Eastville’s history can be explored through three distinct landmarks: Eastville Cemetery, Springside United Church, and Eastville Schoolhouse. Their dates span the cemetery’s beginnings in 1856, the church’s construction in 1857, and the schoolhouse’s construction in 1876. Rather than focusing on a single period, they represent a sequence of different architectural and community functions. For travellers interested in heritage, this thematic connection offers a concrete way to decide whether Eastville is a suitable destination for their stay. The church, schoolhouse, and cemetery each provide a distinct perspective on the community’s history.
Springside United Church: Construction, Opening, and Dedication
Springside United Church was built by John Crockett in 1857, opened in 1858, and dedicated in February 1859. These dates mark three separate milestones—construction, opening, and dedication—and provide a precise chronology of the church’s history. Springside United Church is a municipal heritage property in Eastville.
When it closed on September 30, 2019, it was the oldest church building in the Stewiacke Valley. In January 2020, the Springside Community Centre Association acquired the former church and the adjoining hall. The Association’s mandate is to preserve the heritage buildings and operate an independent community centre. The history of the complex therefore includes both its religious past and its subsequent acquisition by the Association and its preservation mandate.
Eastville Schoolhouse: Architecture and Change
Eastville Schoolhouse was built in 1876 in the Classic Greek Revival style. In the late 1940s, it was moved 50 to 75 feet and placed on a concrete-block foundation. Its exterior remains largely original, with the exception of the steel roof. Its style, relocation, and state of preservation each tell a different part of its architectural history: the style identifies the building’s architectural character, the relocation marks a later change, and the largely original exterior preserves part of its appearance. Today, the schoolhouse is used as a community centre.
Eastville Cemetery: From Family Cemetery to Community Cemetery
Eastville Cemetery is located in Eastville. It began in 1856 as a family cemetery on part of Charles Cox’s farm in Upper Stewiacke; it later developed into a community cemetery. The place names refer to different aspects of its history: Eastville is the cemetery’s location, while Upper Stewiacke is part of the history of the farm property where it began. Its transition from a family cemetery to a community cemetery adds a history of changing community use to that of the church and schoolhouse buildings.
Travel Planning Note
If you are planning an interior visit, confirm visiting arrangements in advance: Springside United Church closed in 2019, while Eastville Schoolhouse is now used as a community centre. This will help you align your plans with the cultural focus of your stay.
Discover more destinations: Five Islands, Brookfield, Truro, Upper Stewiacke, Great Village, Riverside, Alton, Tatamagouche
For the broader travel overview: Colchester County.
