One of my favourite things to do in Toronto at the end of the summer, is the famous ‘Canadian National Exhibition’ aka the ‘CNE‘. I just love the history of this giant fair that has been going on since 1897, and the Art Deco & Mid Century Modern buildings on site are not to be missed. I even had my engagement photos taken there. It’s just great!
So for today’s post we are going to take a look at vintage images and ads featuring exhibits / displays that you would of been seen at the CNE between 1920s and 1960s.
Let’s take a look!
Note: All images are from the CNE Heritage website.
Vintage Photos of Exhibits & Displays Seen At The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)
Vegetable Exhibit, 1928. WOW what a collection of veggies!
“See Toronto Hydro Electric System’s Display in the Electrical Building”. 1929 Toronto Hydro Ad in the CNE programme.
CNE Automotive Show, 1929. What car would you buy?
Poscard for the Nash Car Exhibit at the 1939 CNE.
The Goblin Electric Display at The Toronto CNE, 1937 featuring a woman dressed as a goblin.
1930s vintage ad for Canadian General Electric Model Kitchen exhibit as seen in the 1935 CNE programme.
TTC (Toronto Transit Commision) Exhibit at the CNE Automotive Building, 1936.
Christie’s Biscuits Display at the 1936 CNE.
RCA Victor Display; ca. 1940.
“See how Electricity gives CANADA’S ANSWER!” Toronto Hydro Ad in the CNE programme, 1941 featuring all the ways electricity is helping Canadian Women on the homefront.
A 1940 cooking demonstration (which could qualify as an exhibit).
Bendix Washing Machine ad for their demonstration exhibit as seen in the CNE programme, 1947.
Televisions on display at the 1953 CNE.
1950s vintage photo of the Chrysler Corporation display of an experimental car in 1954.
1955 photo of the Army Exhibit – Navy personnel posed with very stylish women in 1950s fashions.
1959 Australia Exhibit featuring a woman holding a dog with a bagpiper.
1959 – The Austria Exhibit featuring a collection of downhill skiis.
One more from Austria in 1960. A dirndl is a must at this exhibit (I own 3!).
The Barbados T.C.A. exhibit in 1960 featuring all the places you can go and the fantastic purses you can buy (I love the purse our young woman is holding!).
“The New Lady Schick Consolette” (I own a very similar one!). 1960s Lady Schick hair dryer demo booth.
“An invitation….Take home new ideas for a lovelier home from the Arborite Company Limited display-Booth B.6. in the “Better Living” Building.”
Arborite Ad in the CNE programme, 1962.
Last photo…100 Jobs For Women Display in the 1960s.
Question time: Do you have a big exhibition / fair in your town? Do you like to attend? What are you favourite things to see / do & eat? Share any thoughts in the comments section below.
FURTHER READING:
- Vintage Advertising for the CNE – Canadian National Exhibition
- Canadian National Exhibition is Here! The Vintage Edition (vintage images)
- Step Back in Time with The Canadian National Exhibition (vintage images & advertising)
- ‘Let’s Dance’: The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Dance Tent
- Exhibits & Displays Seen At The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) From The 1920s-1960s
- Vintage Toronto Blog Posts Archive
- Vintage Photo Tuesday: Royal Agriculture Winter Fair
- Chicago World’s Fair – Century of Progress 1933-1934
- A look inside Brussels World Fair-1958
- Vintage Canada: The Bill Lynch Travelling Carnival Show
Thanks for dropping by!
Liz
