Stories of Serangoon
Echoes of the Past
Take a step back into the past and see the stories of what made Serangoon it is today. From the old kampong to cherished memories, these stories remind us of where we came from and how far we’ve come.
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Discover the past that still lives within the Serangoon today.
Se Ranggong
History says that Serangoon was named after the bird 'Ranggong.'
'Ranggong' is a Malay word referring to a type of bird that is likely a stork, heron,
or egret which are commonly found in wetland and riverine environment.
Before redevelopment, there was a river flowing from Serangoon through Hougang out to the Straits of Johor. The river was home to many animals, and the most common was the bird 'Ranggong.'
Over time, the name Sungei Ranggong evolved to what we know now as Serangoon.
White-breasted Waterhen
Adjutant Stock
Heron
Which bird do you think it was?
Ang Sar Lee
"Ang Sar Lee" is a name that brings back memories for those who have seen the development of Serangoon Garden. It is a fascinating blend of local history and dialect.
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The name 'Ang Sar Lee' is a Hokkien name that translates into 'Red Zinc Roof.' It is commonly used among the older Chinese-speaking generations to refer to the area of Serangoon Garden in the past.
The name likely came from the red zinc roof houses that occupied the estate. Hence, the estate was known as 'Ang Sar Lee.'
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Even after the estate was developed and renamed Serangoon Garden, the name persisted in local memory and will always remain a part of the history of the area.
Hwi Yoh
Situated within Serangoon North Ave 1 is a rare and significant remnant that tells of the past of Serangoon. The kiln is closely tied to the area’s heritage which we know now at Hwi Yoh.
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Hwi Yoh is a Teochew term that translates to a ‘lime kiln.’ The name suggests that the area once had lime kilns which were used to process limestone to lime - materials important for construction and agriculture.
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Today, the kiln is preserved as an artifact that tells the story of what the area of Hwi Yoh and Serangoon was before being redeveloped.
