in 1987 to allow the building to house government offices and in 1988, its 12 court rooms was transferred to the Supreme Court. City Hall remained its status as a symbol of political power with then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong had his inauguration ceremony and swearing in of cabinet. Lately, it has also been used for the Singapore Biennale and as a registration centre for the IMF and World Bank Meetings.

In the future, City Hall along with the adjacent Old Supreme Court Building will be converted into an art gallery, the National Art Gallery of Singapore by 2012.

Bibliography:
Uma Devi, G.Singapore. National Heritage Board. Singapore's 100 historic places. Singapore : Archipelago Press in association with National Heritage Board, (2002).

Merdeka!!!

Shhh!!! Court in progress...

10. Civilian War Memorial (by Jacelyn)

2008-02-05T23:22:00.001-08:00

The Civilian War Memorial is also known as the ‘chopsticks’, and it was built to honour civilians who were killed during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore between 15 February 1942 to 12 September 1945.

The four identical pillars rise to a pinnacle of 92.5 metres, represent the Chinese, Malays, Indians, and Eurasians who died in the war, and serve as a remembrance of the shared experiences and struggles of the four major races of Singapore during World War II. The remains of unidentified war victims are buried just beneath the monument.

In conjunction with the annual Total Defence Day, a memorial service is held at this site on every February the 15th to commemorate the Anniversary of the Fall of Singapore to the Japanese in 1942. This serves as a reminder to every Singaporean the importance of being united in defending the country.

The memorial was erected after remains of the victims, who had perished in the Sook Ching Operations executed by the Japanese Military Police (Kempeitai) in 21 February 1942, were discovered in 1962. These operations were aimed to purge or eliminate all Chinese who were suspected of being anti-Japanese. The number of victims in this massacre was estimated to be between 25,000 to 50,000.

The memorial was unveiled by the then Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew on the 15 February 1967, 25 years after the fall of Singapore.

The Civilian War Memorial is located in the east of the Padang.

Erm...

Our respects to the victims of the Japanese Occupation...

9. Tan Kim Seng Fountain (by Zong Lun)

2008-02-05T23:08:00.001-08:00

Strolling under the piping hot sun...

This Victorian cast iron fountain was built on 19th May 1882. It was commissioned by the Municipal Council in honour of Tan Kim Seng.

Tan Kim Seng was born in Malacca and came to Singapore as a trader where he rose to become a well respected leader in the early Chinese community. He was a philanthropist and supported causes including education which saw the creation of the Chinese Free School in Amoy Street. He was also the second Asian to become a Justice of Peace.

The fountain was built in his honour as one of his major contributions to the early town of Singapore was his support to provide a system of piped water to the town. However his generous donation of $13000 as we have researched later was squandered away by the government engineer who tried to pipe water uphill.

It was after his death that the plans were realised and out of appreciated and shame for their mistakes, the colonial government erected the fountain in his name in Fullerton Square, which was later shifted to Battery Road in 1905 and finally to the Esplanade Park in 1925.

When we visited this site, the design of the fountain vaguely reminded me of those huge public fountains I saw in Europe and at St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican City. Very Victorian and very European which is funny as it is built in honour of a Chinese trader. So our question was why not a Chinese design fountain?

Thus through the fountain we realised that early colonial government did not really have the welfare of the town and people in mind, such to the extent that the early colonial government had to rely on external donation and help to set up such a basic necessity such as a system for clean water.

I originally thought that it was James MacRitchie who set up the first water system. But now I know that the pioneer for giving Singapore water was Tan Kim Seng.

One look at Amelia's face, and you can tell the fountain was too sizzling hot to be sat upon!

8. Cenotaph (by Amelia)

2008-02-05T22:49:00.001-08:00

The Cenotaph was erected in memory of the 124 Singapore soldiers who gave their lives in World War I (1914-1918) with a second dedication added in remembrance of those who died in World War II (1941-1945).

The majority of names inscribed in this war memorial belonged to English soldiers. Scarcely any local Asian names could be found.

It was unveiled on 31 March 1922 by the young Prince Edward of Wales, later Duke of Windsor and King Edward VIII, during his Asia-Pacific tour. In his entourage was Louis Mountbatten, who at the end of World War II returned to Singapore as the Supreme Commander of the South East Asia Command to receive the surrender of the Japanese at City Hall, on 12 September 1945.

7. Indian National Army Marker (by Malinda)

2008-02-05T22:25:00.001-08:00

All right!

We are reaching our next stop soon... =)

Leonard was extremely glad that we have reached.

