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Frolic-landConklin's All Canadian Shows won the right to play the 1941 Western Canadian "A" circuit of fairs including the Calgary Stampede. These dates were added to the route managed by Frank Conklin. The midway was redesigned and branded "Frolic-land" for the 1941 season. It was marketed as an all-Canadian
exhibition assembled to please Canadian exhibit fans, directed by Patty Conklin, director of the Canadian National Exhibition's amusement zone, "Frol-EX Land."
The midway boasted new shows and rides and innovation in both setting and presentation.
Jack Ray was given the task to design the midway, including the main gate, show fronts, concessions and other elements. The banner lines common to midways were mostly replaced with solid wooden show fronts, painted with a strikingly bright colour palette, art deco motifs and three dimensional elements.
"Frolic-land, entirely new to western Canada; 34 thrilling shows and rides! A glittering mile of amusement thrills, direct from the Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto!" ( Regina Leader-Post, July 19, 1941)
"FROLIC-LAND, the all-Canadian Midway, direct from the C.N.E., Toronto, bringing new rides, new shows, and the newest sensation for the youngsters "KIDDIELAND" (Edmonton Journal, June 21, 1941)
"Many innovations in both setting and presentation designed to lend originality and beauty to the entire project, are slated." (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix July 19, 1941)
The midway in 1941 was anchored by two spectacular shows with fronts designed and fabricated by Jack Ray. "Aquacade" was a highly reviewed swimming and diving show with stars Alfie Phillips, Canadian fancy diving champion, Sam Howard, U.S. diving champion and Pat Fairbrother. The repertoire included most
types of springboard diving with a sensational finale of a flying back somersault from 75 feet in the air. Bob and Mildred Lee's "Globe of Death" was a husband and wife twin motorcycle riding act in a 15 foot diameter iron cage.
The side show was assembled by Jack Halligan. Performers included Christine Holly with crocodile skin, Andrew Gaully, a Canadian who manipulated his prosthetic steel grips for hands and strong man Sailor Jim White. Other acts in the show were a sword swallower and a sharp shooter.
Walking down the midway, Jack Ray's show fronts enticed visitors to see the "Oriental Follies" (a girl show), "Frozen Alive" (a girl show illusion), "Tiny Town Revue", "Nuki Suki", "Artists and Models", "Monkeyland" and "Ernie and Len" (advertised as twins with one head).
Patty Conklin brought new rides to "Frolic-land": the Moon Rocket, Fly O Plane, Spitfire, and Flying Scooter. Old favourites such as the Caterpillar, Merry Go Round, Double Octopus, Auto Scooter and 3 Ferris Wheels rounded out the rides.
One of the key features of this new midway was the introduction of "Kiddie-Land", a midway specifically for kids which even offered parents to leave their children with trained attendants while they enjoyed time to themselves. Here children could go on an airplane ride, a midget Whip, the pony track, Streamlined Train, a
tiny Caterpillar and Merry Go Round.
"Down the long avenue of "Frolic Land" will be found brilliant signs introducing such shows as "Oriental Follies", "Artists and Models" , and "Tiny Town Revue" in which the artists are midgets. There will be attractions for young and old. Frolic Land will be a glittering street of fun and thrills." (Saskatoon Star-Phoenix July
19, 1941)
Jack Ray continued to design and produce "Frolic-land" show fronts and other elements until 1946. After the season, Patty Conklin decided to retire and sell everything.
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Proposed "Frolic-land" front gate by midway designer Jack Ray.1941-1946
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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Conklin Shows on the Western "A" Fair circuit.1941 - 1946
Conklin Shows
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Don Carlos Dog and Monkey Hotel."1941-1946
Conklin Shows, Frolic-Land
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Don Carlos Dog and Monkey Hotel" show. Front designed by Jack Ray.1941-1946
Unknown
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Don Carlos Dog and Monkey Show" at the Canadian National Exhibition.1941
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
J.W. (Patty) Conklin
Glenn Charron
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"Don Carlos World's Greatest Animal Trainer presents the Dog and Monkey Hotel".1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Don Carlos World's Greatest Animal Trainer Dog-Monkey Hotel".1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Magic Carpet" show front designed by Jack Ray.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Hawaiian Nights" show front designed by Jack Ray.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker
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"Auto Skooter" ride at the Canadian National Exhibition.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Arcade gate at the Canadian National Exhibition, designed by Jack Ray.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker
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Entrance to the "Penny Arcade" gate, designed by Jack Ray.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Painting of proposed show front "Hill Billy" by midway designer Jack Ray.1941-1946
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
John C. (Jack) Ray
Jennifer Walker
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