Did you know of a hidden gem nestled amidst Singapore’s bustling cityscape? It’s a place where the stories of Singapore’s pioneers whisper through the leaves. I am talking about Seh Ong Cemetery. Seh Ong Cemetery, often referred to as part of Greater Bukit Brown, holds a unique place in Singapore’s history. It began in the 1870s as a village and burial ground for Chinese immigrants, particularly those of the Ong clan from Fujian. The land was purchased by three Ong clansmen: Ong Hew Ko, Ong Ewe Hai, and Ong Chong Chew. They then entrusted the land to the Seh Ong Kongsi, a Hokkien clan association. Let’s step back in time to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Singapore faced a growing need for burial grounds. Existing Chinese cemeteries were overcrowded, and private cemeteries were becoming scarce. The Municipal Commission, then governing Singapore, embarked on a quest to establish a municipal Chinese cemetery. Several locations were considered. In 1919, their sights landed on Seh Ong Cemetery. Despite the Ong Kongsi’s resistance to selling, the land was acquired through compulsory acquisition. This marked a turning point for Seh Ong Cemetery. It became part of the larger Bukit Brown Municipal Cemetery, which opened in 1922. While some of the original Seh Ong Cemetery remains, it’s now intertwined with the story of Bukit Brown. By 1973, Bukit Brown, including the original Seh Ong section, closed its gates to further burials. It now stands as a testament to Singapore’s rich past, a final resting place for an estimated 100,000 souls, including prominent figures like Tan Ean Kiam and Chew Boon Lay. In 1998, some graves from Seh Ong Cemetery were exhumed for upgrades to the Pan Island Expressway, another chapter in its evolving story. Today, Seh Ong Cemetery offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. It’s a living museum where the stories of Singapore’s pioneers and their descendants continue to resonate.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to