In response to Cee’s Black & White Photo Challenge: Older Than 50 Years (1965).

My Singapore, the place that I call my home.

Singapore is celebrating her golden jubilee this year. She is into her 50th year of independence after 144 years of British rule, followed by merger with and separation from Malaysia. Many sites and memories of Singapore come from her time under British rule, and are well above 50 years of age.

The photos below show two shophouses built in 1916 and 1939, along Joo Chiat Road, Singapore. It was common for the year of completion to be stated clearly on the outside of shophouses back then.

Click photo to enlarge.

These shophouses are now under conservation, so there could be modern commercial activities being carried out in these shophouses, such as the Awfully Chocolate cafe seen in the photo above, or minimal change.

The sights along Joo Chiat Road are truly unique and full of contrast. It is a site well-worth visiting if you tour Singapore.

Do you prefer the past or the present? Elaborate.

Click on the banner below to read more and/or participate in the Black & White Photo Challenge.

You may also find Cee’s response, to this challenge for this week, here.

Enjoy.