The U.B.D. Northern Territory Directory 1962-63 is a fascinating piece of memorabilia from pre-Cyclone Tracy Darwin. This directory, published by Universal Business Directories (U.B.D.), served as a comprehensive resource for residents and businesses in the Northern Territory during the early 1960s. It includes a wealth of information such as residential and business listings, advertisements, maps, and local services.
Key Features:
- Historical Snapshot: The directory offers a detailed view of Darwin and other Northern Territory communities before the region’s significant transformation in the following decades. It highlights the structure of businesses, social connections, and lifestyle during this time.
- Advertisements: Many pages feature local business ads, from hotels and restaurants to trades and professional services, reflecting the economic and cultural priorities of the era.
- Mapping: The inclusion of maps provides insight into the layout of Darwin and surrounding areas, capturing a moment in time before the city was rebuilt after Cyclone Tracy.
- Pre-Cyclone Tracy Context: As part of the Cyclone Tracy memorabilia collection, this directory serves as an important contrast to the post-cyclone recovery. It highlights a world that was largely swept away by the 1974 disaster.
Legacy and Collectability:
For historians and collectors, this directory is a valuable artefact, offering a glimpse into the daily life and infrastructure of Darwin and the Northern Territory in the early 1960s. It provides context for understanding the social and economic landscape of the region before Cyclone Tracy reshaped it forever.