Recently, there have been quite a number of local TV programmes depicting Singapore in its early days, things that we grew up with and food/snacks that we used to eat when we were little kids. These certainly brought back some nostalgic childhood memories for me.
And so happened I was walking around the Arab Quarter the other day and came across this tiny shop-house museum along Bussorah Street.
The shop front of the Children Little Museum
This older gentleman sitting on the steps in the foreground was the caretaker of the Children Little Museum that day. The moment we approached, he immediately stood up to tell us we could visit the museum at a nominal fee of $2.00 per person. He added the owners weren’t around so he was only helping out for the day. He requested cash payment on the spot, took the money but didn’t issue any receipt. Seemed quite dodgy but it was alright.
The Children Little Museum was formerly known as the Grandfather’s Shop till 2003 and it was started by three local vintage collectors who wanted to share a slice of the good old days with people.
I shall let the pictures give you a little tour of the museum…
Unofficial entrance mascot
A tiny mama stall by the main entrance that sells old time games and toys
On the second level, you’d see this old-fashioned stationery and book shop
I remembered using these crayons during art lessons in kindergarten and primary school!
My Granny’s gambling favourite besides Mahjong…Si Sek Pai 四色牌
I used to collect such erasers during primary school days! Each piece was about 10 cents then.
I laughed when I saw this because I remembered the times when my primary school form teacher caught someone in class talking and not paying attention, she would throw the duster at the student and decorate his face with white chalk dust! It was always a bull’s eye aim!
My maternal grandfather gave us a similar typewriter before. If I’m not wrong, my parents might still have kept it in their house. Wonder if it’s considered an antique now.
Green Spot was slightly before my time but I enjoyed drinking sodas off bottles like these. I think each bottle probably cost 50 cents in the 80s?
Street vendor style drink stall
Makeshift barber shop
Cream crackers and peanuts came in metal tins
Back downstairs…
we saw this vintage-looking backyard area…
The husband thought this was a real cafe but after a closer look, everything on display were just props.
I agree! I love Coke!
To a vintage collector, this is truly a treasure trove of precious finds and some of these items are actually on sale (not cheap!). Prices are negotiable of course.
We used this model of telephone in the 80s! And it was a green one if I remembered correctly.
Retro stereo system
Retro jackpot machine
Bought these five stones at $1.00. I love playing with these when I was little!
It’s a pity my husband didn’t appreciate this museum tour as he didn’t grow up here so he wasn’t familiar with most of the things on display but the moment I went upstairs, I was awed by the impressive collection of old school stuffs. Every item I pointed at, I could relate to it with a story. The museum isn’t huge but good enough to have a glimpse of the past and to relive the old days. It will just take less than an hour. The caretaker did mention that the $2.00 admission fee is just a token so guests would value their visit, absorb and appreciate everything slowly. True enough, I did.
Children Little Museum
42 Bussorah St
Admission price: $2.00 per person
Open: 11.00am to 9.00pm daily
My little boy would lose his mind in this museum – thank you for sharing these pictures!!!
Thank you for stopping by! Oh yes, I’m sure your boy would have lots of fun exploring this museum! I was really fascinated when I was there!
in your pic, i saw the ” four color card”, now where can i buy it? i want to buy it for my grandmum
Hello Joe, I bought it from an old provision shop at Blk 607 Ang Mo Kio Ave 4 (there’s only one provision shop at the void deck). Just tell the auntie at the counter you’re looking for ‘si se pai’ and she will get it for you. Cheers.