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Tag: 1950s vintage ads

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

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.

1940s Vintage ad for a 1947 Canada Dry Ginger Ale featuring an illustration of a woman with red hair drinking the soda in 1940s fashions and 1940s hairstyles.
Source: eBay

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 you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.

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

The beginning (History Highlights):

Vintage Canada Dry ginger Ale label Toronto, Canada
Source: BlogTO

*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.

1910's vintager ad for a 1916 Canada Dry Ginger Ale
Source: Wikipedia

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 vintage ad for Canada Day Ginger Ale ad from 1937 featuring an image of a woman playing tennis and other things that the pop / soda makes you do
Source: Period Paper

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!

1930s vintage ad for Canada Dry ginger ale featuring images of all the things Gingere Ale helps you do.
Source: Flickr

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

1930s vintage ad for a 1935 Canada Dry Ad featuring an illustration of stylish 1930s men and women at a party in 1930s fashions and 1930s hairstyles.
Source: eBay

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

1940s Vintage ad for Canada Dry Ginger Ale featuring a couple in 1940s swimsuits having fun in the water and other things the drink helps you do.
Source: O Canada blog

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 Vintage ad for Canada Dry Ginger Ale. "Keep up the good work". Featuring an image of a dad ttaking a photo of his daughters in their miltary uniform.
Source: Pinterest

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

1940s Vintage Ad for Canada Dry Ginger Ale featuring an illustration of Santa holding the pop.
Source: Vintage Ads

1950s Ad-The Ginger-Upper from 1954.

1950s vintage ad for a 1954 Canada Dry Ginger Ale Ad featuring images of a woman in 1950s fashions enjoying her soda while doing various things
Source: Etsy

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

1955 CANADA DRY Ginger Ale Vintage Magazine Advertisement featuring an image of two 1950s kids enjoying a glass of Canada Dry rootbeer and canada dry ginger ale at thanksgiving.

Source: Etsy

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

1950s vintage ad for Canada Dry Ginger ale featuring Esther Williams in a 1950s swimsuit posing with kids by the pool

Another endorsement ad- Mary Hartline, 1951.

1950s vintage ad for a 1951 Canada Dry Ginger Ale featuring Mary Hartline in a band uniform and 1950s hairstyle.
Source: flickr

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

Original vintage magazine ad for Canada Dry Ginger Ale featuring Annie Oakley and BBQ recipes.
Source: Attic Paper

Lastly, here is a Vintage (1930’s ish) Canada Dry Ginger Ale Recipe Book that I recently stumbled upon on Etsy (August 10th 2020). “When its Party Time its Canada Dry time!”

1930s vintage recipe book for Canada Dry Pale Ginger Ale - When it's Party time it's 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!

1930s vintage drink recipes, retro drink recipes, punch recipes, drinks for parties

Source: Etsy

canada dry logo

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:

Liz 🙂

Vintage Plaid Party Time -Vintage Ads, Vintage Fashions & More!

Did you know (you might of know this already) that there is an actual day called “Plaidurday” on First Friday of October (October 6th,2023) that is a worldwide celebration of all things….PLAID!!! Yes friends, the world is a wonderful place.

POST UPDATED SEPTEMBER 2023

1940s vintage party photo of a group of grils in 1940s hairstyles and 1940s fashions enjoying some time together
1940s Party Time with Friends-Source: Flapper Girl

Now to get my mind ready for all things plaid I have been looking for lots of vintage plaid inspiration online and boy there are tons (vintage ads, vintage fashions, vintage items & more). Shall we see what I found?


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 you click on any of the items featured below and they are not available, don’t fret! Hit the search button and see what else is on the websites. There are 1000’s and 1000’s of items being listed daily.


Vintage Plaid Party Time -Vintage Ads, Vintage Fashions & More!

Vintage “Plaid” Advertising & Images

Pendleton is the ultimate “Plaid” clothing line as seen in these 3 ads below.

1950s Pendleton vintage advertising featuring Plaid housecoats and plaid jackets for Christmas time as gifts.
Source: Pinterest
1950s vintage ad for Women's Pendleton Sportswear featuring skirts, capris and casual tops in plaid.
Source: Vintage Dancer

While not an outfit this blanket is still a Pendleton and looks super cozy. I’m a bit confused on the “Robe-in-a-Bag” tagline though, does this not look like a blanket and not a robe in the traditional sense?

