19/11/2025
19.11.2025 - by Chung Chee Min, U6 1959
I opine that the brownish photo was taken in the early 1930s. There are no trees visible which suggests it was not too long after the school opened in 1930. There is also no swimming pool (built in 1938) nor that infamous "206" (built in 1960). The toilets were at both top and bottom ends of the "E" shape. (One of them was later merged c. 1958 into the library for more space.)
And that's the refectory in the photo at the back of the school hall which is today's junior library.
(A refectory is a dining room, especially in monasteries, boarding schools and academic institutions.)
In my time it was also used after school hours for society/club meetings and parties.
The refectory in the late 40s included the ice-water stall which later moved outside.
The present canteen was built in 1960 by Dr G E D Lewis: "206" was built at the same time close by.
Its former site was that of the workshop of the school carpenter, Loh Weng. This 1959 photo taken by me of Loh Weng (third from left) and his two sons with H.M. Dr Lewis, School Clerk Mr R. Pavee, Senior Asst. Mr Lim Eng Thye, and School Captain Krishna R, with the workshop cm bicycle park in the background.
Construction of Merdeka Stadium began in 1956 and I frequently hopped next door during the
recess to observe the progress. I watched as one of the precast towers (the one closest to the VI) was lifted and planted into place... (My photos below).
The stadium was completed in the nick of time to be opened on August 30, 1957. The next day was, of course, Merdeka Day.
Black & white Photo credits: Chung Chee Min.
