I have written about the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) a couple times on my blog, because it truly is one of my most favorite summer events. The CNE is an annual event at the end of summer held in Toronto and with approximately 1.3 million visitors each year, the exhibition is Canada’s largest annual fair and the seventh largest in North America.

CNE Souvenir Catalogue & Programme Cover, 1955

Source: CNE Heritage

Online, the CNE Heritage has an amazing collection of images & advertisements from its archives and for today’s post I wanted to pull some of my favorites from their collection (1920’s-50’s) and share them with you. Lets begin!

CNE-Vintage Images & Advertisements

Simpson’s Ad In CNE Programme, 1928. The illustration features an amazing Art Deco style 1920s evening gown.

CNE Programme Cover, 1931

Suede Shoe Ad in a 1935 CNE Fashion Show Programme. In my personal collection, I have this exact show program.

1930s vintage ad: Suede Shoe Ad in a 1935 CNE Fashion Show Programme. The Ad features a woman in 1930s dress and coat & hat and an illustration of 1930s shoes. — Source: CNE Heritage

CNE Bandshell & Manufacturers Building, 1948.

CNE Guests in 1927. Super 1920s fashions in this crowd photo.

This poster celebrates the opening of the new Ontario Government Building (now Liberty Grand) in 1926.

Hollywood Chimp Show, 1937.

1939 CNE Poster-Transportation and Communications Year.

Auto Show, 1936. Fantastic 1930s cars on display!

RCA Victor Display, 1940.

Further Reading: Exhibits & Displays Seen At The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) From The 1920s-1960s

1940s vintage photo of a RCA Victor Display at the Toronto CNE. — Source: CNE Heritage

1940s photo of 3 young women and 1 man posing in a car for the “Safety Quiz’ of 1948. I think the first part of the quiz should be, “You should always keep your eyes on the road, Yes or No?” Fantastic 1940s hairstyles on our lovely ladies.

1940s photo of 3 young women and 1 man posing in a car for the "Safety Quiz' of 1948. Fantastic 1940s hairstyles on our lovely ladies. — Source: CNE Heritage

Canadian Women at War! 1942 CNE Poster.

1940s Canadian Women at War CNE Program from 1942 showcasing all the ways that Canadian Women are helping the war effort. — Source: CNE Heritage

1940s College Student Fashions of the Day on display in this 1940 photo. I love a good plaid pattern!

Miss Toronto Contest, 1951. Read all about Miss Toronto HERE.

1950s vintage image of women in 1950s bathing suits posing for the Miss Toronto Pageant. — Source: CNE Heritage

Swimming Sensation, Marilyn Bell in 1954 with Roy Rogers & Dale Evans.

From CNE Heritage:

In 1954, a 16-year old high school student named Marilyn Bell became a sensation when she became the first person to swim across Lake Ontario.

She became an instant celebrity, beloved by fans across Canada.

It all began on September 8th, when three swimmers began a 32 kilometre race from Youngstown, New York to the CNE grounds.

American marathon swimmer Florence Chadwick was the favourite, followed by Canadian swimmer Winnie Roach Leuszler; Marilyn was the underdog.

It became clear early in the race that she was a contender, remaining in the water after her competitors dropped out.

Newspapers covered her every stroke through the cold waves of Lake Ontario. After 21 hours, Marilyn made it ashore to the acclaim of the nation.

The following year, Marilyn was the star of the CNE’s “Canadiana” Grandstand show, sharing the stage with American television host Ed Sullivan.

The highlight of the show was Marilyn diving into a specially designed tank of water on stage.

1950s vintage photo of Marilyn Bell with Roy Rogers and Dale Evans at the Toronto CNE — Source: CNE Heritage

Pez Anyone? 1954 vintage photo of the Pez booth at the CNE.

Defying Gravity in the Rotor! 1953 vintage photo of a carnival ride at the CNE.

Jimmy Durante and young women in 1951 pose together in 1950s swimsuits and summer outfits.

Derby Race, 1950. A fun vintage image of a carnival horse ride at the CNE.

CNE vintage derby race ride 1950 vintage image — Source: CNE Heritage

Even TV’s Lassie made an appearance in 1955.

1950s vintage photo of TV's Lassie With CNE Visitors, 1955. — Source: CNE Heritage

Kitchen World CNE Booth with Marie Fraser in 1955.

