We experienced Vanishing Chinatown Trades first-hand this morning at Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Mobile Cinema
Did you know movies were charged according to duration back in the old days?
If this pricing strategy applied today, just imagine how much Lord of the Rings / Star Wars / Titanic / (Insert Bladder-Busting Film Title Here) would set you back.
The films currently screened are Mickey Mouse, Woody Woodpecker and Westerns ‘Hopalong Cassidy’ and ‘The Comedy Gang’, which were actual films that were shown in the past.
Parakeet Fortune Teller
We got our fortune read by a fortune teller who relies on a parakeet to pick her cards.
Here’s how it works.
You tell the fortune teller your name.
She relays your name and instructs the parakeet to pick a card.
The parakeet picks up a card which tells your fortune.
Traditional Barber
‘How traditional?’, we wondered.
Well, Mr Lee does offer shaves with razors of the non-Gilette variety.
His tools have a vintage feel…
… and he also performs ear cleaning services.
While cleaning my ears, Mr Lee was kind enough to offer tips to avoid inflammation of the ear cavity while doing my own cleaning.
While seated in the barber’s chair, I overheard a visitor tell his friend that his first experience with ear cleaning was a bit intimidating. But after that, he’d never patronise barbers who didn’t offer this service. Sounds like a good time to plug Mr Lee’s Wah Keow Barbershop at 51 Joo Chiat Place.
Face threading
We gave this traditional beauty routine for removing facial hair a shot.
The beautician starts off by powdering your eyebrows.
Then instructs you to use your finger to keep your eyelid shut.
And she’s off!
The lady in green was telling her friend how she used to follow her mother along for her face-threading sessions.
Tools of the trade
Freshly-threaded eyebrows!
Another satisfied customer
From 26 – 28 May 2006, every entry ticket to Chinatown Heritage Centre‘s galleries allows you to enjoy these activities for free.
Related articles on Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Cubicle Life
Museum Hoppin’ – A Sneak Peek
8 Responses
Thanks for the photos. I like the one of the powder box (3rd from the bottom). My mother used to apply this powder. If my memory serves me well, she calls it Hoi Tong Fun (???)in Cantonese.
The barber in Our Kampongalso was just like the one you described.
Posted on May 26th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Hey!
I think I was there at Chinatown Heritage Centre the same time as you today.
I recognize your screaming friend from the face threading. Scared me totally! Sounded like it hurt alot!
Posted on May 26th, 2006 at 4:02 pm
Hey there Emily, thanks for dropping by our site, hope you enjoyed your time at Chinatown Heritage Centre as much as we did.
About our screaming friend, she was just being theatrical, weren’t you, angela?
Posted on May 26th, 2006 at 5:52 pm
Ya, she so was! We wanted to U-tube her. I did the threading after her and it didn’t hurt at all.
Posted on May 27th, 2006 at 11:52 am
It seems like in order not to ruin the good business of the face threading beautician, angela might wish to hold a sign saying “For theatrical effects only”. *just joking*
Posted on May 27th, 2006 at 3:33 pm
*runs away and hides in a corner* so embarrassing. i wasn’t being drama! it was my first time :S
Posted on May 28th, 2006 at 3:44 pm
Ah Angela. I see. First times may not be easy. The good thing is that you’ve survived! You’re a brave one.
Posted on May 29th, 2006 at 1:48 pm
Ah Angela. I see. First times may not be easy. The good thing is that you’ve survived! You’re a brave one.
Posted on December 10th, 2010 at 5:12 pm
Add A Comment