six girls sharing a paper umbrella (1970)
caught in one of the worst floods experienced in singapore (1966)
waiting in the rain for the march-past contingent to come by (1966)
even in 1969, school girls shied away from carrying the paper umbrellas.
(all photographs from the national archives of singapore)
i think today's young ladies would rather be dead than be caught carrying the light brown over-sized waxed paper umbrella. i have not seen one around for a very long time except those decorative ones in chiangmai, thailand.
in the 50s and 60s, most people, except for young ladies who preferred the more 'feminine' cloth umbrellas, used this large umbrella in the event of a downpour. somehow, men are too macho to use an umbrella when there is a drizzle. ladies use their umbrellas, regardless of rain or shine.
i remember there was at least one shop along middle road that made and sold this type of paper umbrellas. bamboo was mainly used for the frame, which included the ribs and the shaft. i do not know what kind of paper was used but it was treated with wax to keep out the rain and the sun.
the waxed paper umbrella was large enough to accommodate two persons, unlike the 'ladylike' cloth umbrella. when brand new, the folds could be stuck together because of the wax. one reason for its demise could be that it was not as durable as the cloth umbrellas of today.
most men shy away from carrying foldable umbrellas. i carry one in my haversack all the time. it comes in so handy when you are walking in the middle of sungei buloh wetland reserve and the sky decides to open up.
