The memorial hall underwent a revamp in 2010 and had recent just reopened.
晚晴院 was the local headquarters of Dr Sun Yat Sen Chinese Nationalist Parties. During World War 2, the Japanese used the building as a communication centre and office for their Military Police.
It is a very beautiful black and white villa, with nice garden. I can imagine how nice it is to stay in there, without the crowd around.
In the 2 storey memorial hall display lots of articles that has to do with Dr Sun's work. I particularly find this piece of wall with overlay of newspapers article interesting.
As usual, since it's a Sunday and is free, the place is very crowded.
We took bus 145 from Toa Payoh MRT, alight at the 3rd stop. So near yet so far. Heard you can walk from Novena MRT also. About 15 mins walk.
It is located at 12 Tai Gin Road (http://wanqingyuan.org.sg). I would think it is nearer to Balestier.
After that we decided to walk around to do some streets. Since there is a "Balestier Heritage Trail" somewhat like the Katong Heritage Walk i went previously. However, i think Katong seems nicer.
There is this particular stall we pass by at the corner of Boon Teck Road, offering water and tea to any thirsty passer-by at no charge. This service had been here since the old times, it is really a luxury back than when clean water is hard to come by. It was a act of charity for poor labourers such as drivers of horse carriages or bullock carts, rickshaw pullers and other workers toiling in the area.
Thong Teck Sian Tong Lian Sin Sian, a religious charitable organisation along Boon Teck Road continue to provide such service till today. It was said that in the past, there were 2 other such water point along River Valley Road by the present Liang Court and near Hoover Theatre along Balestier Road.
There are 2 container, suppose to be 1 for plain water and the other for tea. Comes with a small red cute cup. I believe there are still people around in this buzzling city who need this free supply of clean water more than us. I find this to be a very kind gesture of them to provide such for the poor working in the past, it shows the human touch around the community back than. I do not think we can find anymore such around this city.
Maybe I would visit the memorial hall again when it is less crowded so i can slowly look around the exhibition hall.
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