See Vintage Photos from the Canadian National Exhibition

One of my favourite things to do in the summer time in Toronto, is to attend the ‘Canadian National Exhibition AKA the CNE’. It’s been around since 1879 and it is just a giant fair filled with yummy foods, exhibits, rides, music and loads of people watching. Love it!

Due to my love on this topic, I have done several blog posts on the subject that you can see & read at the end of this post.

Today, I am delighted to present another round of captivating vintage photos from the CNE. After all, can anyone ever really have enough fun images from fairs and exhibitions? Let’s jump in and explore together!

Source: Toronto Public Library

History of the CNE

The Canadian Encyclopedia has a great easy to read article on the history of the CNE. I recommend taking a read when you have a chance.

Fun Fact! In 1879 the fair was originally called the Toronto Industrial Exhibition, and all but one of the 23 wooden buildings – the Crystal Palace – were devoted to agriculture. The fair was officially renamed the Canadian National Exhibition in 1912. At that time, the hope was to better reflect the scope of this always diverse fair (Source).

Vintage CNE Photos 1920s-1960s

1968-Bavarian Garden Restaurant that was under the Alpine Way ride at the CNE.

I adore this photo because my dad is from Germany and I love a good schnitzel.

Photo Source: CNE Heritage has an amazing collection of images & advertisements from its archive.

A group of young men in 1959 holding their midway prizes for the photo. 3 stuffed animals and one marionette doll.

Source-Pinterest: CNE

1920s vintage photo of the Canadian National Exhibition Dufferin St. Gate (designed by G. W. Gouinlock in 1910). So Grand!

The Dufferin Gate was the primary entrance to the CNE grounds until the 1927 opening of the Princes’ Gates on the east end of the grounds (Source).

Source: Toronto Public Library

In the 1950s, the 1910 gate was demolished to make way for the construction of the Gardiner Expressway. This 1959 Gate was built 15 metres south of where the first two Dufferin Gates stood. 

The 1959 Dufferin Gate (below) is a parabolic arch built of reinforced concrete. Its design is similar to the St. Louis Arch, which, although technically built after the Dufferin Gate, had been designed earlier. It was built at a cost of $265,000 (Source).

Source: Archives of Ontario

Cotton Candy..pure sugar but oh so good! Fun photo from 1961 youth day of a young girl enjoying her own cotton candy on a stick.

Source-Pinterest: CNE

1930s photo of different dogs that entered a contest at the exhibition. Which one is your favourite?

Further Reading: Vintage photos of people with their pets.

Source-Pinterest: CNE

Hop on let’s check out the CNE! 1950s vintage photo of a group of older adults taking a ride on the tram around the park. Back of the photo has writing saying “Toronto Exhibition”.

Source-eBay

1941 photo: C.N.E. crowds see first showing of ‘Britain at War’. Nearly an hour before the doors of The Star’s theatre on the balcony of the Automotive building opened for the premiere showing of the film Britain at War a great audience had gathered (Source).’

Source: Toronto Public Library

TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) buses serving the CNE, August 1930.

Super late 1920s / early 1930s fashions on our ladies leaving the bus.

Source: CNE Heritage

Talking Budgies & Bingo! Welcome to the late 1960s (maybe even 1970s?) CNE!

Source: Etsy-ThatWasLife

1947 photo. Daredevils Aerialists, Betty and Benny Fox, brother and sister, are a breath-taking feature at the C.N.E. They are seen reading an edition of The Star on their 18-inch-wide platform. They are high paid air artists, getting $375 daily. 

Source: Toronto Public Library

Family taking a break at the CNE in 1926. Love seeing the 1920s fashions in the background and on our resting family.

Source: CNE Heritage

An evening out at the CNE in the 1940s. This looks to be a fashion show in the stadium grounds but I’m not 100% sure. Love the 1940s fashions in this image.

Source: CNE Heritage

Louis Armstrong and his stuffed koala buddy enjoying some taste testing at the 1954 CNE.

Source-Pinterest: CNE

Possibly photo of Elfrieda Mais in the 1920s at the CNE. Elfrieda was an airplane wing walker and stunt driver who sadly met an early end doing what she loved.

Read all about her short but incredible life HERE.

Source-Pinterest: CNE

Tap dancing demo in 1937. Some great 1930s fashions in this photo as well.

Source: CNE Heritage

Kids on the CNE Midway, 1940. They look like they are having a wonderful time!

Source: CNE Heritage

Did you enjoy the photos? Will you be attending the CNE or a like exhibition /fair where you live? Share any comments you have about this topic in the section below. I love hearing from my readers.

Further Reading:

• Vintage Advertising for the CNE – Canadian National Exhibition
• Canadian National Exhibition is Here! The Vintage Photo Edition
• Step Back in Time with The Canadian National Exhibition-vintage images & advertising
• Exhibits & Displays Seen At The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) From The 1920s-1960s
• ‘Let’s Dance’: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Dance Tent

Thanks for dropping by!

Liz

Disclosure: Some of the links on my blog from Etsy , eBay, are Affiliate Links, meaning, at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase