I have a few school friends from this area and we used to go there when we were in school. Imagine cycling from Kajang there. No one in their right frame of mind would do that now (with the traffic). It was a bustling new village but it's so developed now but still having it's new village charm. Why not visit there if you can. They have a pasar malam every friday night and the morning market is also interesting.

Until the next time, cheers.

The Star, Wednesday September 14, 2011

Group to trace history of Cheras 11th Mile

CHERAS 11th Mile is a township steeped in culture and history. Its early history revolves around the bread making industry. Yet if you ask anybody living there today, chances are they would be clueless about it. 

 

Feeling the need to educate the younger generation about this important part of history spurred Tadika Harmoni headmaster Yong Yoon Yen to organise a Chinese Art and Cultural exhibition featuring the early history of Cheras 11th Mile.

“Why 11th Mile? There are many things about this township that people do not know and should know,” said Yong.

“The exhibition to be held on Oct 2 will feature a collection of art and old photographs depicting life here during the early 40s and if we are lucky, probably even earlier,” Yong said.

Yong said a team of 15 people have already started researching on the township and have started visiting families who have lived here for decades in order to collect and compile photos and information on the early history.

“We have been talking to temples, churches, Chinese associations and cultural groups to find out all we can about Cheras 11th Mile,” Yong said, adding that plans are also in the pipeline to compile the information in a book.

Apart from going to the old shops and houses, Yoong said they would also be visiting Wong Village which has its own history.

Members of her team have also been knocking randomly on people’s doors asking them if they had any records or old photographs dating over 50 years.

“Every day is a learning process, we keep finding out new things and making new discoveries, it is all very exciting,” said Yong.

The exhibition jointly organised by the Tadika Harmoni and the Lutheran Church 11th Mile congregation will be held at the Hoh Kee Tun Coffee Shop in Pekan Cheras.

An entire wall of the coffee shop will be used to display the old photos which will be displayed according to the time line it was taken.

The project was also being held to raise funds for a children’s library and a centre for children with learning disability.

“Currently the kindergarten doubles up as a place for pre-schoolers and for the special children to pick up skills, but we need a more conducive environment for the special children too,” she said.

Those interested in helping or seeking more details can call 03-9075 4228 and ask for Yong or Lai.