Toronto is currently hosting the Royal Agriculture Winter Fair (The Royal Winter Fair) and it’s in its 97th year (Nov 2022 Update-100 years!!) in the city! How incredible and cool piece of Toronto’s History that is still going strong.
I personally have never gone to the Fair even though it’s in my neighbourhood. Why? Well I never felt the need. I grew up around farms and farmers and every Thanksgiving I attend the Bridgen Fair (going strong since 1850), which has it’s own horses, cows and largest Squash contest. So I feel like “been there, done that”. BUT I have heard that it is a wonderful event from anyone who goes, and I recommend you attend if your in the city.
For today’s “Vintage Photo Tuesday” I’m going to showcase images from the 1920s to the 1960s because as everyone knows, those are my favourite photo eras. Let’s head to the fair!
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A Royal History
Since 1922, the country has come to the city as farmers, growers, producers and homesteaders have come from all over Canada to exhibit their very best agricultural products and livestock. After the First World War, a collective of notable farmers and horsemen got together to plan an exhibition of Canada’s finest agricultural wares. Led by shorthorn cattleman, W.A. Dryden the group believed strongly in Canada’s ability to compete at a world-class level. Lacking no ambition, the group solicited and received full support from all three levels of government and was granted the Royal moniker by King George V of England.
Building of the Royal Coliseum – a landmark structure that still helps to greet people on their way into Toronto to this day – would commence in early 1921 in advance of the first Fair that November. Unfortunately, construction delays would prevent the facilities from being ready in time and the 1921 Fair would be postponed until the following year. Despite the early stumble, that 1922 Fair was a resounding success, beating all projections. It firmly established The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair as one of the world’s best (Source).
Source: eBay
Two women from Port Hope with Italian marrow squash at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto, 1955.
Source: Archives of Ontario
Governor General Alexander and Lady Alexander and with a duck-November 1, 1946.
Source Toronto Archives
1929, 3 2-toned kittens, Doris Ceary, Rosemont. This whole look is very ummm..Cat.
Further Reading: Vintage Photo Tuesday: Pets & Their Owners
Source: Toronto Archives
Governor General Alexander with a cow at the Royal Winter Fair in 1946.
Source: Toronto Archives
Corn display with model, 1950s. This contest has always fascinated me. How do you know which corn is the best corn? Size of the kernels on the cob?
Source: Daily Hive
Presentation of silver plate to Jim Day, 1000 winner in horse jumping competition-1960s. Look at that 1960s Style! Wow!
Source: Toronto Archives
1934 Royal Winter Fair Program.
Source: eBay
1929 Royal Winter Fair, Champion Potatoes, Dooley, S.E. Guffin, RR 1, Acton. Those are some nice looking potatoes if I do say so myself.
Source: Toronto Archives
J. Lance Rumble of Lawrum Farms, Durham, Ontario, at Royal Winter Fair in buggy with Mrs. Rumble-1950s.
Source: Toronto Archives
1958 Flower display.
Source: Archives of Ontario
The next 3 photos are the most fashionable people I have ever seen at a fair..ever.
Lieutenant-Governor W.D. Ross and Ontario Premier G. Howard Ferguson at the horseshoe pitching contest-1929.
Source: Toronto Archives
Well dressed attendees in 1929- Susan Ross, Mrs. Reginald Pellatt, [H.W.D.] Chick Foster, Mrs. Donald Ross, Mrs. John McKee.
![1920s Photo & 1920s Fashion: Well dressed attendees in 1929- Susan Ross, Mrs. Reginald Pellatt, [H.W.D.] Chick Foster, Mrs. Donald Ross, Mrs. John McKee.](https://i0.wp.com/www.vintageinn.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/Well-dressed-attendees-in-1929-Susan-Ross-Mrs.-Reginald-Pellatt-H.W.D.-Chick-Foster-Mrs.-Donald-Ross-Mrs.-John-McKee..jpg?resize=640%2C499&ssl=1)
Stunning 1920s Jackets in this photo at the fair.
Source: Toronto Archives
1929 Photo of Cat-Blue Viking of Kershion, Mrs. H. C. Baker, Buffalo. So cute!!
Source: Toronto Archives
Dog Lovers! How cute are these two? Royal Winter Fair, dogs, Champion Mighty Atom, Miss Florence Massacar, Toronto-1929.
Source: Toronto Archives
1949 photo featuring a Cowgirl riding side saddle.
Source: Daily Hive
Question Time: Do you have fairs like this in your hometown? Do you like to attend them? If yes, what is your favourite part (mine is all the crafts people do)? Comment below!
Further Reading:
- Vintage Toronto Blog Posts Archive
- Chicago World’s Fair – Century of Progress 1933-1934
- A look inside Brussels World Fair-1958
- Step Back in Time with The Canadian National Exhibition
- Exhibits & Displays Seen At The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) From The 1920s-1960s
- Vintage Canada: The Bill Lynch Travelling Carnival Show
Liz
Wait… What about the Butter Sculpture?
Yup, I went to the Royal from time to time in the past, especially when my sister-in-law was competing in some of the horse events. Did you know that out-of-town competitors could rent stalls next to their horses and rig them out with curtains and camp beds? Cheaper than a hotel, and you’re right on the scene.
I did not know that very cool fact about the stalls. Thanks for sharing that Susan!
Liz
Dear Liz, I cannot thank you enough for posting all these wonderful old photos and advertisements. Brings back so many memories of my childhood. The kitchens, how the ladies dressed like they were going to a ball instead of cooking, the furniture, the floors, carpet in the bathroom, yikes, love all the candy and chocolate bars, wish we still had some of them. The Royal Winter Fair, how special it was. For sure, we lived in the best of times. Keep on posting, you make people happy. Cheers.
Ahhhh thank you so much! This is exactly why I post on my blog, to make people happy. I truly appreciate this comment. Thank you!
Liz