Vintage Pendleton blanket ad from the 1950s. 1950s Vintage Ad featuring plaid blanket that is in a bag and perfect for various activities.
Source: Pendleton Tumblr

1944 Teen girl wearing blue jeans and of course PLAID! Does she not look fantastic? Everything about this relaxed outfit is pretty cool (minus the smoking part, but that is the time). I really like the radio as well, that is on my wish list when I have a bigger home.

1940s vintage image of a young girl in a plaid oversize jacket, jeans and smoking in her livingroom beside the radio.
Source: Life

Every Teen Girls Dream in 1947-The “Scot-Trot”.

1940s Vintage Ad for 1940s Dress in Plaid for Teen girls. Called the Scot-Trot.
Source: Classic Film

1940s Teen Girls in wool, plaid skirts and saddle shoes. This might be the look I end up channeling for the party. Can I just say how much I LOVE this photo!

1940s teen girls in wool plaid skirts and saddle shoes. Super 1940s fashions and 1940s hairstyles.
Source Flickr: Rollei

Fashion Do’s & Don’t’s for Short Girls from the 1940s featuring an adorable plaid skirt in the “Do” side.

1940s Fashion Illustration: Fashion Do's & Don't's for Short Girls from the 1940s

The plaid dress in this 1940s vintage image is beautiful and the ladies are equally stunning. Fantastic 1940s photo!

1940s vintage image of two women in 1940s fashions. 1940s plaid dress and 1940s skirt, blous and jacket. Cute 1940s hairstyles.
Source: Etsy-girlcatdesign

What stylish 1950s ladies, I must say.

1957 plaid and tweeds vintage advertising for women's coordinates (tops and skirts)
Sears & Roebuck, 1957. Source: tuppencehapenny

Don’t worry men, there is lots of plaid to go around, even when you go swimming. -1950s vintage ad-

1950s Jantzen vintage swimsuit ad for men featuring plaid swim shorts, and matching shirts and plaid regular shorts.
Source: Vintage Ads

Or when your just hanging out, like these McGregor ads show. -1950s vintage ad-

1950s vintage ads for McGregor shirts for men in plaids and other patterns and colors.  Perfect fathers day presents!
Source: Pinterest

I cannot have a post on plaid without mentioning-Scotch Tape, the king of plaid packaging!

1950s scotch tape holder / 1950s vintage advertising.
1950’s Scotch Tape. Source: Flickr-Allen

How about a Plaid Fridge?? Yes a Plaid Fridge! Wow that is a lot of plaid in one area, if I do say so myself. Cool International Harvester 1950s ad.

Further Reading: Vintage Refrigerator Advertisements 1920’s – 1950’s

1950s vintage ad for the Decorator Refigerator by International Harvester. Featuring covers you can add to the front of your fridge. Like a plaid fridge cover!
Source: Pinterest

Vintage Plaid Fashions For Sale OR To Inspire

(updated September 2023)

1950s / 1960s lovely Teena Paige Swing Dress in a wintery plaid print of white, black and red. Fitted bodice with a high collarless rounded neck and cute half sleeves with bell cuffs (avail as of Sept 2023).

1950s / 1960s Vintage Fashions:  lovely Teena Paige Swing Dress in a wintery plaid print of white, black and red. Fitted bodice with a high collarless rounded neck and cute half sleeves with bell cuffs. Fun Vintage Fall / Winter Fashion Inspiration

Source: Etsy – SartorialMatters

This is a sweet and simple day dress from the 1950s. Crisp cotton in vibrant green and blue plaid.

1950s Dress | Sweet 50s Blue and Green Plaid Cotton Dress

Source: Etsy

1950s RR Henderson Ltd. vintage plaid pencil skirt. I love the pocket detail (Avail as of September 2023).

1950s Fashion: 1950s RR Henderson Ltd. Vintage Plaid Pencil Skirt

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1950s / 1960s style mid-century yellow green blue plaid 3/4 sleeve shirtwaist dress.

Vintage 1950s 1960s style mid-century yellow green blue plaid 3/4 sleeve shirtwaist dress

Source: Etsy

1950s Vintage Plaid Sundress. The plaid is a pretty blues, yellow and green’s. Such a lovely vintage dress!