Located at Connaught Drive, a few stretches down the Esplanade Park, one could locate the Indian National Army Marker, a.k.a INA.

This marker stood on a former memorial, dedicated to “an Unknown Warrior” of the INA.

INA was formed with the support of the Japanese, supposedly to free India from British rule. However, things took a twisted end, when suspicions grew between the Indians and the Japanese, after which the movement was disbanded.

When I first saw the marker, I thought it was located at a place where not many would really take notice of it, because of its not-so-appealing outlook. But upon reading the information on the marker, then did I realize the importance of the marker.

The marker represents a significant background about the Indians during the Japanese Occupation. As many would have learnt about the Indians role during the JO, the marker was erected to commemorate the efforts and struggles of the Indians, displayed during a period of hardships.

The Indians unity during times of difficulty should not be belittled, and in fact we should learn from them their unity spirit.

6. Lim Bo Seng Memorial (by Leonard)

2008-02-05T22:07:00.000-08:00

Next up we have the Lim Bo Seng Memorial.

Lim Bo Seng, son of a wealthy merchant, took over his father’s business after the latter has passed away. He built up his business and over time became a well respected figure in the Chinese business community.

Lim Bo Seng was also different from many in his own time. He had a love marriage to a Nonya woman by the name of Gan Choo Neo. Married in 1930 at the Lim Clan Association Hall, they later went on to have seven children.

At the outbreak of the Second Sino-Japanese War, Lim was influential and outspoken against the Japanese invasion of China. He took part in fund raisings and boycott of Japanese goods. His activities gathered the attention of the Japanese and right before the fall of Singapore to the Japanese, Lim fled to Sumatra and later to India where he helped recruit and train many Chinese agents for missions against the Japanese and the unit was named Force 136.

The most significant participation by Lim in the war is probably his involvement in the Intelligence Operation Gustavus. Designed to set up an espionage network to collect sensitive military intelligence about the Japanese and aid the allied re-invasion of Malaya and Singapore, codenamed Operation Zipper. Lim arrived back in Malaya via a Dutch submarine in November and went past the Japanese checkpoints disguised as a Chinese businessman with the alias Tan Choon Lim.

Lim was able to run the operation for a little while before being arrested on 27th March 1944. In captivity, Lim endured tortures, poor sanitation and living conditions but he never gave up information about Force 136. He even protested against the ill-treatment of the prisoners in Batu Gajah Jail.

Lim, however, soon became ill with dysentery and was bedridden by the end of May 1944. He was not given any food, water or medicine and in the early hours of 29th June 1944, Lim finally passed away. He was buried in an unmarked grave behind the prison.

Later on after the war, Mdm Gan Choo Neo along with their eldest son retrieved Lim’s remains and had a funeral service on 13th January 1946, in front of City Hall. Lim’s remains were later transferred to MacRitchie Reservoir for burial with full military honours.

In his final letter to his wife, he wrote:

"You must not grieve for me. You should take pride in my sacrifice and devote yourself to the upbringing of the children. Tell them what happened to me and direct them to my footsteps."
Extract from Lim Bo Seng's farewell letter to his wife (1945)

Bibliography:
Tan, Chong Tee (2001), Force 136: Story of a World War II Resistance Fighter (Second Edition), Singapore, Select Books.

To end off on a lighter note... I was abused by Amelia!!!

5. Esplanade Park (by Jacelyn)

2008-02-05T21:43:00.001-08:00

Built in 1943 on reclaimed land, the Esplanade Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore. The seafront promenade was also known as Queen Elizabeth Walk to celebrate the coronation of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II in 1953.

It was redeveloped in 1991 in order to enhance the identity of the Civic District, and it had been a popular spot for families, lovers, and even photographers as well.

Back in the early days, the Esplanade Park served to unite people through physical sports and other activities as it was the focal point of sporting activities in Singapore. Today, the park is a popular place for evening walks and social activities.

As the much celebrated Chinese New Year is approaching, we saw crews working hard under the hot sun, putting together decorations that are to be used during the eve of Chinese New Year celebrations...

Behind the Esplanade Park lies the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s premier arts complex. Also built on reclaimed land, this high-class landmark location holds arts and cultural events, and this symbolises a new milestone in the arts scene of Singapore.

The Esplanade Park is located at Connaught Drive, opposite City Hall and the Supreme Court.

Before we left the park, one of us (I think it was Leonard) suggested this pose. Does it remind you of someone from our class?? *heez*

4. Dalhousie Obelisk (by Zong Lun)

2008-02-05T21:31:00.000-08:00

The Dalhousie Obelisk was built on February 1850 to commemorate the visit of then governor general of India, Marquis of Dalhousie to Singapore. His purpose of visit was to cut down on administrative expenditure in Singapore.

