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Fair for Britain

Fun wasn't much of a priority with the outbreak of WWII. Land, money and effort were all spent supporting the Allied Forces. Since little time was left for amusement, Patty Conklin had no venue for his midway in Toronto in 1942 as the Canadian National Exhibition grounds were taken over for use by the Canadian Armed

Forces.

To help the war effort, Patty devised a plan. He would help in the way he knew best. He put on a carnival! The carnival would be called the "Fair for Britain" and all gate receipts would go to the "Toronto Evening Telegram's British War Victim Fund." With minimal staff and materials the carnival would:

1. Raise money for the war effort
2. Help sustain morale of citizens through entertainment
3. Provide work for unemployed carnies and others during hard times

Captivated audiences were in awe of the fronts designed by up-and-comer Jack Ray.

Jack Ray's "Frolic-land" fronts were on the midway. "They raised $42,000 for the British War Victim Fund." (Billboard, Sep. 19, 1942 p. 34).

Patty introduced a whole new aspect to his carnival, "Kiddie-land". It catered to children with smaller rides and a youthful design. It was such a success that other carnivals and amusement parks began to mimic the pint-sized park designed by Jack. The "Fair for Britain" ran for 2 years. By the end of 1942 it had raised

over $42,000 for the "Evening Telegram's War Victim's Fund." "The fair ran again in 1943 and raised over $85,000 for the British War Victim Fund." (Billboard, Nov. 27, 1943 p. 16). This amount would translate to more than a million dollars today.

Conklin Shows received much publicity and good press for their unprecedented fundraising efforts by an amusement company.

Many of Jack Ray's art works depict shows fronts that were created for the "Fair for Britain", and went on to travel with Conklin Shows 'Frolic-land".

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"Fair for Britain" gate.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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Front entrance to "Frolic-land" at the "Fair for Britain," designed by Jack Ray.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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"Fair for Britain" in Riverdale Park.
1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker

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View of the "Fair for Britain".
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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"Hells Half Acre" war show front, painted by midway designer Jack Ray.
1942-1943
Conklin Shows, Frolic-Land

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
John C. (Jack) Ray
Jennifer Walker

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"War Show" front designed by Jack Ray.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
John C. (Jack) Ray

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Views of the "Fair for Britain."
1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
J.W. (Patty) Conklin
Glenn Charron

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"Terrell Jacobs Wild Animal Circus" at the "Fair for Britain."
1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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"Darkest Africa" show at the "Fair for Britain".
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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"Eko and Iko: Human Bodies with Sheep-like Heads," pen and ink show front sketch by Jack Ray.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
John C. (Jack) Ray
Jennifer Walker

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"Eko and Iko the Sheep Headed Men."
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker

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"World's Fair Freaks" at the "Fair for Britain." Note "Eko and Iko" in the back row.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)

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"Magazine Covers" girl show front designed by Jack Ray.
1942-1943
Fair for Britain, Riverdale Park, Toronto, Ontario

Credits:
North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)