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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1988-08-03, Page 13THE HURON EXPOSITOR, AUGUST 2, 1988 — 13A Sloman school on 'wheeCs story told The Blyth Festival's most recent achieve- ment was the July 27 premiere of Fires in the Night, the story of the School on Wheels and of Fred and•Cela Sloman who lived and taught in it for 40 years. If you don't know the story of the Sloman School on wheels, Fires in the Night will show you the remarkable accomplishments of a man and his family dedicated to educa- tion, and to making a difference. But the play is also a tribute to, the Sloman family and the school on wheels program which those familiar with the story won't want to miss. The school on, wheels was a box car con- verted into a classroom and a home. Fred and Cela Sloman lived in this car and travelled a 150 mile route in' northern On- tario bringing education to children in set- tleinents where there were no other teachers, much less schools, They shared the car with their five children, who were among the 1000 students to graduate from the Sloman school. It is an ambitious idea to try and tell the story of the 40 years the Sloman family spent on the rails,but this is what playwright David Craig attempted. The play opens in 1925 with the proposal of Fred Sloman to Cela -he asking her to come with him for a six month tour with the school on wheels, and ends in the years before their retirement some 40 years later. Along the way there are some important themes Mr. Craig puts across. The impor- tance of education, of care and love to children, and of service to humanity, are all reflected in the dedication of Fred Sloman to his students who need to learn. Mr. Sloman is shown as the kind of teacher who doesn't have to use the strap to inspire his students, although he says it does come in handy for breaking toffee. To keep his frontier students interested in learning he has to make concessions other teachers don't have to. Like allowing a child to keep a .303 rifle in class, and sacrificing the school curriculum to allow his students to learn what interests them. When his gun toting students get distracted by the shooting and gutting of a bear that passes the school, he compensates by teaching an anatomy lesson. The cast of 20 that appears in Fires in the Night is made up mostly of children from the Huron County area. Among these is a local girl, Sarah Johnston, whose voice was among the leaders in the production's musical scenes, and who captured attention with her confident acting in the part of Lizbeth Sloman. This story of the Sloman school on wheels is not presented asa historical rendition, er as a dramatization, it is what the festival organizers call "an inspirational story of one man's dream, one family's adventure and the people of the north." The school car was. intended to be ex- hibited at the 1967 World's Fair in Montreal, and then become part of a ,permanent railway museum. But vandalism prevented this from happening and the car was almost completely destroyed. In July of 1982 the car was found in the Toronto area under provate ownership, and it was purchased by the Town of Clinton. It is now situated in Sloman Memorial Park, on the banks of the Bayfield River, just west of Highway 4 at the Town of Clin- ton's southern limits. It is being restored by area residents under the guidance of the Sloman family, and there is still a lot of work to be done to complete the restoration. Donations in support of the restoration can be mailed to CNR School on Wheels; F.O. Box 488; Clinton, Ontario; NOM ILO. The car is open daily for visitors until September 1, from Monday to Friday from 2 pm to 5 pm, and on weekends and holidays from 1 pm to 7 pm. QUEEN'S Stevens SEAFORTH THURS., FRI. AND SAT. EUROPA DISC JOCKEY SERVICE Country Gold & Rock n' Roll - PIANO TUNING • REPAIRS • REBUILDING • KEYS RECOVERED • DAMPP CHASERS • REGULATING • BENCHES RUCE. PULSIFER PH. 348.9223 DISCO, POLKAS, WALTZES, NEW LAZER DISC MUSIC. GOOD RECORDED MUSIC FOR WEDDINGS, DANCES, ANNIVERSARIES, PARTIES ETC, ID Vre. ..p.rlenao 'No enlleoeo dror•e BRUSSELS . 