The Early Year – Moving into the Railway Quarter

In my earlier post, after we were told to move to make way for The Sentul Convent Primary School, Dad was wondering how to get a home to move into. Time was hard with 4 children to clothe and feed. Mum was always an optimistic and her strong faith in God has always seen her through tough times. This was one testing time. While Dad continues to worry, Mum continues to pray and hand the problem over to God.

One fine day, Dad came with a beaming face. You could see the exciting in his face and the happy face shines through. “Siew thow Ngah Lat” (Laugh until the teeth drop off), mum said. Everyone wondered what on earth is happening and my Dad have this knack to keep people in suspense. This makes us all the more curious.

After dinner, Dad told us the good news. His application for a Railway Quarter came through and we all have a place to stay. Mum was speechless and everyone was happy for us. Our new place is not far from where we were staying. It is just a stone throw from where La Salle Sentul School is today. I can still remember the address 920, Jalan Sembilan, Sentul.

Me facing the house, neighbours houses in background. Note the vast front lawn where it was our playgound. On my right 4 houses down we build a badminton court with the others kids on the block on heighbours land where there were no fences

I can remember when Dad was handed the key to the house; we all went to help to clean the house. Dad’s friends help to build a wooden decking in the master bedroom. It was an exciting time for us. Mum always remind us to place our trust in God, God will watch over us see us through both good and difficult times.

The big day came and we moved in. Our grandparents came along and stayed with us. 1^st uncle continued to live in the wooden house. He had bought a house in PJ and it was not completed yet. It was a race against time. Last Aunty moved to Sentul Flat. 1^st Aunty went to Ipoh to work for 3^rd Aunty as a maid. My 1^st Aunty husband passed away when my cousin sister Lan and her brother Thomas were still young. Uncles and aunties chipped in to raise my 2 cousins. Lan went with her mother to Ipoh while Thomas came and stayed with us. We were one happy family.

In my last trip back last April, I manage to get to Sentul and see the changes. I was hoping the Railway Quarter will still be around. It shocked me to see they have demolished the once serene neighbourhood with well planned street and houses with a big block of land. I understand new high rise flats will be build on it. I was devastated. The Methodist Boys School, which my brothers and I attended, is still there, La Salle School is still there and Sentul Convent Girl School, my sisters attended is still standing.

Land cleared where once our Railway Quarter was.

*A reminder to my younger brother, I hope you remember to compile whatever photos of our younger days. I am waiting for it. My blog need your help. Help!