The provision shop at Datoka Crescent is manned by an old couple, toiling from dawn to dusk and serving the quiet estate well for more than 50 years.
Tucked in the corner of block 12, the provision shop’s antique signboard catches the eye easily. The rusty spring-loaded metal gates are also remnants of the past.
A variety of biscuits are sold in separate metal containers, while drinks, syrups, eggs, instant noodles, onions and potatoes are displayed in their respective shelves and baskets. Other goods are packed neatly in the old shop with limited space. To advance with time, the provision shop also sells ice-cream in a chiller nowadays.
Like the mama shops, old traditional provision shops face the challenge from minimarts and convenience stores. The number has dropped from 1,200 in the seventies to less than 200 islandwide now. Many younger generations have little desire to continue this struggling business which their forefathers had guarded religiously in the past decades.
In September 2011, National Heritage Board (NHB) included provision shops as part of the Singapore Memory Project, in an effort to record down this history that plays an important role in our local culture.
The picture above shows a typical provision shop in the eighties, displaying a large variety of dried food at the front of its shop. The shopowner would use a large milo can attached to the ceiling to deposit his daily income.
The Singapore Provision Shop Friendly Association (新加坡杂货店联谊会) is part of the Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (SCCCI), representing the interest of the provision shops in Singapore.
The estate of Dakota Crescent, located off Old Airport Road, is a peaceful neighbourhood consists of 14 white blocks of flats of not more than 10 storeys tall.
Dakota was more lively when the nearby Kallang Airport was in operation from 1937 to 1955. The name itself was named after American transport aircraft Dakota DC-3, which was massively produced during the World War II and a common plane to land at Kallang Airport.
Published: 08 September 2011
Indeed this is a forgotten place! I used to cycle around when I was young and it has been years since I been to this place though staying a few blocks away at Cassia Crescent. I believe it is the rare few remaining 2-storey housing in Singapore!
Hi, I was wondering what happened to the people in Block 48 No 204a Dakota crescent, i use to know Some of the Teo family and was wondering where they are.They were Robert Teo and Nancy Teo and their Father worked in a Electrical shop i think. They use to Know me as JAMES. Any information would be great. This would have been in 1966 to 1976.
Many thanks
Any readers who happen to know this.. please help
This blog is amazing; thank you so much for your effort.
Actually there’re also a few places like this in places like Tanglin Halt and Tiong Bahru.
I believe this shop was use as a location shot for one of the children’s program in 2007 or 2008. Can’t recall the name of that program but think it was aired on Sundays around 10am or so. I wonder if such blocks may be selected for en-bloc in the future.
The shop is just opp my late grandma flat.. unfortunately my grandma died in a fire in her Dakota Cres flat. miss her,miss dakota,miss the shop..used to buy ciggies there every year on my Hari Raya visit to My Grandma place..
I remember there was a traffic circular near Kallang area where there were big neon lights billboards. Any idea what is the exact location?
There are very few things on the internet that can bring so much nostalgia. Especially local websites. This is one of the few. Well done!
Ex president S R Nathan talks about our lack of established identity as a nation. I think he has not yet seen your blog. I reckon this is a great starting point.
I just chanced upon this blog today and I am amazed! I actually took a few photos of this unique shop, and I believe there’s actually a row of flats on the second floor. It’s a very simple and rustic place. Even the pavement and walkway along the canal looks so retro too! Shall bookmark this site and hopefully share some other amazing places with you too.
does anyone if this place still around? especially the provision shop. is it still in operation?
email me vincent.egh@gmail.com many thanks
Still around. Been there few months back.
I grew up in Block 2 dakota Close.Grandparents are still staying there:)
They were the first few families that move in during the 50s.
This Tian Kee provision store sure brings back memories. During my Kindergarden days. My Kindergarden is at the other end, along Dakota Crescent. The place is now demolished. Now, Dakota ressidences (condo) is now sittting on the Kindergarden site. The 2 storey building where the Kindergarden is share the same design as this provision shop.
Every morning My Aunt will fetch me to school, and this provision shop is the standard checkpoint. My Aunt will stop by and buy me sweets, titbits or soft drinks (the era of glass bottles and packets of ice.)
And of course not to mention the daughter of the provision shop. She was my kindergarden classmate.
Haven’t seen her and her family for a very long time. From my memories, they used to say at the 4 story flats along Dakota Crescent(1979). In 1990s, Did saw their family visited a clinic in Tampines 800+ Clinic.
That’s about it. Still go back to grandparents’ place for family tree celebration twice a year.
I do hope the place will stay as it is for the next decade.