867-6139 DAYTIME or EVENING BUCK & DOE Jim Groothuis and Rose McCabe MUSIC - DANCING - LUNCH For more information call 527-2157 or 527-0717 The family of � 'I RENCE & RUTH BEANE invite friends, neighbourd and relatives to an OPEN HOUSE on the occasion of their 25th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Saturday, August 13, 2-4 p.m. Brucefield United Church Best Wishes Only Please SEAFORTH JUNIOR FARMERS BLOOD DONOR CLINIC. AUGUST 4 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm SEAFORTH & DISTRICT COMMUNITY CENTRES THE PREMIERE of Fires in the Night, the story of the Sloman school on wheels, was presented to Blyth Festival audiences on July 27. The school on wheels served as the only source•of education for childreg in northern Ontario, and the Sloman family road the rails with it ,for 40 years. This scene from the play shows the. Sloman family at mealtime, Carol Sinclair playing Cela Sloman, Marie Cronyn as Joan Sloman, John Koensgen as Fred' Sloman, and Sarah Johnston as Lizbeth Sloman. Hockings photo. Missionary Society celebrates 85th anniversary At their July meeting the Marian Ritchie Women's Missionary Society entertained guests from Exeter, Thames Road, Seaforth, Mitchell, and Staffa churches as well as many former members, when they celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Cromarty Women's Missionary Society and the 75th anniversary of the Marian Ritchie Evening Auxiliary. The guests were welcomed by Jean Carey who gave the call to worship and presided for the meeting using the theme, "A Celebration of Joy." "To God Be the Glory" was sung. Alice Gardiner read Psalm 98 for scripture and in her meditation made reference to the founders of both groups in 1903 and 1913, and to the fact that they had joined in Nov., 1986, using the name Marian Ritchie W.M.S. Agnes Lamond gave a prayer of thanksgiving for former workers and of hope for the future. Prior to the offering, Joyce Fell of Staffa entertained with the lovely solo, "Sweet Af- ton" and during the offering, played "Traumerei" on the violin. The offering was CRIME STOPPERS Phone 1-800-265-1777 CRIME OF THE WEEK During the early morning of July 26, 1988 thieves broke into Willy's Burger Shop in Clinton. Crime Stoppers and the Clinton Police Force are seeking the assistance of the public to help solve this break, enter and theft. The thieves broke the east window at the take-out booth and climbed into the restaurant. Once inside they began eatin? a cooked turkey and a macaroni salad. Police believe at least two parties are involved. As if they L.., been scared off they left the restaurant taking only a half of a roast and a General Electric radio. Total damage and theft was approximately $120. If you have any information about this or any other serious crime call CRIME STOP- PERS OF HURON COUNTY toll free at 1-800-265-1777. Your call will not be traced nor taped and your anonymity is guaranteed. You will never have to testify in court nor identify yourself. REMEMBER CRIME DOESN'T PAY BUT CRIME STOP- PERS DOES. Van Egmond House in great shape Why not take some time this summer to visit a local tourist site and step back in time for a while at the historic Van Egmond House. The house is in beautiful shape this year after so much restoration work has finally been completed. The main floor has been decorated in the period of 1847 to 1887, while the rest of the house contains in- teresting displays, artifacts, mpdels and a gift shop. This year the gift shop has been set up on a small scale in order to highlight some of the area's gifted artisans. Some of the hand- made arts and crafts on display include: crochet work doilies, scarf savers, wood- work, dolls, tinsmithing from Amherstburg and pottery from Blyth. Also included are works of fine art such as acrylic landscapes and still llfes, and new and exciting wildlife studies in the unique medium of scrat- chboard`fn exacting detail. As a new feature this year, historical books, some of which are by local authors, are available. Of local historical significance is a book on old train stations by Elizabeth Wilmont, each of which has been personally autographed by the author. A new cookbook of recipes submitted by historic sites, including the Van Egmond house, Is also available. The house now also has the latest Van Eg- mond house card with the artwork having been done by William Kettlewell, whose works will be exhibited later this fall. Many events are being held at the house this year which are intended to encourage the general public to make use of this lovely facility. Everyone is welcome to attend. Ex- citing plans are underway for the 14th, Ciderfest the end of September. The