American Red Cross Nurses Club
Watermark Restaurant and Bar
- Type
-
Recreation/community
- Region
Townsville
72-74 The Strand, Townsville 4810
The American Red Cross Nurses Club was located on the Strand in a converted civilian house. A previous club location had been inadequate, but the new one situated on the ocean front was found to have, “pleasant surroundings and an atmosphere conducive for rest and recreation".
History
The large verandah of the house was utilised for sleeping accommodation. It housed not only nurses but Red Cross workers as well. There was a nearby tennis court and beach swimming was opposite. Birthdays and farewells of American Red Cross staff were also held here. In 1943 it was planned to construct an adjoining building for additional sleeping quarters and bathrooms.
The house, located where the current Watermark Restaurant and Bar is situated, was demolished post-war.
Source/comments
Base Two, The Bayonet of Australia, Volume One, Notes from American War Records of World War Two, Vol 1. [Typescript held in North Queensland Collection, James Cook University].