Hong Kong, street scene | Gwulo: Old Hong Kong

Hong Kong, street scene

Hong Kong, street scene
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View the original, larger copy of this image at the UWM website: http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/u?/agsphoto,4022

Date picture taken (may be approximate): 
Monday, January 1, 1940
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That bamboo staircase is quite interesting. Anyone know its function?

 

Hi there, I believe the street in the photo is Queen Victoria Street in Central. The building by the left was (and still is) the current version of Central Market, with the old Central Fire Station at the back. Traditionally local Chinese of conduct part of the funeral service at home. The staircase of the shophouse by the right could not accommodate the passage of the coffin. The bamboo staircase's function is primarily for moving the coffin from upper floor down to the hearse as shown in the foreground. Usually, there is usually a march to a funeral parlor, or straight to the cemetery. The wreaths on carts shown are likely what's prepared for the march. My 2 cents, T

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