5 Things You May Not Have Known About The CNE

1. This was the go-to place for viewing the latest technological innovations.

Patrons of the CNE had first glance on the many technological advances which include electric railway transportation (1883), Edison’s phonograph (1888), wireless telephones (1890), radio (1922), television (1939) to plastics and synthetics (1940s-1950s).

2. The CNE was used as a military training ground and housing for Canadian troops during World War I and II.

During the First World War in late September, the festival grounds still ran its course and became known as the Exhibition Camp where visitors could watch the troop’s daily routines, tour the trenches, view military weaponry demonstrations – all aimed at educating the audience of Canada’s war efforts during the Great War. In the Second World War, the grounds were closed for 5 consecutive years from 1942 to 1946 solely to be used for military training and recruitment purposes.

3. The CNE was once home to a beautiful Crystal Palace.

A magnificent crystal palace built from glass and iron was constructed in 1878 before it was tragically destroyed by sparks of fire from the Grandstand building in 1906. The building, inspired by a similar crystal palace built in London, England by architect Joseph Paxton for the 1851 Great Exhibition was used to showcase modernity and the country’s industrial and economic achievements. After the incident, the Horticultural Building was constructed in 1907. The space is now currently occupied by the Toronto Event Centre as an event and conference space.

4. ‘Freak Shows’ were held in the CNE back in the 1912s.

The Midway Freak Show at the CNE was another popular attraction in 1912 until the 70s. It featured a variety of sideshow performers with physical abnormalities to entertainers such as sword swallowers to high divers like Marian Liljens whose act involved being set on fire and diving from a 18.2-metre-high (60ft) platform.

5. The Shriners’ Peace Memorial Statue represents the peaceful relationship between Canadians and Americans.

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting the Ex before, you will have noticed this beautiful bronze statue of a winged figure named ‘The Goddess of Peace’ holding two olive branches surrounded by a fountain of water. This was designed by American sculptor, Charles Keck, and was presented to the people of Canada on June 12th 1930 by the Shriners to symbolize peace and friendship between the two countries.