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.

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

CNE Programme Cover, 1931

CNE Programme Cover, 1931 featuring an illustration of a couple in 1930s fashions looking at the program.
Source: CNE Heritage

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.

1940s vintage photo of the Toronto CNE Bandshell & Manufacturers Building, 1948.
Source: CNE Heritage

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

1920s vintage photo: CNE Guests in 1927. Super 1920s fashions in this crowd photo.
Source: CNE Heritage

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

1926 Vintage CNE Poster -This poster celebrates the opening of the new Ontario Government Building (now Liberty Grand) in 1926.
Source: CNE Heritage

Hollywood Chimp Show, 1937.

1930s vintage photo of the Hollywood Chimp Show, 1937 at the Toronto CNE aka the Canadian national exhibition
Source: CNE Heritage

1939 CNE Poster-Transportation and Communications Year.

1939 CNE Poster-Transportation and Communications Year. The poster features a family in 1930s fashions in colour.
Source: CNE Hertiage

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

1930s vintage photo of the Toronto CNE Auto Show, 1936. Fantastic 1930s cars on display!
Source: CNE Heritage

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!

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

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.

vintage image of a young girl eating pez at the CNE 1954. Pez Anyone? 1954 vintage photo of the Pez booth at the CNE.
Source: CNE Heritage

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

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

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

Jimmy Durante and young women in 1951 pose together in 1950s swimsuits and summer outfits.
Source: CNE Heritage

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….

Liz

13 Comments on Step Back in Time with The Canadian National Exhibition

  1. These are so great. I love the little boy on his dad’s shoulders and of course, Dale Evans, since she’s related to my husband. Such fun pics!

      • His granddad (who is still alive and 96 right now) was her first cousin. She used to babysit him sometimes. But he said sometimes she’d just drop him off at the movie house and come pick him up later to make it easier on her LOL. I have several pics of Roy and Dale visiting my husband’s family at their home during a couple of Christmases in the 70s. He didn’t realize at the time how COOL it was.

  2. Great images as always. I looooove those shoes in the programme you own, particularly the one at the top. And yes, the gravity defying Rotor! I remember those from when I was young. Not sure I ever went one though, I was probably too young. xx

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