Kitchen World With Marie Fraser, 1955 vintage image at CNE — Source: CNE Heritage

And that is it for today’s post friends, I really hope you enjoyed this walk down some of the CNE’s past.

Question Time: Do you have a big fair or exhibition that you like to attend every year? Share in the comments below!

FURTHER READING: A collection of past CNE posts I have done & a link to my Vintage Toronto Archive….

Vintage Toronto Blog Posts Archive
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

Liz

If you are looking to add a touch of the 1950’s to your home decor, the best way to do this is by scouring vintage photos. Why? Well clearly its the best example of how people ACTUALLY dressed up their homes (as opposed to what you see in the magazines). So for today’s post I have searched the internet for these images so that those who are interested, can begin decking out their homes in true 1950’s style.

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.

Note: If the item you clicked on is no longer available, just do a search for like items. There are loads of vintage items being added to Etsy and eBay daily!

Decor ideas from the homes of the 1950’s

The Vintage Photos…

Lets begin with Gladys of Sioux City in her front room-June, 1956.

First up Gladys is cute as button. Her mirror on the fireplace is fantastic and the flower stand by the window is outstanding and very mid century.

1950s vintage photo: 1956 photo of an older woman in her living room. fantastic Mid Century Interior Design Inspiration. — Source: Flickr

Family Dinner. Lots to look at in this photo. From the dishware to the fridge to the cute border on the kitchen curtain, it’s all so very 1950s.

1950s vintage photo of a family eating dinner in their kitchen at the table. Super 1950s kitchen decor / interior design inspiration. — Source: Etsy

1953 Dance Party. The colour in the curtains match part of the flowers in the wallpaper (good job!). Also can we take a moment to admire the dresses in this post. According to Flickr , Patrick Q the lady in the green dress was his grandmother and she held onto that dress until the day she died around 40 years later.

1953 Dance Party vintage image-The vintage 1950s photo is showcasing 1950s evening dresses and mens wear. — Source: Flickr

The fiberglass lamp shade is amazing!

February 1, 1958 a young woman on the phone her 1950s gown before heading to the dance.

Before the dance, 1958 girl in a fancy 1950s gown in her livingroom vintage image — Source-Flickr

Cute Baby alert in a 1958 living room. The chairs and table are so mid-century cool and coveted pieces in today’s modern world.

1958 Baby in livingroom vintage photo — Source: Flickr

You can never have enough lamps….apparently. Not sure if I would adopt this look in my home though.

1950s photo of a livingroom with lots of lamps and big furniture. — Source: Etsy

A flower couch and shiny flower wallpaper is the backdrop for this young 1950s couple posing on their couch.

1950s photo of a young couple on a couch in 1950s fashions. — Source: Etsy

1950s/ Mid Century Modern Vintage Photo of Mom and Daughters Standing in Kitchen, View From Living Room. SO much home decor inspiration in this photo!

Source: Etsy

A nice streamlined 1950’s interior design look (I’m really digging the couch and the pillow).

1950s photo of a woman on a couch wrapping a christmas present — Source: Etsy

Mid Century Kitchen, with the coolest floor (see my vintage post on Linoleum Flooring HERE).

vintage photo of a mid century 1950s kitchen — Source: Etsy

The brown bathroom with a pink tub and double sink.

1950s photo of a bathroom vintage image — Source: Etsy

Birds and sunflowers shower curtain.

1950s woman in the bathroom brushing teeth vintage image — Source: Etsy

Mental Note: Take photos of your child’s first communion in front of your first TV so you can remember them both fondly. Mix and match curtains and wallpaper again.

1950s vintage image of young girl and television -First Communion. — Source: Etsy

Young boy in his bedroom -1955.

1955 Kodacolor Print Vintage Snapshot Photo Boy in His Bedroom — Source: Etsy

1955 Bedroom Interior.

Bedroom Interior, 1955: Vintage Snapshot Photo — Source: Etsy

Well friends, I hope you enjoyed taking a look at true 1950’s decor and if your redesigning your home in an authentic 50’s style, I hope it helped!

Question time: Do you like 1950’s decor? Or are you a fan of other era’s? Share in the comments below.

FURTHER READING: Check out my archive of ‘Vintage Home Decor‘ Posts HERE.

Liz