Vintage 1950s Dress | 50s Silk Plaid Checkered Green Blue Pleated Full Skirt Sundress

Source: Etsy

Vintage 1950s White Red Black Plaid Fit & Flare Dress. Oh so freaking cute!

Vintage 1950s Dress S/M ~ White Red Black Plaid Fit & Flare Dress Fitted Shelf Bodice Wasp Waist Lace Trim Collar Tie Bow Cuffed Sleeves

Source: Etsy

1950s shirtwaist dress in a very lovely weight cotton twill material. This vintage dress features a blue and white plaid print throughout.

 1950s shirtwaist dress in a very lovely weight cotton twill material. This vintage dress features a blue and white plaid print throughout.

Source: Etsy

1950s plaid dress // Harvest Gold vintage yellow plaid sundress. Those pockets!

1950s plaid dress // Harvest Gold vintage yellow plaid 1950s sundress .

Source: Etsy

1960s Plaid Dress, PERFECT for Summer Fun!

1960s Plaid Sun Dress / Vintage Orange Green and Brown Abstract Plaid Day Dress

Source: Etsy

Adorable late 50s early 60s Plaid cotton swimsuit. Blue and white plaid with folded over cotton waffle piqué sweetheart neckline. Matching white halter strap that buttons on the left side. 

50s Plaid Swimsuit, Vintage 1950s Playsuit, Blue & White 60s Cotton Romper, large

Source: Etsy

I adore this pink plaid dress from the 1950s.

1950s pink plaid dress / 1950s shirtwaist dress / 1950s housedress

Source: Etsy

Gorgeous red cotton shirtwaist dress from the 1950s.  Label: McMullen.

Gorgeous red cotton shirtwaist dress from the 1950s.

Source: Etsy

Here is a similar modern day version of the Vintage 1950s dress above, but for sale in various sizes from Unique Vintage.

September 2023 Update: This dress is no longer available but I have linked you to all the fun plaid print dresses & outfits available at Unique Vintage.

1940s / 1950s Pendleton. This jacket features a cozy blue and burnt orange/brown colourway in a plaid pattern and the classic 49er design.

1940s / 1950s Pendleton. This jacket features a cozy blue and burnt orange/brown colourway in a plaid pattern and the classic 49er design

Source: Etsy

1940s Pendleton 49er wool jacket.

1940s Pendleton 49er wool jacket 1940s jacket 1940s fashion plaid jacket

Source: Etsy

For the gentlemen in your life (or maybe yourself)- A plaid tie from the 1940s. Isn’t it marvelous?

1940s Plaid Swing Tie-1940s mens fashion.

Source: Etsy

Other Fun Plaid Items!

Vintage 1950s Scrapbook with a women’s Face wearing a Scottish Tam, Plaid Scarf and Red Jacket. CUTE!

Vintage 1950s Scrapbook with a women’s Face wearing a Scottish Tam, Plaid Scarf and Red Jacket.

Source: Etsy

Beautiful vintage 1953 plaid lunchbox.

1950s Vintage Lunchbox - Plaid 1950s lunchbox

Source: Etsy

For the Kitchen- A 1950s turquoise plaid fruit tablecloth- cotton.

1950s Vintage Tablecloth for the retro home featuring a plaid pattern in the centre.

Source: Etsy

1940s red plaid umbrella, purple green stripes, clear Lucite handle, wooden, jewel tones. So PRETTY!

1940s red plaid umbrella, purple green stripes, clear Lucite handle, wooden, jewel tones

Source: Etsy

1950s Plaid Evening Gown…STUNNING!!! (not sure why this is down here in the “other” but oh well LOL!)

1950s Plaid Evening Gown
Found on Pinterest-No Source Supplied

Lastly to end this post I wanted to share a wonderful photo of my husband and our new Tailor friend Mister Xe we met while in Hoi An in Vietnam in 2013. Aren’t they a cute pair?! hehehe

plaid jacket vietnam
Source: Vintage Inn

QUESTION TIME: Do you love plaid as much as the Vintage Inn? Or is it a pattern you stay away from?


Do you love vintage Fall fashions? Then take a look at my always updated Etsy Collection of Fall Fashions from the 1920s-1960s that you can purchase right now.


Further Reading:

Liz 🙂