Coleman Street is one of the oldest streets in Singapore, being part of city's original town layout. The street stretches from Armenian Street to St. Andrews Road. It was named after G. D. Coleman, the first architect in Singapore and Superintendent of Public Works. He was also a topographical surveyor and he was responsible for the 1822 draft layout of Singapore Town. His subsequent topographical survey of Singapore in 1829 led to one of Singapore's earliest known maps printed in 1836.
The National Archives, Philatelic Museum and the Masonic Hall stand along this road along with many of the buildings that Coleman designed as an architect.
The Masonic Hall
Masonic Hall at 23A Coleman Street is used for social activities and is also called the Freemasons' Hall. It was designed by Donald McLeod Craik and it was erected in 1879 and consecrated in 1886. The two-storey building had an imposing gate of black spikes. For many years, the building was known as rumah hantu, meaning "haunted house" in Malay, as people thought "strange ceremonies" took place here. Non-members are only allowed on the first floor where there is a bar, a dining room, a billiard table and a jackpot room. The area upstairs is known as the Temple, and is used for gatherings and ceremonies.
Philatelic Museum
The Singapore Philatelic Museum is located at 23B Coleman Street. The building was formerly the Anglo-Chinese School, and it was erected in 1906. In the 1970s, the building became the Methodist Book Room to serve the Methodist Episcopal Church, which stood at the grounds of the National Archives building.
The Singapore Philatelic Museum opened on 19 August 1995 to promote interest in the Singapore Postal Service and stamp-collecting. These galleries include displays from the private collections of philatelists, travelling exhibitions and themed exhibitions to commemorate new stamp issues.
Please return the cache in its original position carefully and out of sight. Remember, look out for muggles!