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.
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.
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 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.
Canadian Women at War! 1942 CNE Poster.
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.
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.
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.
Even TV’s Lassie made an appearance in 1955.
Kitchen World CNE Booth with Marie Fraser in 1955.
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