Remembering the first ever Canadian National Exhibition
On Sept. 1, 1879, the Toronto Industrial Exhibition opened, paving the way for the CNE of today.
Even for many in the Greater Toronto Area who grew up outside the city, the jingle is an unshakeable ear worm. It’s like it’s stamped on your brain the minute you arrive at Union Station, or land at Pearson, or see the CN Tower from the highway leading into town:
Today, the Canadian National Exhibition is an annual rite of passage between summer and the school year, known far and wide for its rides, midway games, and adventures with deep friers. It also hosts a huge lineup of performances, exhibits, and competitions.
It’s been around for over 140 years, and its beginnings trace back even farther. In fact, the first permanent Ex — put on in September 1879 — was years in the making.
Prior to 1879, Toronto had hosted exhibitions sponsored by the Provincial Agriculture Association four times — in 1846, 1852, 1858, and 1878 — in various locations throughout the new and growing city. After the last of them, City Council decided to launch a permanent exhibition.
What was the first Canadian National Exhibition like?
Well, for starters, it wasn’t called the Canadian National Exhibition. The event that would eventually become the CNE was known in 1879 as the Toronto Industrial Exhibition.
It opened on Monday, Sept. 1, and closed on Friday, Sept. 19. It also had a Sept. 3 grand opening ceremony that was attended by Governor General John Campbell and Princess Louise, the sixth child of Queen Victoria.
Suffice to say, it was pretty different from today’s version. There were no rides. No midway. No tacos in a bag.
According to the initial programme, the purpose of the exhibition was to promote “Agriculture, Horticulture, Arts and Industries generally.” It was believed that the exhibition would be both a showcase for the city and the country, and of benefit to exhibitors and the public:
“[Exhibitions] stimulate enquiry, incite investigation, promote business enterprise, and benefit every material interest of the public generally. Such is the object sought in the formation of this Association and the holding of its first exhibition in September next.”
Multiple prizes — in amounts touted to exceed any “before in the Dominion, at any exhibition of a similar character” — were offered to encourage exhibitor participation and ensure the event was as “broad and comprehensive” as possible.
Where was the first CNE held?
This part hasn’t changed. The Toronto Industrial Exhibition was held on the same spot as today’s CNE.
At the time, the grounds featured a raft of new structures, from a 50,000 sq. ft. main building (known as the Crystal Palace) to an amphitheatre to 5.5 acres of pens and stables, which were all constructed for approximately $94,000 in 1879 dollars.
None of the buildings present for the first iteration of the Ex still stand, and most of the modern-day structures didn’t pop up until years later.
As one example, the iconic Princes’ Gates that sit at the east end of the Exhibition grounds arrived in August 1927, right around the time of Toronto’s “new” Union Station. The triumphal arch was named after the two princes on hand for both sets opening ceremonies.
How did it do?
It was an immediate hit. Over its run, the exhibition welcomed a reported 100,000 visitors. But the best sign of its success was its return in 1880 — and basically every year after.
Between 1903 and 1912, a host of new permanent buildings were added to the grounds, including a few that still stand. At the end of that period, the name was officially changed to the Canadian National Exhibition.
Over the years, the Ex introduced Torontonians to many different inventions that changed lives, from radio to television to the microwave. It also showcased a wide range of performers and stunts of all kinds.
Eventually rides and games were added, further broadening the CNE’s draw, and ushering in a family-fun era that lasts until today.
This is an updated version of an article originally published in 2022.
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