136 Nassau Street

The heritage value of 136 Nassau Street lies in its association with local businessman, John George Eckstadt (1825-1901) and its attractive architecture.

Eckstadt House or Maryfield Cottage, as it was once known, was built in approximately 1857. Charles Dalgleish may have built the cottage but it is not clear; however a notice appeared in the May 8, 1857 edition of the Islander newspaper stating that C. Dalgleish was selling the “new” cottage, leading one to believe that the cottage was built in approximately 1857.

John George Eckstadt purchased Maryfield Cottage from Dalgleish in 1857. Eckstadt was a local businessman, of German descent, who operated a restaurant on the corner of Queen and King Streets. He also owned St. Vincent’s Nurseries, which was located near his home. It is evident from newspaper advertisements that the Eckstadt family rented out the cottage on a number of occasions. An advertisement from 1883 stated, "This property consists of six acres of land with orchard, and has situate thereon a dwelling house containing 9 rooms, newly painted and papered, and in first class repair."

Located in a primarily late twentieth century residential area, Eckstadt House stands out among its neighbors. It was one of a few early homes built in what was referred to as the Charlottetown Royalty. The Royalty had been set-aside in the 1770s to provide farmland for the early citizens of Charlottetown. In time, a number of families of some wealth and prestige established estates there, the properties serving either as their principal residences or as semi-rural retreats. In the 1960s, the area was subdivided for residential development.

Sources: Heritage Office, City of Charlottetown Planning Department, PO Box 98, Charlottetown, PE C1A 7K2

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