This 1870s photograph shows a view of Japan Street leading to Amoy Street. Japan Street was renamed Boon Tat Street after the Second World War. The Nagore Dargah Shrine on Telok Ayer Street is on the left of the photograph. The hill at the back was originally known as Scott's Hill, named after Charles Scott, who had a nutmeg and clove estate on the hill. Scott then sold the estate to John Gemmill, and the hill was renamed Gemmill's Hill. Gemmill subsequently sold the estate to Chia Ann Siang, after whom the hill is presently named. Chia was a wealthy Chinese businessman who built a house and estate on the hill. Title devised by Library staff. Information contributed by Richard Hale. Date of creation estimated.
All rights reserved. Lee Kip Lin and National Library Board, Singapore 2009.