Wednesday, February 27, 2013

GMY Book Contest #6


Tim Light sent me this undated photo, which he probably scanned from a newspaper or magazine, suggesting that I post it as a quiz question. Trouble is I don’t know how on earth I am going to pick the winner seeing that I haven’t the faintest idea where is this place. The only hint comes from the sign which says, No. 2, Tanjong Pagar to Geylang.


12 comments:

FL said...

According to my 1968 S'pore Street directory, STC no. 2 detail route is a follow: Tg Pagar Rd, Neil Rd, Kreta Ayer Rd, New Bridge Rd, Hill St, Victoria St, Jln Sultan,Rochor Canal Rd,Kallang Rd, Geylang Rd,Jln Turin, Jln Geylang Serai, Geylang Serai, Joo Chiat Rd,Joo Chiat Rd & Place, Still Rd and Changi Rd.

Return via Changi Rd, Still Rd, Joo Chiat Place, Crane Rd, Onan Rd, Geylang Rd, Kallang Rd, Crawford St, North & South Bridge Rds, and Tg Pagar Rd.

Your photo shows bus no. 2 is from Tg Pagar to Geylang, but my 1968 version is from Tg Pagar to Changi Rd. Therefore, the photo location could be verified from the above roads given in the bus route, I think. Of course, some buildings/houses or streets along the route could have been demolished since 1968.

Lam Chun See said...

I think this photo could be way before 1968. Probably the 1950s.

Chris Lee said...

1948- around mid 1950 time frame where Ransomes trolley buses under-went refurbishment after the war

Lam Chun See said...

Thanks Chris. That was impressive. Now let's see if GMY readers can rise to the occasion.

FL said...

Yes, agree with you, the photo could have been taken around the 1950S. I had taken this STC trolley bus no. 2 very often as a young kid as my family was staying at the end area of STC bus terminal at Tg Pagar Rd. It was sited next to the then Tg Pagar Police Station.

Tim said...

My notes just say Singapore, late 1950s.

The trolleybuses were given a lighter livery in the mid 1950s (when new they were dark green). About 1962 the trolleybus system was shut down.

I remember the trolleybuses - only just.

Pastimes said...

The flats on the left looks like the nine storey flats at Upper Pickering Street and New Bridge Road.

Zen said...

I think before 1950 trolleybuses were taken off the roads.

Edwin said...

let me try to explain why there are two version of the end destination viz Geylang and Changi, for STC No 2. Up to 1962, STC No 2 was using the trolley bus which were connected to overhead lines. These overhead lines were mainly along the main roads which explained why the bus terminated along Geylang Rd. After 1962, the buses were motor-driven and STC No 2 terminal was at Joo Chiat Place, at the junction with Telok Kurau Road. The bus could passed through minor roads such as Crane Rd, Onan Rd.

peter said...

Cornr of Joo Chiat Road/Geylang Serai

Tim said...

Upper Pickering Road looks like a good bet.

I've sent Chun See a picture of this location that looks similar.

Icemoon said...

This was at Upper Pickering Street before the red-bricked block was built in the background (behind the bus).