33. 108 River Street

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108 River Street

One of the notable residents of this River Street home was Ada Marquis, whose family lived near Leaskdale. Ada was a close friend of Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, who lived in Leaskdale while her husband, Reverend Ewan Macdonald, served as the local Presbyterian minister.

In 1920, Ada married Robert “Bob” Dusto in a ceremony performed by Reverend Macdonald. Bob worked as a butcher in Sunderland’s Beall Block, and the couple later farmed just west of Sunderland.

After Bob’s death in 1950, Ada moved into this River Street house. Sharing the home with her were her sister Mabel, Mabel’s husband Russell Prentiss, and their young son Ralph.

The house was later purchased by R. W. Groves, a veterinary surgeon. Dr. Groves had come to Sunderland in 1944, initially staying with his cousin William Sugget before establishing himself in the village. He also acquired the neighbouring store from William Haney and used it as a veterinary dispensary and office.

When Dr. Groves moved to Cannington, Carl and Ava Umphrey purchased the property in 1956. Carl operated a barbershop here, and the house became something of a social centre for local euchre players.

Carl Umphrey also served as chief of Sunderland’s Volunteer Fire Department, adding another connection between this River Street home and the wider life of the community.

Over the years, 108 River Street was therefore much more than a private residence. Through its occupants, it was connected with farming, Sunderland’s butcher trade, veterinary medicine, barbering, the volunteer fire department—and, through Ada Marquis, one of Canada’s best-known authors.