In 1922, veteran educator J.B. MacDougall urged the provincial government to establish railway car schools to serve residents of Northern Ontario's outlying regions. Four years later two cars, the first of seven, commenced operation. One, the forerunner of this car, was staffed by a Clinton native, Fred Sloman. A dedicated teacher and ardent supporter of the innovative program, Sloman travelled the CNR line from Capreol, near Sudbury, north-west to Foleyet for 39 years. Aided by his wife, Cela, he taught academic subjects and the principles of democracy to children and adults, some with no previous schooling, and offered a variety of social services to those in need. The 'Dean of Car School Instructors', Sloman retired in 1964, three years before the program was discontinued.

Location

At the school car, now restored, which the Slomans used, Sloman Memorial Park, Victoria Terrace, Clinton

Themes

• Buildings and structures
• Education
• Transportation systems and communications