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.

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