One of Gravenhurst’s most notable names way soon to be enshrined with a permanent public memorial.
During the most recent Gravenhurst council meeting, Rusty Draper, a former Gravenhurst resident and well-known radio personality, made a presentation on his desire to see the Town formally recognize the Sloan family.
“Recognition is long overdue,” said Draper. “It’s time to change the oversight of earlier town leaders.”
The Sloans are best known for their namesake restaurant on Muskoka Road (now home to the Old Mill Family Restaurant). However, Draper pointed out that restaurant founder Archie Sloan’s contributions to Gravenhurst run much deeper than the beloved restaurant.
Archie was appointed police chief in 1906, which was fitting as he was the only member of the force, said Draper. In addition to his policing duties Archie was also responsible for myriad other roles including firefighter, truant officer, and helping out with Rrad repairs behind a grader and a team of horses.
Archie purchased the restaurant at 155 Muskoka Road in the 1910s, beginning as an ice cream parlour and confectionery. It became an instant success, said Draper, and was expanded to a full-service restaurant.
Archie also served two terms as mayor od Gravenhurst before his death in 1928.
The restaurant was passed on to his son Gordon and became even more successful under his ownership, serving as a local landmark for cottagers and locals alike and launching the legend of the province’s best blueberry pie.
Draper said he would like to see the building at the corner of First and Harvie Streets renamed the Sloan building. The fact that the building is currently occupied by the fire department and the OPP, and is just steps away from the original police station and jailhouse makes it a fitting location, said Draper.
“It’s time for this council to right a wrong,” said Draper.
Draper explained that Gordon’s son John is still alive but is now 88 years old. As such, the process should be expedited so John can see his family honoured in the town they loved.
Councillor Randy Jorgensen, who sits on the heritage committee, told Draper and council that the committee has been discussing a number of options to honour the Sloan family, including a street renaming or plaque. He said he would take Draper’s new suggestion back to the committee and then return to council with some options for honouring the Sloan family.
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The old town office at Harvie and First Street would be an ideal building to be named after Archie Sloan. Archie was the Gravenhurst Police Chief from 1888 – 1944. As Chief and only officer he investigated the murder of Katie Hammond-Tough in 1896 who was killed by her spouse William J. Hammond on Brown St. Archie hunted the killer down in New York State and brought him back to Bracebridge where he was convicted and hung. Archie was a two term mayor serving 1915-1919 and 1922-1924. Lastly, he was a successful business man owning and operating Sloans Restaurant which was passed down to his son Gordon. Gordon continued the Sloan tradition. During Archie’s tenure as Chief he was also the Engineer of the fire engine, the caretaker of the fire hall, the town hall and the lockup and fulfilled other duties as well. From caretaker to Police Chief to Mayor to successful businessman is the reason the Sloan name should be remembered.
Fully agree with something to honour the Sloans … especially Mr. Draper’s proposal. Our family attended the restaurant almost every weekend during the 60’s from our cottage on Kahshe Lake. We got to know Gord very well, and my father did the interior design for one of the many versions of the restaurant. As mentioned in the article, the blueberry pie under Gord’s management was the best Muskoka has ever tasted!