Toronto Reference Library Blog

For many of us, summer wouldn't be summer without the Canadian National Exhibition – known as "The Ex". Time and space do not permit me to wax eloquent on this special part of the summer —but before Wonderland, there was The Flyer, the Fish Pond, Tiny Tom donuts, huge stuffed animals, felt hats with your name written in sparkles, punching balloons and free samples at the Food Building. The Ex meant crowds, colour, carnival barkers, candied apples, and more.

It was not just a midway. Founded in 1879, the CNE began as a showcase for the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to the greatest artists of the time. 

The Urban Affairs Library has material on the CNE as well as Exhibition Place, the year-round entertainment and business complex. Located on a choice spot by the water, this area has been studied and studied and studied. Trade fairs, shows and sporting events are now a staple at Exhibition Place  with plans for a hotel and more in the future.

From the souvenir books of the late 1800's to the most recent studies of Exhibition Place, our collection records the changes over the years. James Lorimer's 1973 book, The Ex : A Picture History of the Canadian National Exhibition is filled with marvellous pictures. To mark the 100th anniversary of the Exhibition, Once Upon a Century : 100 Year History of the 'Ex was published.  That was 1979. There is so much more.

Take a ride with us and discover the thrills and chills of the Canadian National Exhibition – a Toronto tradition.

For many of us, summer wouldn't be summer without the Canadian National Exhibition – known as "The Ex". Time and space do not permit me to wax eloquent on this special part of the summer —but before Wonderland, there was The Flyer, the Fish Pond, Tiny Tom donuts, huge stuffed animals, felt hats with your name written in sparkles, punching balloons and free samples at the Food Building. The Ex meant crowds, colour, carnival barkers, candied apples, and more.

It was not just a midway. Founded in 1879, the CNE began as a showcase for the latest innovations in technology and commercial products, to the greatest artists of the time. 

The Urban Affairs Library has material on the CNE as well as Exhibition Place, the year-round entertainment and business complex. Located on a choice spot by the water, this area has been studied and studied and studied. Trade fairs, shows and sporting events are now a staple at Exhibition Place  with plans for a hotel and more in the future.

From the souvenir books of the late 1800's to the most recent studies of Exhibition Place, our collection records the changes over the years. James Lorimer's 1973 book, The Ex : A Picture History of the Canadian National Exhibition is filled with marvellous pictures. To mark the 100th anniversary of the Exhibition, Once Upon a Century : 100 Year History of the 'Ex was published.  That was 1979. There is so much more.

Take a ride with us and discover the thrills and chills of the Canadian National Exhibition – a Toronto tradition.