From the Archive

Rediscover stories from Hong Kong’s industrial past, published on this date in previous years.

Lee On Construction (利安建築) and Lee On Realty (利安地產)

Lee On Construction, Lee On Realty Detail Image 2 York Lo

York Lo: Lee On Construction (利安建築) and Lee On Realty (利安地產) Lee On Construction ad of Lee Man Building and Lee Wah Building in Mongkok in 1961 (WKYP, 1961-9-5) While Stanley Ho (何鴻燊, 1921-) might be best known for his gambling interests in Macau, he is also a pioneer in the HK real estate industry who co-founded and later served […]

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New China Enamelware (新華琺瑯廠)

New China Enamelware Image 1 York Lo

York Lo: New China Enamelware (新華琺瑯廠) New China on Castle Peak Road in 1959 (HKU Libraries Image Collection) New China Enamelware Co, known for its “Horse Head” brand (馬頭牌) of enamelware, was one of the leading enamelware manufacturers in Hong Kong before its closure in 1970. In fact, it ranked number two behind I-Feng Enameling at one point and was […]

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Request for information about two 19th century ships: the mail steamer Rangoon and the steam ship Glencairn

Victoria Gaol, Hong Kong Undated Source Historical Photographs Of China

Hugh Farmer: Ali Foster, who lives in New Zealand, recently sent the following message: I came across your excellent website and am hoping you might be able to help me. I am searching for as much detailed information about two ships, the mail steamer, Rangoon and the steamship, Glencairn.  I would love to know what it was like on board […]

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The History of Quarrying in Hong Kong 1840-1940, 2012 article

HF: This Report of the project “The history of quarrying in Hong Kong 1840 – 1940” is supported by the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust. It was written by SW Poon and KY Ma and published in 2012. The report is divided into the following sub headings. I have extracted the first paragraph of each section, omitting references, to give you an […]

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Quarry Maps then and now – Jordan Valley, Anderson Road, Diamond Hill, Kwai Chung and Cha Kwo Ling

Thomas Ngan and HF: Quarrying and Stone Breaking have a very long history in Hong Kong. Firstly providing dressed building stone and later aggregate for concrete. Before 1966 there were many small ‘permit’ quarries scattered across Hong Kong. These mainly produced dressed building stone. The last of these quarries closed in 1974 after which only larger, licenced quarries were in […]

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