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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 1987-12-22, Page 39THE CITIZEN, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 1987. PAGE 39. A favourite teacher remembered by former student This remembrance of Fred Sloman, teacher at Blyth Con­ tinuation School in the late 1920's was sent to Melda McElroy by Blyth native Lois [Robinson] Tassie who now lives in Port Alberni, B. C. BY LOIS TASSIE Ithinklmusthavebeenabout seven years old and in about Senior First Class when a momentous changecameover Blyth School, and the whole Village as a matter of fact. Fred Sloman came to town as a teacher. 1 believe he was Principal of the Public School, but taught upstairs in the High School, or Continuation as it was known then. Andwhatachangehe wrought! His lessons were not just the 3 R’s. He showed usitwas possible to learn much more from 9 to 4. Now, instead of just ball and bat, tag and playing on the fence at recess, we had swings - huge ones, teeter-totters, basketball and even tennis for the High School. In the winterwhen we played down in the “Base”, he showed us new circle games, and led us in unheard-of- songs like “Polly Wolly Doodle” and rounds we did not know existed. He was a fine looking man, not really young, but certainly not old. He had lovely black hair with a little wave, and a touch of silver. And his glasses! They were nice ‘ ‘pinchy” ones with a gold nose-piece and a loop of chain that went to the right ear. He usually carried a short pointer or part of a yard stick, much in the manner of a riding crop. This was not used much but did add to a look of unapproachable authority. When he first came to Blyth, Mr. Sloman wore a fine navy-blue serge suit, and when it became a little too shiny was replaced with such a nice salt and pepper one and it hardly showed the white chalk. Outdoors in winter a grand enve­ lope-type hat of fur was a luxurious touch. He was a gentle caring man and was always known as Mr. Sloman or Fred Sloman, never just Fred. This was in the early 20’s and Mr. Sloman was a “returned” man. He never talked about the War but sometimes he took long walks on the old G.T.R. tracks by himself and people said he had been shell-shocked and needed to be all alone at times. We all got to know him and Grey students write Santa thought he knew each one of us personally. He would pay surprise visits to our school-room and you could tell our teacher, Miss Black, was ever so pleased. She would titter a bit and sort of blush and we would put on our best behaviour for her. Sometimes he would tell us a story that was not in one of our readers. Those of us who went to the Church of England were very pleased and somewhat smug that he also was an Anglican and he acted as Superintendent of the Sunday School and sometimes at Evensong would be asked by Mr. Hawkins to read the Lesson. And in December when he read the Christmas Story he made it sound as if it could really have happened. But he was non-partisan, and alsoshared his talents with the other congregations. I can recall him putting on a “Magic Lantern” show in the Sunday School room of the Methodist Church. There was “A Christmas Carol” and another one where people were lost in a terrible snow storm and on reach­ ing their destination cried “Excel­ sior, Excelsior” - all sound effects of course by Mr. Sloman. Andhehadadoll collection, a strange thing for a man, but it was all right, he had brought them from France. These he would lend out to the younger school girls. I never got a turn, but my chum, the only Jewish girl in Blyth did, so I got to handle one. You had to be very careful as it had a breakable head, sleep eyes, real hair and was fully dressed. WhenitwastimeforMr. Sloman to move on “up North”, every one was sad to see him go but we were still able to keep in touch. At Christmas times the Methodist Churchpeoplewouldsend their White Gifts to him to distribute to his pupils who needed them much more than children in Blyth did. 1 was really tooyoung to fully realize the impact Mr. Sloman actually had on the Village as a whole, but 1 know he touched nearly everyone. He took part in plays, sports and contatas, and was a leader and inspiration to young and old alike. And through the years we heard of his accomplish­ ments and read about him and the “School Car”, we were very proud. Mr. Sloman was one of ours! STARTS SAT? _______________ One of the decades most widely read best sellers is now this year's incredible shocker. TWTO IS k k Flowers in the Attic" SAT. & SUN. - 7:00 & 9:00 MON.-THURS.AT 7:30^^ CLOSED DEC. 24 & 25 Seajon d- tywitinyd to- tyon and "fyuetd, sweet home Is Murder Flowers in the ATTIC 1 ft 11 ft ft ft ft Phone 357-1630 for 24 hour movie information Her life hasn’t been the same since her death. SHELLEY LONG HELLO AGAIN ft ft Playing from Friday to A Thursday, January 1stto7th ft Showtimes: Friday and A Saturday 7 and 9p.m. 1 Sunday to Thursday-One •1 1 DEANNA KITTY LYNN TANYA KAY PERKY NANCY MARTY BRENNAN DANQKAY main ...............111111J RUSSELL PAUL APRYL MARIA MARK FRED DEAR SANTA, If I were you 1 would give my dog some milkbones because my dog is good and give my mom a new coat becauseshehasn’thadonefora long time. 1 would give my dad a fish licence because he’s bringing me and my sister somthing too. Your friend Adam Crawford Grade 2 Grey Central P.S. DEAR SANTA, I would like to give my mother flowers because she likes them. I would give my dad a tractor because we live on a farm. I would give my brother a computer because he likes to use them. I would give my grandma a recliner so she can be comfortable. I would get my grandpa a car. Andy Straeten Grade 2 Grey Central P.S. Q Blyth Lions Club“__<Q° New Year's Eve Dance BLYTH & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRE Thursday, Dec. 31. 1987 9 to 1 a.m. MUSIC BY: MAPLESUGAR Tickets: $50.00 percouple [Available from Gerald Kerr, 523-9275 or Barney Stewart, 523-9448. Must be picked up by Dec. 23] ft BTC BVM T-I1ATRE ft Dudley Moore Kirk Cameron Playing from Saturday Wednesday, December: ft ft ft ft ft ft Phone 357-1630 for 24 hour movie information (to Wednesday, December 26th to 30th Please note the special showtimes: Saturday and Sunday at 7 and 9 p.m. Monday to Wednesday 8 p.m. each evening The Theatre will be closed Thursday, New Year’s Eve ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft ft INCLUDES: FOOD, REFRESHMENTS, PARTYFAVOURS C hnslvnas ch wee ll,f e lo ex our sincere I han friendship ll Til ay y< season abound Willi love. lyoui' past year.tt Kay, Brenda & Staff TRIPLE K RESTAURANT County Rd. 25 BLYTH E. of Hwy. 4 523-9623