Whampoa's Ice House

Whampoa's Ice House was a factory near Coleman Bridge, Singapore. It was owned by Hoo Ah Kay, commonly known as Whampoa. A replica of the factory currently stands on the factory's former site.

History

The ice factory was completed in 1854, as part of a joint venture with nutmeg planter Gilbert Angus. The factory was built on land given to Hoo Ah Kay by the government in exchange for 60 acres of his nutmeg plantation, which was suffering from an island-wide disease. Ice was imported from the United States. It was initially assumed that the factory would be able to sell over a thousand pounds of ice a day. However, the factory only managed to sell four hundred to five hundred pounds of ice a day, causing the factory to close after two years in 1856.[1][2]

In 1861, an American firm took over ownership of the factory and reopened it. However, the attempt to revive the factory also failed.[3] In 1904, the factory was occupied by Tai Thong Rubber Works Ltd., the rubber company of businessman Tan Kah Kee.[4]

In 1981, the factory was demolished to allow for the widening of River Valley Road. A replica of the factory was later built on the former site of the factory.[4]

The factory possessed Victorian wrought-iron balustrade, which caused it to become a landmark.[2]

References

  1. ^ Tyers, Ray (9 March 1973). "The 'ice house' that Whampoa built —a key landmark". New Nation. Singapore. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  2. ^ a b Lay, Belmont (9 July 2019). "Whampoa Hoo Ah Kay imported ice to S'pore in 1854. It didn't melt". Mothership. Singapore. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  3. ^ Kassim, Ismail (25 January 1975). "Godown was a huge fridge". New Nation. Singapore. Retrieved 30 June 2022.
  4. ^ a b "Singapore River Walk". Roots. National Heritage Board. Retrieved 30 June 2022.

1°17′26″N 103°50′49″E / 1.29046°N 103.84683°E / 1.29046; 103.84683


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