While scouring the internet for all things vintage and interesting I stumbled upon a cool article about the history of everyone’s favorite Ginger drink..”Canada Dry’s Ginger Ale“. Well maybe it’s not everyone’s favorite but it sure is a fav of mine and also TRULY Canadian (not just using the name here). And since I love sharing cool Toronto history with you, today’s post will be highlights from the beginnings of this drink and then showcasing a bunch of my favorite vintage ads I found from the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s.

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. 

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‘Canada Dry’-Toronto’s Original Beverage and the Champagne of Ginger Ales

The beginning (History Highlights):

*In 1890, Canadian pharmacist and chemist John J. McLaughlin of Enniskillen, Ontario opened a carbonated water plant in Toronto after returning from Brooklyn where he is was working in the pharmacy business.

*McLaughlin set himself the goal of developing a pale, dry ginger ale, ostensibly as a non-alcoholic rival for champagne but more likely in the hope of surpassing the popular ginger ales then on the market (Source).

*In 1904, McLaughlin created “Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale”, which was a refined version of their long produced “McLaughlin’s Belfast Style Ginger Ale”.

*”It has a snap and a tingle; a smart spry taste,” early ads claimed. It was known as “the champagne of ginger ales” for its light taste and was marketed with a beaver icon and a map of Canada (Source).

*Rapid growth and popularity quickly followed after it’s launch, with plants opening up in other areas of Canada and the trade name registered in 1907.

*The sweet drink was even appointed to the Royal Household of the Governor General of Canada where the label featuring a beaver atop a map of Canada was replaced with the present Crown and shield.

*Canada Dry stayed in the family business till the 1920s, where growing popularity in the United States had the family expand into New York City (Note: McLaughlin died suddenly in 1914).

*It was sold in 1923 to P. D. Saylor and Associates, who renamed it Canada Dry Ginger Ale, Inc. and forever removing the ties to Toronto.

*It has been in United States hands ever since (being purchased by several companies over the years).

Side Note: His brother, Samuel McLaughlin, was busily growing their father’s business into what would eventually become General Motors of Canada during the beginnings of Canada Dry.

For a full detailed history lesson on Canada Dry make sure you check out the ‘BlogTO’ article HERE.

The Vintage Advertising:

1937-So many “Remedies” from one drink. Love the tennis outfit on our lovely cover model.

Further Reading: Vintage Tennis Outfits from the 1920s-1950s

1930s Ad- Kids love it, it’s made thru a scientific process, it’s great at parties and served at fancy exotic hotels. Canada Dry is truly the Best!

1935 Ad- “Against the brilliant social background, it’s Canada Dry”.

1940s Vintage Ad: “Cool Off with Canada Dry” (cute swimsuit!).

1940s- Canada Dry says “Keep up the good work”. Love that the dad is taking a photo of his daughters in their miltary uniform.

Further Reading: World War 2 Women’s Contributions & Homefront posts

1940s Christmas Ad: Keeps his Ginger Up? I do marketing for a career and even I don’t know what that means.

1950s Ad-The Ginger-Upper from 1954.

1955 Canada Dry Ginger Ale vintage magazine advertisement-“When it’s Turkey Time…it’s Canday Dry Time!”

Source: Etsy

Esther Williams for Canada Dry, 1956. Do you think those are her kids (according to the ad) or “fake kids”?

Another endorsement ad- Mary Hartline, 1951. Mary is wearing a cute 1950s skating outfit.

Annie Oakley loves her Ginger Ale and some great BBQ recipes.

Lastly, here is a Vintage (1930’s ish) Canada Dry Ginger Ale Recipe Book that I recently stumbled upon on Etsy. “When its Party Time its Canada Dry time!”

Souce: Etsy

What fun Party Drink Recipes for Kids on this page (and adults too). Great ideas for your next Holiday Party, Birthday Party or Zoom Party!

Further Reading: How to Host a 1950s Themed Party

Source: Etsy

So friends am I alone on the love of Canada Dry Ginger Ale or do you too enjoy the “Champagne of Ginger Ales”?

FURTHER READING:

• Vintage Advertising 1920s-1960s (Archived Blog Posts)
• Vintage Food Posts (Archived Blog Posts)

Liz 🙂