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A Bold New Look for the Canadian National ExhibitionThe Canadian National Exhibition didn't start up again until 1947, by which time the park was in desperate need of repair and updating. (Orillia news Aug 6, 1947). Patty put his trust in his friend Jack's expertise. And so, Jack was given the task of developing a whole new look for the Midway. The Canadian National
Exhibition midway was given a permanent spot on the grounds in respect of their 5 year contract. Jack designed a permanent pool for their water shows. With the help of Joe Drambour (midway architect for Palisades Park), Jack was able to construct impressive structures that impressed the media and brought much
media attention to the new CNE midway (The Standard, The Globe & Mail, The Evening Telegram) (Conklin Shows, 1988). Showmen from all over would venture to the Canadian National Exhibition midway to take a look at the fronts that Jack Ray had created.
Discarding the traditional designs for show fronts, Jack wowed everyone with his use of new materials and a full colour palette which gave the Canadian National Exhibition midway a modern look. His designs were strongly influenced by Art Deco style; making use of sharp simplistic lines and geometric shapes, using
bright, rich colours and repetitive motifs to streamline his designs.
"You might say there are 3 basic elements that set the mood of the carnival customer: colour, light and music. When you have a perfect combination of all 3 the carnival will be a success."
- Patty Conklin (owner/operator Conklin Shows)
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Conklin Show's generator truck.1937 - 1946
Conklin Shows
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Crowds at the Canadian National Exhibition.1947-1949
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
J.W. (Patty) Conklin
Glenn Charron
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"Audrey Miller's Ice Skating Show", front designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker
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"Darkest Africa" show front designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Parisian Nights" show front designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Magic Carpet" show at the new Canadian National Exhibition, designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Aquafrolics" show designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker
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"Girl" show front at the Canadian National Exhibition designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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"Crystal Maze" at the new Canadian National Exhibition designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
Jennifer Walker
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Food concession at the new Canadian National Exhibition, designed by Jack Ray.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Crowds at the newly refurbished Canadian National Exhibition.1947-1949
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Cece Day's Restaurant at the newly designed Canadian National Exhibition.1947-1955
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
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Views of the new Canadian National Exhibition.1948
Canadian National Exhibition, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Credits:North American Carnival Museum and Archives (NACMA)
J.W. (Patty) Conklin
Glenn Charron
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