Merchants and traders were appalled that Singapore infrastructure was not kept in pace with the economic development and thus tried to win over Dalhousie influence to their favour by renaming a pier to Dalhousie Ghaut and marking the place with an obelisk.

The obelisk also served to remind future merchants and traders of the benefits of free trade. It was first sited at Dalhousie Ghaut, the current location of Connaught Drive, but due to the land reclamation it was re-sited to its present location in front of the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

On visiting the site, we were quite amazed what the structure meant as we never really go and check it out even though it is situated at such an area where people usually walk pass when we normally passed the area.

We have no idea what Amelia is doing...

The structure is important in understanding early Singapore history where the early merchants and traders were struggling to get a proper foothold and market up and running in Singapore. It also shows to what extent the early merchants would go to in order to get support for their economic security and improvement in Singapore.

We feel that to us, this site stands as an evidence and proof of the struggles and determination that the early businessmen had to go through in Singapore and also as evidence that what free trade policy have on Singapore as a trading settle have brought about the determination and demand to make Singapore a successful economic trading port by the early businessmen in Singapore.

Just to show how bright the sun was on that...

3. Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall (by Amelia)

2008-02-05T21:17:00.000-08:00

The beginning of the monument was born from the building of a town hall in 1862, during the period of Victorian Revivalism in Britain. This explains the architectural influence with Italianate windows and rusticated columns. Notably, the town hall was the first building in Singapore to reflect this style.

In 1901, the construction for a neighboring building started in memory of the late Queen Victoria. It was officially opened by the Governor of the Straits Settlements, Sir John Anderson on 18 October 1905 as the Victoria Memorial Hall.

The memorial hall was designed by Major Alexander Murray and the Public Works Department, with extra input by R. A. J. Bidwell from an architectural firm, Swan & Maclaren to harmonise it with the neighboring town hall. At the same time the town hall was given a makeover and hence creating a unified appearance by 1909.

In 1906, the signature clock tower was added. Standing in between the two buildings and connecting them with a common corridor, it rises to a height of 54 metres, and is topped by a timepiece donated by the Straits Trading Company.

In 1954, the memorial hall underwent renovations by Swan & Maclaren, and on 21 November, it was where the People’s Action Party was founded. The town hall was also heavily renovated and air-conditioned as the Victoria Theatre. In 1979, the memorial hall was renovated and was renamed as the Victoria Concert Hall.

The Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall was gazetted as a national monument on 14 February 1992.

Oops, is the place on sale??? *gasps*

2. Asian Civilisations Museum (by Malinda)

2008-02-05T21:01:00.000-08:00

The Asian Civilizations Museum (ACM) was built between 1864 and 1865, mainly for the purpose of serving as a Court House in the past. However, the place is now a site of tourist attraction, where exhibitions and some other events were held.

Apparently, there were 2 ACM, one located at Armenian Street and the other is located at Empress Place, which was the one my group and I went to for our trail. The ACM located at Armenian Street is currently undergoing renovation, and will not be opened till further notice this year. One thing to look out for at the new ACM at Armenian would be that, it will be a full-fledged Peranakan-themed Museum, showcasing Peranakan cultures.

Nonetheless, the ACM at Empress Place was simply amazing to us all. Just a brief background of the museum at Empress Place, it was opened on 2 March 2003, housing 11 galleries which showcases 1300 or so artefacts. The artefacts showcased, contain collections from civilizations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia/Islamic. One good thing about this museum is that, if you’re tired after a day’s viewing of artefacts, exhibitions, and what not, you may want to chill out at the café/restaurant located within the museum. A splendid view of the Singapore River could be seen while one is resting or while one is enjoying their meal! (:

We are proud to present to you... ASIAN CIVILISATIONS MUSEUM!!!!

Can you spot us??? =)

Anyone considering to attempt the assignment on Buddhism in India for AAH 104 should go for this special exhibitions gallery at ACM. You'd better be quick cos it ends on the 23 March 2008! =)

Now, let's move on to the national monument on the list!

1. Raffles' Landing Site (by Leonard)

2008-02-05T20:46:00.000-08:00

This is the starting point of our heritage trail. Situated along the Singapore River, this was stipulated to be the official landing site of the much renowned Sir Stamford Raffles. At this place, the statue of Raffles stands tall in its white pristine look, overseeing the land mass of the island of Singapore.

Standing tall and looking smart...

