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Nova Scotia's First Provincially Registered Streetscape
Compliments of the Ragged Islands Historical Society
65 John Street
PO Box 437
Lockeport NS B0T 1L0
(902) 656-2352
July-August
About the Streetscape
Officially registered on June 30, 1998 the Locke Family Streetscape is Nova Scotia’s first Provincially Registered Streetscape. Located in the Town of Lockeport, it includes five historic homes situated at the lower end of South Street and overlooking the Lockeport Harbour. It is unique in that all five dwellings are affiliated with the Locke family. Indeed, four of these five dwellings were built for the children of merchant Samuel Locke. As well, the well-preserved homes of the streetscape represent the three historic eras of Nova Scotia domestic architecture which includes Colonial, Georgian, and Victorian.
Located at the beginning of the Streetscape is a large stone monument which pays tribute to this unique piece of Nova Scotia Heritage. The monument was designed and crafted by Heritage Memorials (Windsor, N.S.) and was erected with the cooperation of the Department of Tourism and Culture, and the Town of Lockeport and also through private donations.
The Area
The Town of Lockeport is located on the Southeastern coast of Shelburne County. It is comprised of an island and a mainland strip joined by a causeway which runs the length of Crescent Beach (Which has been immortalized on the back of Canada’s former fifty dollar bill.)
Historically, Lockeport was part of the area known as Ragged Islands which spanned from East Green Harbour to Little Harbour. The area was first settled around 1760-1761 by settlers from the New England States. Among the first to arrive were Josiah Churchill and Jonathan Locke, M.D.
During the 1800’s the area flourished with a booming West Indies trade and a thriving fishery. Towards the end of the nineteenth century Lockeport also prospered with strong tourist businesses.
Today, the main industry is the fishery; however, the memory of the bygone days of sail and trade is kept alive through the preservation of the homes which stand as legacy from that era.
The Homes
Built in 1876 for Captain Henry Locke, this Victorian home is well preserved inside as well as outside. In 1892 a cousin named Churchill Locke who was a merchant in the fishery and West Indies trade purchased the dwelling. The present owner is a direct descendant of Churchill Locke.
The dwelling is Second Empire in style, which is characterized by the mansard roof and the three-bay symmetrical facade with the projecting frontispiece (front tower.)
This Vernacular style home is the oldest documented building remaining in Lockeport Today. Built circa 1836 for shipwright William Stalker, it is a prime example of domestic architecture from the Colonial era. Note the symmetrical five-bay facade and the undersized dormers which ‘break’ the eave line. Originally there were five dormers which completed the eave line.
William Stalker was married to Elizabeth, daughter of merchant Samuel Locke.
Built in 1841 for merchant Jacob Locke (son of Samuel Locke). This dwelling is a unique variation of the Regency style of architecture, which is rare in Nova Scotia. From the Georgian era, it is one of three such homes documented, all of which are in the Town of Lockeport. There is a "twin" of this house on this streetscape.
This Vernacular style home was built in 1841 for Blacksmith Gurden Bill who was married to Mary, daughter of merchant Samuel Locke.
The home has many characteristics similar to the William Stalker Homestead such as the symmetrical facade and the undersized dormers (note the different placement of the dormers in the roof slope).
This home maintains a close to original floor plan which includes a large central fireplace.
This unique Regency style dwelling is a virtual "twin" of the home built for Jacob Locke. It has had a few alterations, including the addition of the enclosed front porch. All alterations, however, have been done in keeping with the style and charm of the home.
The dwelling was built in 1846 for merchant John Locke who was an M.P.P. before confederation and a Senator after 1867. Senator John Locke was the son of merchant Samuel Locke.
The Research
Research on the built Heritage of the Ragged Islands area has been ongoing since June, 1986 through the Heritage Inventory program. This program is sponsored by the Department of Tourism and Culture through grants which subsidizes the employment of a local Heritage Coordinator. The Ragged Islands Historical Society, which is extremely active in all aspects of the area’s heritage, supervises this.
Thank you to all those who have made this possible.
