22. James Doble Home

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James Doble Home – 3 Cedar St S

James Doble was born in 1826 and became one of the Sunderland area’s wealthiest landowners. He was the brother of William Doble, whose family lived at 32 Albert Street, and his landholdings eventually extended to thousands of acres between Sunderland and Victoria Corners. It was once said that a person could walk from Victoria Corners to Sunderland without ever leaving Doble land.

James lived with his wife, Mary Jane Ray, at this house on the southeast corner of River and Cedar streets.

About 1900, Doble drew up a plan to develop much of his property along both sides of River Street. The plan included approximately 60 building lots extending from the area of Highway 12 east toward Albert Street. His influence on the development of this part of Sunderland was reflected in local street names, including Doble Street and James Street.

James Doble was also involved in banking in Sunderland. The Doble Bank was eventually sold to the Home Bank, which later operated beside Taylor’s Store on River Street. A remarkable reminder of Doble’s banking activities survived in his own home: the bank safe remained in the front living room of the house for many years.

Doble also donated land to local churches. In 1874, he provided the property for the rectory serving St. Mary’s Anglican Church. The rectory remained in use by Anglican ministers until about 1942. He also donated land to St. James West Brock Church for church picnics, summer gatherings and activities following services.

James died in 1907 and, like generations of the Doble family before him, was buried at St. James West Brock Cemetery. His will distributed numerous farms, houses and building lots among his nieces and nephews.

His widow, Mary Jane Ray, and stepdaughter, Lottie Ray, continued living in the Cedar Street home. Lottie later married West Doble and remained in the house until 1984.

James Doble was remembered within the family for his generosity. His nephews apparently discovered that this generosity could sometimes be encouraged. If they thought they might encounter Uncle James, they would wear their oldest, most battered shoes. James would take one look at their miserable footwear, scold them and promptly take them to the shoe store for a new pair.

Even after the family finally left the house, reminders of its long history remained. When the estate was sold, the home was filled with antiques—and later owners reportedly discovered money hidden within its walls.