The wide acceptance and adulation of the colonizer is evident in what was inscribed on the statue of Sir Raffles. “This tablet to the memory of Sir Stamford Raffles whose foresight and genius Singapore owes its existence and prosperity.” Indeed it is interesting to note that our prosperity and success of Singapore today is not attributed to the years of nation building and the contributions of our early founding fathers of out little nation state but rather solely placed on the little shoulders of the coloniser. It seems to suggest that Sir Stamford Raffles was solely responsible for being a catalyst whose colonisation of this little island has set in motion for the island to grow into what it become today. Knowingly or unknowingly, this has let the idea that “Singapore was nothing before Raffles”.

This openly lavish adulation of a coloniser has a profound impact to the history of a nation. History itself is a study, it is open to interpretation by scholars who do research on such issues and finds. Yet, what shapes one’s interpretation and understanding of something that is as open as history is in one’s inherent mindset, culture and upbringing.

Thus it is dangerous to openly praise a colonizer, given that since such works and such “official” history are widely sanctioned by the government, people tend to accept it as truth. Intellectuals who thus study the artefacts and archaeological digs are hamstringed by the earlier “official” school of thought and their belief in it. This may result in inaccurate interpretations of events in history that may in the end give a skewed account of the country’s history.

However, whether this has resulted in the skewed idea of early/ancient Singapore history, it is uncertain. Records are unclear whether the lands mentioned in those records referred to the island of Temasek(what Singapore was known as back then) but archaeological finds tend to point towards Singapore as a fairly advanced civilisation back in the ancient times.

Scholars and intellectuals as well as history students still ponder over this question, was Singapore a mere fishing village before colonisation? This question still awaits an answer. Yet what can be sure is that the open adulation of Raffles’ Colonising of Singapore undoubtedly leaves a deep impact on the history of this nation.

Raffles wannabes...

Next up, we shall move on to the Asian Civilisations Museum @ Empress Place...

Before We Begin Our Journey...

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Our planning stage basically involved Jacelyn, who found a book (Discover Singapore: Heritage Trails) from the library that gives brief introductions to the places of interest within the civic district.

We then parcelled the various check points to individual members to research on the background and to do write up on the sites. We thus had our plan formed and ready to go.

But before we get started, some of us needed to grab a bite first...

Malinda is enjoying her burger, while Leonard is looking serious while examining our heritage trail worksheet...

Same goes for Zong Lun...

After we were fully fed, our adventure began!!!

The civic district trails consists of two walking routes. We started off with Trail One, which begins at the landing site of Sir Stamford Raffles and ends at The Arts House, also known as The Old Parliament House. However, being diligent and enthusiastic students, we continued our trail after the last stop. We trekked up the Fort Canning Park, although it is not part of the trail.

The civic district generally consists of old buildings with much historical significance to the history of Singapore. It enables us to understand the founding of Singapore through visiting the landing site of Raffles, know the important economical, social and political history of Singapore such as the Dalhousie Obelisk, the City Hall, the WWI and II memorials and it takes you back to the founding of pre-modern Singapore which is characterised by the archaeological dig from the Fort Canning Park.

We took around 2.5 hours to complete the whole trail. Although we were exhausted at the end, we all felt that we have accomplished a significant task that brought us closer to understanding and appreciating the history of Singapore.

Below shows the route that we have taken to complete the whole of Trail One...

(Adapted from Journey to Singapore's Yesteryears by Victoria School Singapore. Website: http://itclub.vs.moe.edu.sg/cyberfair2003/landmarks/index.html)

Let the thrill begins now...

(As you can see, we already had fun even before we began the trail!)

Brief Introduction of Civic District

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The Civic District is located to the north of the Singapore River, and is part of the legacy of the master plan created by Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore recognised by the majority.

Raffles' Town Plan in 1822 divided the hubs with the finance sector on the south bank of the Singapore River and the Civic and Government sector on the north bank.

And viola!

Civic District is here to stay.

In 1988, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) introduced a Civic District Master Plan to restore and endorse the area as Singapore's Civic and Cultural Hub by improving the parks and tree-lined sidewalks to allow pedestrians to have a pleasant walk.

Street furniture were specially designed and added to create a unique character for this area which contains Singapore's most valuable and historic structures, parks and national monuments.

In 1995, the Civic District Lighting Plan was initiated to enhance the beauty of the district, specially illuminating the historic landmarks and parks for a distinctive night scene.

Reference: Thangamma, Karthigesu, ed. 2006. Discover Singapore: Heritage Trails. Singapore: National Heritage Board.