This building with pink and white bricks may look familar to many but the name of the building (Vanguard Building) sounds alien but mention the old MPH Building it would be familar with many. MPH Building used to house the MPH Bookstore. I remember spending my teenage years browsing through the books. I especially like the greeting cards that they sold but as a student I was too poor to buy them then.
This building is located at the junction of Armenian Street and Stamford Road which is once the shopping hub of Singapore. But now the streets are so quiet.
The buildings are all very old and filled with many european designs. All these buildings are now preserved.
A street away from Vanguard Building(old MPH Bulding), is another old and beautiful building called Stamford House at Hill Street.
The building was originally built for Seth Paul for his tenant, the retail firm Whiteaway Laidlaw & Co, who carried out their business there. The Stamford House was originally known as the Oranje Building and served as an annexe to the Raffles Hotel. In 1933, it became the Oranje Hotel and was probably used by the Japanese forces as such during World War II. Basco Enterprises acquired it in 1963 and later renamed it Stamford House after refurbishment. Together with Shaw Building, it was once the shopping hub of Singapore. You can read more of its history from infopedia
Walking through the path, I saw many shops that are emptied at Stamford House. Another restoration or takeover is being discussed. Not sure what or who is taking over Stamford House along with Capitol Theatre which is adjacent to Stamford House. You can see my previous post about Capitol Theatre .
Doors of one of the empty shop.
Victorian designs on the top of the shop.
While passing by those empty shops, I happen to look at the pillars of Stamford House, I realised all the photos with hand prints in cement of actors/actresses and Singers from Singapore, Hong Kong and Taiwan. It was so long ago that these were created and judging from the photos of these actors, they looked so young but some of them are already in their forties or fifties now. I think most have already forgotten about these posters.
When they started these, they tried to have a kind of hall of fame for these actors/actresses but hmmm seems so deserted and nobody seems to pay any notice except me clicking photos of them hahaha.
Sorry for the little pink in this week's post.
For more pinky participants, please visit Beverly of How Sweet The Sound.
8 comments:
Happy Pink Saturday. Your pinks have some blues to them. You know, empty streets and shops, people sort of forgotten. But you brought them out in this post. I've never been to Singapore. Sometimes, it's just a place on the globe. But you've personalized it for me. I'm in Central Texas, a long way away. We have our busy and empty streets. Our history, good and bad, too. Sometimes, it's nice to take a moment to reflect on all that. Thanks, enjoyed my visit. Jenn
loved all the architectural photos - wonderful to view. Hope you have a fun pink weekend.
I enjoyed reading your post and appreciate the significance and history. Thank you for sharing. You have inspired me to photograph historical buildings in my home town and post for next saturday.
Happy PS
Debbie
Thank you for all the nice comments and visit. Happy Pink Saturday.
wooden doors are among my favorite subject. though somehow bad as trees are cut but if used and treasured, it's worth.
i applaud s'pore for all the preservations of old buildings. i hope every country does that.
Wow, I never knew about the Hall of Fame. Thanks for sharing this information, I learn something new from you each time. Cheers!
Mable, we learn from each other. Your blog is very educational. Singapore is so small but we can find forgotten jewels among our walk. :)
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