Octopus ride on the CNE Midway in the summer of 1979
Toronto. When I was a kid mid last century, the start of the last two weeks of August signalled the end of summer and start of CNE time, an annual event that ended each September on Labour Day with an air show.
As a youngster, my wife and her parents went on soldier’s day to see her grandfather march in the parade.
When I was a tiny child, my mother and aunt took me to the CNE Midway. One ride stuck in my mind – the Caterpillar. A cover came over us once the ride started leaving us to soar slightly up and down in darkness as we spun around. Years later, I saw a photograph in a Focal Press text and recognized the unique seats and cover of the Caterpillar ride I once rode at the CNE Midway.
The PHSC has a connection to the CNE too. For a brief period in the 1970s, the society had a booth in the Arts and Crafts building (now the Medieval Times Restaurant). It was always a challenge to fill the schedule with members. Near the end of the CNE participation, Allan Barnes set up a free standing display that worked with no member in attendance. Our participation ended when the building went commercial and you paid a stiff fee for booth space to SELL goods (around the same time the news papers stopped reporting CNE daily attendance).
The excitement of the CNE came rushing back when journal co-editor Louise Freyburger sent me a link to a news video on CNE photographer Scooter Korek who has photographed the annual event for nearly 50 years now (be sure you turn up the video’s sound).
The photo at left is one I took about 46 years ago on the CNE Midway when there was barely enough light to properly focus and expose a colour negative. Enjoy the news clip on the work of Scooter.
Our 2025 events have many interesting items to add to your collection. Our next event is the famous fall fair on October 19th at the Trident Hall in the west end. See PHSC News 25-7 for details. The poster etc. goes up here in later September/early October. Meantime, enjoy the PHSC News and the CTV news clip!
