If We Dream Too Long (Singapore in the 1960s)
"All these colonial names, indelibly stamped everywhere." - page 4
1. Victoria Memorial Hall (now Victoria Concert Hall)
For my information: Near Clarke Quay MRT
I only knew a little about Victoria Concert Hall - it underwent reconstruction (again) not too long ago. And it was a popular performance venue for orchestras besides the Esplanade theatre. I did not know it was actually Victoria Memorial Hall in the past (thought they were two separate buildings).
In addition, it seems that Victoria Memorial Hall did not turn out to be just a result of British patriotism or just a theatre. It has served as a memorial, a hospital, a court, and is now a home for the performing arts, playing a part in revving up the arts scene in Singapore.
1902 to 1905: built in memory of Queen Victoria’s reign
Early 1942: became a hospital for victims of bombing raids by the Japanese during WW2
1946 to 1947: used as a location for war crimes courts
1979: renamed to Victoria Concert Hall and was the official home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO)
Source: https://thelongnwindingroad.wordpress.com/tag/victoria-memorial-hall/
2. Fullerton Building
For my information: Near Raffles Place MRT
Once again, I had to think twice about the relationship between the Fullerton Building and the posh "The Fullerton Hotel". And once again, they refer to the same building.
Before WW2: housed government offices, the first tenant was the General Post Office
WW2: an asylum, hospital, and later the headquarters of the Japanese Military Administration
From 1999: bought and refurbished into "The Fullerton Hotel"
Source: http://eresources.nlb.gov.sg/infopedia/articles/SIP_523_2005-01-19.html
3. Odeon
For my information: Near Bras Basah MRT
I recall a reference to the "Odeon" in "The Whitsun Weddings" by Philip Larkin. After some readings, it appeared to me that the "Odeon" in Singapore and the one Larkin refers to are run by the British. As such, I put this account together with those of the Victoria Memorial Hall and the Fullerton Building, because they remind me of Singapore's past as a British colony.
The Odeon was a popular cinema complex and thus a popular hangout in the past, especially when the television was not yet ubiquitous and when there were no computers or online platforms for social gatherings.
It was opened in 1953, but subsequently closed down, sold off and demolished about three decades later in 1984 due to media piracy and possibly the spread of television. It was replaced by the Odeon Towers, which now houses offices.
If you wish to rent an office: http://www.odeontowers.com/
Therefore, it is unsurprising for authors writing about or writing during this time in Singapore to refer to the Odeon.
There are also other cinemas which are no longer around in Singapore today, but when we think about how so many people have spent so much time in these cinemas back then, there is no way we can dispense with their rich historical values.
Other cinemas: http://remembersingapore.org/2012/08/02/singapore-cinemas-history/
Source: http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/1536
