Easthallow

Easthallow (/ˈiːsthæloʊ/EAST-HA-LOW) is a coastal town on the east coast. The local government authority is the Blackwell City Council, whose headquarters is on Blackwell Road in the town. The town has an area of 4.66 km2 (1+13⁄16 sq mi) and at the 2014 census had a population of 6,183. The motto of the town, granted in 1508 to the Blackwell City Council, is E terra ad coelum vincimus omnia, latin for We conquer all things from earth to heaven.

The town is notable as a quaint and traditional area where the clean air helps your health and for their seafood delicacies.



History
The town has not changed its name since its humble beginning as a mining town. Historians have deduced that the founder, James Blackwell, had a grand purpose or witnessed something unique or profound due to the name. Local folklore implies that the name Easthallow comes from what was considered by the townsfolk to be where the 'heart' of the mining was located. Much success was found in initial attempts to mine in the eastern forest region and henceforth was considered Hallowed Ground. After some time, the town became known as "Easthallow" unanimously. In official records, the town dates from 1422, however, there's mention of Blackwell in the area a few years before the town was even established as early as 1402.

The town has had many unsuccessful attempts to branch into the forestry industry, often by outside parties. Easthallow is surrounded by vast forest land, but every attempt at breaking into that industry has turned up fruitless. Failure to break into the forest industry is often speculated in Easthallow's folklore, and there are many varied stories on why this has not worked out. 2014 was the most recent attempt from a company based outside of Easthallow to once again attempt forestry in the town.

In more recent years, Easthallow has become known as a relaxing vacation spot, drawing the eye of tourists looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of big city life. The once renowned Heritage Hotel was a big draw known for its lavish and at the time new, spa. The hotel, established in the late 18th century was an Easthallow staple until it closed in the late 1970s. In 2014, the hotel collapsed due to structural failure. True to Easthallow's hospitable nature, and due to the overwhelming demand placed on the local bed and breakfast, Seven Seas Hotel & Spa was opened in the late 1980s and is still popular to this day. The hotel received a more modern upgrade in early 2010 and is due for a third remodel in 2020.

The current mayor is Hugo Rivera, he was elected in 2005. No one has run against him in all the years he's been mayor. Which shows, that despite his young age, he was well-liked by the citizens.

Economy
Traditionally, Easthallow was a mining town. After multiple mine collapses and with the resources dwindling, the town resorted to fishing. It grew as a fishing town until it was eventually made into a vacation spot for the rich. Fishing is still fairly prosperous in Easthallow, thanks to the large amount of seafood restaurants catered to tourists. Much like other industries in Easthallow, fishing is not without it's downsides, and has it's fair share of people who have gone missing while out to sea.

The families in the Blackwell City Council had a lot of connections, both in and outside the town, which helped to build the reputation of Easthallow, and to solidfy it's place as a prime destination for the upper crust. The tourism industry helped make the town into what it is today and is still important for the local economy.

Culture & Community
Hallowed Week is an event that has existed since the town's been established. It is done on the second week of December, and it is to celebrate the town's history and all its inhabitants. From the highest of skies and the deepest of mines, the town is celebrating its bountiful resources, especially wood, mining, fishing, and hunting games. Nowadays, it doesn't have the same religious connotation as it has in years past. It is tradition to sacrifice something and put it on your doorstep every night of the week, usually, people will give baskets of food (or something relating to their respective industry, if applicable). On the last day, there's a big bonfire lit where everyone is welcome to throw their last sacrifice in, merriment and dances accompany this part of the tradition.

The last week of July and the first week of August are concurrent to a carnival. It makes for an excellent activity for kids, teens, and adults alike. The idea was proposed by Hugo Rivera before he came to be mayor in 2002. The Carnival has been going strong for now 20 years.

Easthallow is also home to a museum, BW Museum of Art and History, opened in 1961. It is managed and funded by the City Council. It contains items relating to the history of Easthallow, including rare gems, paintings by various local artists and old mining artifacts. It has one permanent gallery on the history of Blackwell which is tied intimately with the town's history.

Being small and tight-knit, the community suffers together in their tragedies. Unfortunately, the most common of these are townspeople who have gone missing. The circumstances around these disappearances are mostly unknown, but some of these disappearances are related to various industries in town. People often have gone missing in the mines, forests, and while out to sea.



Landmarks
The idiom small but mighty reflects Easthallow quite well. The town might not be the biggest, however, it is historied with multiple distinguishable buildings. The prestigious Blackwell manor that is visible throughout the town, has many admirers for its gothic architecture.





Education
Easthallow Blackwell's Academy is the only high school in the town. It educates children aged 12 to 17. For superior education, teens sometimes travel to neighboring towns, depending on their passion regarding their schooling. The town also has a junior school (Easthallow Junior School) educating children from 5 to 12 years of age, an infant school and an attached nursery are also found in Easthallow.

At the present, there are no universities or colleges in the town.

Notable people

 * James Blackwell, Founder
 * Godfrey Ashburn, Founder family
 * Oswald Miller, Founder family
 * Haulfrun Valencia, Founder family
 * Magnus Alinac, Founder family
 * Guinevere Bancroft, Member of the City Council
 * Cornelius Bancroft, Member of the City Council
 * Horace Lloyd, Member of the City Council
 * Ethel Orsini, Member of the City Council
 * Ciara Byrne, who won Award of Excellence in Nursing in 2012