1937 - View looking down Centre Street and over Sai Ying Pun.

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1937 - unnamed street; reassurance sought

This 1937 photographic image, taken by William Lange of an unnamed Hong Kong street, is simply captioned: A typical Hongkong street scene. Perhaps a view looking down Pottinger Street; but I don’t feel confident labeling it as such. Seeking reassurance, or correction, by a better informed Gwulo colleague.

UPDATE: Thank you Gwulo Colleagues for your combined, informed commentary, much of which is lost on me. (Afterall, I was the one who suggested Pottinger Street as a possible candidate. lol.) Perhaps I can now, without offending any colleagues, tentatively label the image as: View looking down Centre Street and over Sai Ying Pun. 

Date picture taken
1937
Author(s)
William Lange
Shows place(s)
Stonecutters Island [????- ]
Shows street(s)
Centre Street [????- ]

Comments

Hi there,

Based on the steps at the top where the photographer was standing, it might be where Peel Street meet Caine Road.

T

Same thoughts as cw. First impressions, looks like open water to Stonecutters Island. Centre Street is a strong candidate.

I was pondering on either Centre Street or Eastern Street, but I think given the amount of Stonecutters that can be seen it is most probably the former. Also, I may be wrong, but I think Centre Street was the only one to have steps at the southern end as seen here?

Hi Phil,

Eastern Street also has steps at the top, but if it was Easter Street, there should be a familiar building of the Mental Hospital, as well as King George V Memorial Park with the retention wall.

T

I guess I'm wrong then lol

My gut feeling though that the style of stairs on Centre Street, even today, is a better match to those on the image. Older maps of Eastern Street steps show a much different configuration.

Good find cw. Well done!

If one looks at both photographs, it would appear the photos were taken by the same photographer from the same spot after a very short interval. Some of the pedestrians appear to be the same.

Thank you Gwulo Colleagues for your combined, informed commentary, much of which is lost on me. (Afterall, I was the one who suggested Pottinger Street as a possible candidate. lol.) Perhaps I can now, without offending any colleagues, tentatively label the image as: View looking down Centre Street and over Sai Ying Pun.