Nestled just southeast of downtown New Bern, Sunnyside is a neighborhood that beautifully blends past and present. Its history is a mosaic of community spirit, resilience, and change—woven together on a backdrop of picturesque tree-lined streets and historic homes. For over a century, Sunnyside has been a welcoming haven for families, dreamers, and doers. Here’s a look back at how it all began and what continues to make Sunnyside special today.
The Origins of Sunnyside
The roots of Sunnyside stretch back to the turn of the 20th century. As New Bern expanded beyond its original colonial core, developers looked to the sunlit, gently rolling land just across Neuse Boulevard. The area offered plenty of open space, ideal for the tidy plots and modest houses sought by local workers and families.
The name “Sunnyside” was inspired by the neighborhood’s orientation and feeling—homes here caught the early morning rays and late-afternoon gold. Residents have always taken pride in Sunnyside’s warmth, which refers not only to the natural light but also to the neighborliness that flourished in its close-knit lanes.
Key streets like Eubank Street, George Street, and K Street quickly became Sunnyside’s backbone around 1908-1915, with churches, small groceries, and homesteads sprouting up to serve a blossoming population.
Milestones Through the Decades
Over the years, Sunnyside has weathered challenges and celebrated triumphs. Highlights include:
- Early 1900s: The neighborhood draws dock workers, mill employees, and tradespeople, many of whom build homes by hand. Architectural styles range from classic Craftsman bungalows to simple, sturdy cottages.
- 1920s-1940s: Sunnyside Elementary School opens, becoming both a place of learning and a vital gathering space. Generations recall parades, holiday pageants, and schoolyard games on its sun-dappled field.
- Mid-20th Century: As New Bern’s population grows, Sunnyside’s boundaries stretch further south toward East Rose Street and extend east to portions of Nunn Street. The community welcomes more diverse families, reflecting the changing face of the city.
- 1960s-1970s: The neighborhood endures urban renewal initiatives that reshape portions of Eubank and Pollock Streets. While some historic homes are lost, neighbors rally to save corner stores and churches, preserving Sunnyside’s heart.
- 1990s-present: Restoration projects breathe new life into original houses and landmarks. The Sunnyside Community Center—once a simple gathering spot—is refurbished, hosting everything from voting drives to potluck suppers.
Landmarks and Places of Pride
Sunnyside is rich in storied landmarks, testament to the generations that have made this pocket of New Bern home:
- Sunnyside School Building: Although no longer used as a school today, the original brick facade still stands along Eubank Street, evoking memories of first days and lifelong friendships.
- St. Matthew AME Zion Church: Established in the early 1920s, this church quickly became a beacon for Sunnyside’s African-American community and remains active today.
- George Street Playground: On sunny afternoons, laughter rings out from this green oasis—a longtime favorite for pickup basketball and family picnics.
- Historic Bungalows: Walk along Nunn Street or Chapman Street, and you’ll see rows of porches, each telling its own piece of the Sunnyside story, from hand-carved trim to victory gardens tended during World War II.
The Evolution of Sunnyside
Through decades of change—economic ups and downs, shifting demographics, and evolving city plans—Sunnyside has always found ways to adapt. What was once a sleepy collection of homes on the outskirts is now an integral part of New Bern’s urban fabric, just minutes from the revitalized downtown yet maintaining its distinct identity.
Renovators and young families are drawn to Sunnyside’s charm, restoring old houses while honoring the quirky details that set them apart. The Sunnyside Community Association, founded in the early 1980s, continues to advocate for responsible growth and neighborhood safety, ensuring the voice of Sunnyside residents rings strong at City Hall.
Annual events, such as the Sunnyside Block Party each October, foster connections between newcomers and longtime residents alike, proving that “neighborly” isn’t an outdated idea here.
What Makes Sunnyside Special
At its heart, Sunnyside is a neighborhood defined by resilience and kindness. Residents reminisce about block-wide yard sales, impromptu barbecues under ancient oaks, and the way everyone rallies during difficult times. The phrase “it takes a village” is more than a saying—it’s a way of life.
Steps away from the hustle and bustle of New Bern’s historic downtown, Sunnyside endures as a place where history is cherished, heritage is honored, and every sunrise brings new possibilities.
Whether you’re walking past historic bungalows, attending a church service, or simply soaking in an afternoon at George Street Playground, Sunnyside invites you to be part of a story still unfolding—one built, above all, on sunshine and community spirit.