The following is a very brief summary of the types and extent of records and collections held by the Archives. For more detailed information, please contact Linda Cobon, Manager, Records and Archives, 416-263-3658.
Textual Records
Extent: c. 1000 cubic feet, Outside Dates: 1879-present
The textual holdings of the Archives includes all records created by the CNE Association, the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place, the Canadian International Air Show and the Warriors' Day Parade Council that possess long-term administrative, fiscal or legal value.
Not included here are the approximately 3000 cubic feet of inactive business records housed in the Archives as part of the Records Management Program.
Types of archival textual records held by the Archives include:
Minutes of meetings of the Directors of the CNE Association, the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and the Warriors' Day Parade Council, Minutes of various committees formed by the CNE Association and the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place Reports, Annual Reports, CNE Programmes, CNE Prize Lists, CNE Special Brochures, CNE Art Gallery Catalogues, Canadian International Air Show Programs, Passes to CNE grounds
Records from various CNE/Exhibition Place departments including: Office of the Chief General Manager, CNE Agricultural Department, CNE Women's Department, Exhibition Place Works Department, Exhibition Stadium Corporation, Exhibition Place General Manager of Administration & Corporate Secretary, CNE Sports Department.
Collections of records acquired from members of the public, including the papers of Peg Willins-Hughes, wife of long-time CNE General Manager, Elwood Hughes.
Medallions
Extent: c. 600 items, Outside Dates: 1879-Present
Since its founding in 1879, the CNE has awarded medallions, usually made of gold, silver or bronze, to winners of various agricultural, musical, artistic, sporting or other competitions. Visiting dignitaries, special guests and the official "opener" of the CNE each year, usually a Canadian or international figure of some prominence, were also presented with medallions.
Photographs
Extent: c. 250,000 items, Outside Dates: 1890s-Present
The bulk of the photograph collection is made up of black-and-white prints and negatives that document the history, development and growth of the CNE.
Slides
Extent: c. 5000 slides, Outside Dates: c. 1950s-1986
The slide collection is comprised primarily of images donated to the Archives by members of the public and through transfers to the Archives from the Marketing Department, Exhibition Place. The slide collection also includes duplicate images drawn from the Photo and Postcard Collections as well as from CNE Programme and Prize List covers. The slides are an invaluable resource for researchers and CNEA/Exhibition Place staff.
Postcards
Extent: c. 700 items, Outside Dates: c. early 1900s-1989
The postcard collection contains some of the most colourful and significant views of the CNE grounds, building and events.
Posters
Extent: 40 posters and preliminary designs, Outside Dates: c. 1889-1996
Included here are official CNE posters created each year by commissioned artists. Among the artists whose work has been featured on CNE posters are J.E.H. MacDonald, Eric Aldwinkle & Franklin Carmichael.
Moving Images
Extent: 329 reels of film, 356 videocassettes, Outside Dates: c. 1920s-1997
The Archives moving-image collection contains old footage of the grounds and events, feature films on the CNE, television ads and other miscellaneous films related to the CNE. Most films are 16mm, but many have also been copied onto 3/4" and 1/2" VHS tapes for use by researchers and staff.
Audio Tapes
Extent: 542 tapes, Outside Dates: c. 1928-1994
The audio tapes are primarily of addresses and speeches given by CNE officials or by dignitaries participating in the CNE.
Architectural Plans
Extent: c. 500 items, Outside Dates: 1904-1987
The Archives holds the original architectural plans for many buildings no longer in existence as well as plans for the construction and renovation/alteration of existing buildings.
Sheet Music
Extent: c. 50 sheets of music, Outside Dates: 1883-1965
This collection includes sheet music used in CNE Grandstand performances of the 1880s to the 1960s and sheet music used by the Exhibition Chorus, 1920-1930.
Works of Art
Extent: 81 items, Outside Dates: c. 1891-1984
This collection includes works of art, such as paintings and sculptures which are owned by the CNE Association or the Board of Governors of Exhibition Place and administered by the Archives.
Artifacts
Extent: c. 500 items, Outside Dates: c. 1880s-1997
The Archive's collection of artifacts includes a wide range of objects such as trophies, medals, prize ribbons, banners, souvenirs, coins, midway games etc.
Library
Extent: c. 200 books and periodicals, Dates: 1856-2009
The library contains books and periodicals dealing primarily with art, history and archival science. The resources in the Library are used for general reference and/or in conjunction with studying and understanding original CNE records.
