09/03/2014

5 vanished trades that helped build the nation

The Pioneer Generation

From storytellers to night soil collectors, they have all contributed significantly to Singapore in their own ways.

Despite the hardships they faced during the tough times, their loyalty to the nation never wavered, and together, they painstakingly built the nation.

Be it the Samsui women, who helped build many architectures in Singapore, or night soil collectors, they have all contributed significantly to Singapore in their own ways.


Pirate Taxi Drivers  
Pirate taxis, or more affectionately known as ba wang che, were a hit in the 1960s.


Night Soil Collectors
It’s a dirty job but someone’s got to do it.


Rediffusion’s Storytellers
Singapore would have been a nation of boredom before the 80s if not for the storytellers from Rediffusion.


Film Developers in the newspaper industry
Newspaper production was a lot more complicated before the 90s, especially when it came to the photos.


Rural Midwives
Before KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital, or more affectionately known as Tekka Hospital by the older generation, became the popular choice for baby delivery, infants were mostly delivered by rural midwives at the expectant mothers’ homes.

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