We've tried to ensure the information displayed here is as accurate as possible. Should there be any inaccuracies, we would be grateful if you could let us know at info@ipohworld.org . All images and content are copyright.
(Please click on the thumbnail for a bigger image.)
The Ipoh Padang (Recreation Ground) And And Some Important Events
The Beginning of the Ipoh Padang
In 1897, two citizens, C.G. Ogivile, a prominent miner and G.J. Penny, manager of the Strait Trading Company Batu Gajah, raised the funds for the acquisition of a public recreational ground in Ipoh to commemorate the Queen's Diamond jubilee.
The Chinese community supported the proposal and contributed over $43 000. The Padang Ipoh was born and was completed in 1908..
This photograph dates around 1900 and shows the Padang and part of Old Town. In the foreground of the picture a Bullock cart plods along the road, while in the distance can be seen Hale Street with its row of matching houses. On the right there are some government buildings.
A similar coloured postcard by A Kaulfuss shows a Ricjshae in almost the sane place.
Some Important Events
Seven and half acres in area, the Padang has been used for many sports and public gatherings. During the Japanese Occupation, "Every morning at 8 o'clock all the staff of the government offices in Ipoh gathered in the large football field in front of the Ipoh Club and participated in a bowing and allegiance ceremony."
When Subhas Chandra Bose visited Ipoh on 1 October 1943, he spoke to a large gathering here and recruited hundreds of volunteers for his Army of Free India.
On 31 May 1962, the Sultan of Perak declared the formation of the Municipality of Ipoh at this Padang, and the town of 200,000 people spent nearly $1 million to celebrate the occasion with a mammoth parade of 120 floats and other festivals. Much of the above is adapted from '1999 Janus Print & Resources - Published by the Perak State Government'.