Van Egmond house is still run by the Van Egmond Foundation, a non-profit volunteer organization which uses any monies raised, towards continued restora- tion and upkeep of this beautiful Georgian style home. The house really does have something for everyone so try to get out to see it soon, as tours are being given daily (except for Tuesday and Wednesday). • received by Doris Miller, Roberta Templeman, Mary Elliott and Hazel Har- burn. The offertory Prayer was given by Peggy. Kerslake. ' The guest speaker, the Reverend Michael Caveney of King City, was introduced by the Reverend Lucie Milne. Mr. Caveney showed slides of Russia and spoke briefly of his ex- periences as one of a group of Canadians in- vited to tour the churches of Russia. He told of the long church services there at which the congregations stood because there were no pews in the Orthodox churches. He also commented on the fact that he saw no elder- ly or disabled people. Unlike Barbara Woodruff, who had gone with an American group, he was allowed to roam about on his own with a few restrictions. The necessities of life are very cheap there, but the more luxprious items are, _very expensive: Clothing, etc., cost about the same as in Canada. Roberta Templeman thanked Mr. Caveney on behalf of those present. The meeting closed with the hymn, "For the Healing of the Nations", and the benediction, pronounced by Lucie Milne. A social hour followed. �r►r.�� !M J •"•••••^•""..,J BUCK & DOE Lisa Campbell 7Z . Martin teBrinke AUGUST 6 For information Call 527-0675 or 527-2291 HOOGENBOOM - DAYMAN Mr. Ben Hoogenboom and Mrs. Sheila Stevenson are pleased to announce the for- thcoming orthcoming marriage of their daughter Kirsten Maria to Joseph William Dayman, son of Mr. & Mrs. Howard Dayman. The wedding will take place on August 6, 1988 at 3:30 p.m. at St. James Roman Catholic Church in Seaforth. Open reception to follow at the Seaforth & District Community Centres, 9 p.m. ENGAGEMENT Bob S. Ruth Campbell of Winthrop are pleas- ed to announce the forthcoming marriage of their daughter Use to Martin to Brinke, son of Henry & the tate Ger de to Brmke of Clinton. The wedding will take place et 3 p.m. Satur- day. August 20, 1988 at Cavan United Church, Winthrop, Reception to follow at Seaforth & District Community Centres. CHARITY BALL GAME FOR Joe Philion SEAFORTH OPTIMIST MEN'S BALL TEAM vs. CKNX TRY HARDS TUES., AUG. '16 7:30 P.M. OPTIMIST PARK DONATIONS: • At The Game or Optimist Boll Team Members Engagement Cheryl, Steve and Darren Cook along with Steve and Michael McMaster are pleased to announce the marriage of their parents Rosemary to David MrMarder of MitchelL The wedding to take place at 4 p.m. at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Seaforth. Open reception to follow at 9 p.m. at the Seaforth Legion Hall. - LIONESS DONATION - The Seaforth Lioness Club made donations to two different causes in Seaforth during the past week. Shown here Cathy Elliot, Lioness president, presents Bob Beuttenmiller, chairman of the Lions Park and Pool Committee, with an $800 cheque for the Lions park and pool. A second cheque for $800 was presented to ' the Seaforth Community Hospital Building Fund. Corbett.photo. Zurich Recreation GIANT BINGO Sat., Aug. 6; 1965 Zurich Community Centre over $109000• In cash prizes Doors Open 4 p.m. Dingo Starts 6:15 p.m. Adv. tickets 927. per person (at door 930.) Price Includes: a double book, end all cards for complete program. No one under 16 yrs. of age eligible to play. Available 4-6 p.m. — Complete HOT RIO. CHICKEN 'DINNER with variety salads, dessert & beverage 88. per person Adv. tickets only For More Information cell i • 236-4687 Trinity Anglican Church proudly presents the THIRD ANNUAL BAYFIELD ANTIQUES FAIR ( SALE OPENS 5:30 P.M. CLINTON FIRST SHOW AT DUSK 482-7030 FRIDAY L SATURDAY AUG. g', 6 HAVE YOU EVER HAD A REALLY BIG SECRET? At The Bayfield Arena FRI., AUGUST' 5, 1988 Gala Opening — AdmTss,on 15. 7 p.m. 9 p.m. SAT., AUGUST 6. 1988 Admission $2. • 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. SUN.. AUGUST 7. 1988 Admission $2. I p.m. • 6 p.m. • FEATURING 35 PRESTIGIOUS DEALERS • TEA ROOM For Information call: (519) 565-2573 GOBEAtcg 44$ n FRI. - THURS., AUG. 5 - 11 FRI. & SAT. 7 & 9 P.M. SUN. - THURS. B P.M. The Shack is Back! Home of the rich and tasteless -AA ►AREMTAL I'QUIDANCE Long Distance? 1-800-265-3438 For Toll FREE Movie Info