“Small Town Charm, Big Possibilities” is the tagline for the township of Schreiber, located in Ontario. Schreiber is home to hiking trails, a great beach to enjoy on Lake Superior, and quaint local restaurants and small businesses. It absolutely has that small-town charm. The “big possibilities” part goes way back. The history of Schreiber is not to be glossed over, as it really is the heart of the town. The Schreiber Discovery Centre and Railway Museum is a must-visit this summer while enjoying the rest of what Schreiber has to offer. It will help visitors understand why Schreiber is what it is today.
“Climb aboard this museum and walk through the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway and what it means to Schreiber as an 1880s railway construction camp,” the museum’s webpage says. “You will step onto a platform modeled after a modern train station with a train on either side of you. On the left, board a virtual reality train car and witness an incredible video put together about the history of the town. The train on the opposite side is a refurbished 1953 train car and holds Schreiber’s most unique artifacts right from the townspeople themselves.” Schreiber was established as a railway town in 1885, so the town’s history is closely connected to the construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway.
Jamie Spadoni, economic development officer and manager of the Discovery Centre, has nothing but praise for the museum’s exhibits. “Visitors really love the movie in the train car. It is really well put together. It starts off like you’re driving in a real train. The side walls have screens, and it really feels like you’re taking a ride.”
The artifacts included in the museum’s displays are from a collection started by the museum’s curator, Ray Gionet. “He came up with the idea of getting memorabilia from the community,” said Spadoni. “Some of the artifacts came from people’s basements. The idea was to turn it into a museum. There’s a lot that isn’t just railway stuff. Aside from the railway part, there’s a lot of local memories.”
The museum is absolutely a group effort. Between volunteers, summer student workers, and those looking to donate their own historical artifacts, everyone pitches in. “Lots of people are involved in the community,” said Spadoni. “All the different stories that make up the museum are special.”
What does the future look like for the museum? “Our goal is just to keep it growing,” said Spadoni. “We’re always adding stuff. This summer we’re extending hours. The next thing we’re wanting to get is a full-blown caboose. We have a good-size property, so we want to get more things for visitors to enjoy.” The museum is also looking forward to a future exhibit on Yooperlites, or fluorescent rocks, funded by Parks Canada. There will also be an exhibit launching soon about Duke the Dog, a local canine hero.
Whether looking to learn more about Schreiber’s history or just looking to revel in being a fan of trains alongside fellow enthusiasts, this museum is a fun stop. Recently, the museum was chosen by the Ontario Association of Architects to be recognized at the annual Queen’s Park Picks in Toronto. “Local history matters because that’s what built this town, and that’s what’s going to keep this town moving into the future,” said Spadoni.
The Discovery Centre and Railway Museum is located at 308 Walker Lake Road. To learn more, follow the Schreiber Discovery Centre and Railway Museum on Facebook. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
