At this corner in Tanjong Pagar, this wedged-shaped building has stood witness to over a hundred years of history…

Source: National Archives of Singapore

The building still stands today, looking well-kept and almost out-of-place amongs the tower skyscrapers surrounding it:

Its name and original function can still be seen on the building, although it’s probably been many decades since Singapore’s streets have seen a jinrikisha.

James writes about the the Jinrikisha Building and the surround neighbourhood:

Situated at the junction of Neil Road and Tanjong Pagar Road, the Jinrikisha Station is Singapore’s last reminder of the once ubiquitous rickshaw. Rickshaws were small, light-weight carts with springs and large wheels. The rickshaw puller worked two shafts protruding from the front of the rickshaw and ran between them. The rickshaw was first imported from Shanghai to Singapore in 1880 and by 1888, a Jinricksha Department was set up to register and license each rickshaw. By the end of the 19th century, there were about 1,000 rickshaw owners in Singapore. The demand for rickshaws was so great that Japan began manufacturing cheaper versions.

Check out James’ post here.