For more than a century, only one dwelling house stood in what is now the settlement of Eastville, on the eastern shore of Vineyard Haven harbor. The laying out of streets there did not begin until after 1834 - and the growth from then on was partly due to the influence of the Martha’s Vineyard Camp Meeting at what is now Oak Bluffs, in 1835. The camp meeting landing was at Eastville.

 

With the recent sales of Eastville real estate and the resulting plans for building in that neighborhood, this once important Island locality seems destined to return to its own once more. The reference “once important” is no reflection on Eastville’s present status. Everyone is familiar with the fine residences that line Temahigan avenue, but everyone is also familiar with the open tract given over to grass and brush for long known as the MacArthur tract.

A railroad deal which bids to play an important part in the high life of Cottage City has just been consummated. The Cottage City street railway has been sold to gentlemen interested in the Boston & Quincy Railroad company, and Josiah Quincy is president of the syndicate. Land near Norton’s store at Eastville has been purchased for the location of a power house, 40 by 70 feet, and work will be immediately begun for a first class electrical equipment. E. G.