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Causeway Red Light District
US prophylactic station
The existence of brothels in Townsville was known long before the commencement of WWII. However the large influx of American and Australian soldiers saw this 'service' expand considerably.
Townsville’s “red light district” was situated in Ford Street, behind the Causeway Hotel. A line of timber 'workers cottages' provided services to Australian and American serviceman alike. This included African-American serviceman until most of these segregated companies were transferred to New Guinea.
The locality was named after the nearby 'causeway' embankment and bridge that enabled travel to the city.
Nine houses occupied this side of Ford Street in 1942. However, by 1952 there were only five. At least two were destroyed by arson in 1945 and one residence was washed away by the 1946 flood. In an effort to erase the 'reputation' of the area, several Ford Street properties were purchased and removed by Townsville City Council. In c1969 this section was renamed Brodie Street and with the removal of the remaining houses, became vacant land.
Place information
Location
Place type
Recreation/community
History
In late 1942, Tom Aiken (Deputy Mayor of Townsville) was riding his bike home from the city when he noticed a crowd of soldiers behind the Causeway Hotel. At the centre were eight US Military Police with pistols drawn and several shot and injured Australians lying nearby. With colourful language, Aiken’s introduced himself and threatened the MP’s with official retribution. They then quickly departed and Aiken promptly forwarded telegrams to the Australian Minister for the Army and the American Commander in Chief detailing the incident.
Although the recreational facilities of the Causeway Hotel and Ford Street was likely the scene of...
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