expo 67 lounge

Expo 67 Department Store Display

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 13:47:00 +0000

The image above is a rare shot of an Expo 67 promotional display at the now-defunct Denholm & McKay store in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Such displays would have been commissioned by the public relations department for Expo 67, to drum up enthusiasm for the upcoming fair.

Check out the ultra-sexy Expo 67 hostess cardboard cutout, below! That, too, was meant to drum up, er... enthusiasm.

images: (top) flickr.com
(bottom) montage by author

The U.S. Pavilion at Night

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Check out these ultra-fabulous night shots of the U.S. Pavilion at Expo 67:

A stunning view of the edge of one of the exhibit platforms.

Huge paintings by well-known American artists adorned the dome's interior.

Destination Moon, the pavilion's much-hyped space exhibit.

Life-sized models of satellites and rockets hung on enormous parachutes.

The Minirail, as it entered the dome.

The dark spots were actually retractable screens, used for climate control.

photos: Bill Dutfield, via expo67.ncf.ca

Fondue and Tabletop Cooking, 1970

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:34:00 +0000

Better Homes and Gardens magazine was first published in 1922 by Edwin Meredith, founder of the Meredith Corporation.

Originally called Fruit, Garden and Home, the magazine was renamed Better Homes and Gardens in 1924. By 1930, eager to capitalize on the success of the magazine, Meredith published the Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book. Magazine subscribers received complimentary copies of the first edition, and book sales grew rapidly.

By the mid-20th century, Better Homes and Gardens had established itself as a leading authority on home economics and gardening, with a plethora of specialized books and cookbooks, spun off from the original magazine.

This 1970 edition of Fondue and Tabletop Cooking put together "the most widely acclaimed fondues, from appetizers through desserts", promising that the reader would become "an effervescent, day-by-day fondue hostess."

Warm appetizers: Cheese-Bean, Sausage-Avocado and Shrimp dips.

An intriguing introduction:

"Fondues give menus seemingly new and exciting twists, yet the idea originated long ago. Out of a fervent desire to utilize hardened cheese and bread, the Swiss concocted a mouth watering cheese-wine mixture. The cheese was melted in wine, and the bread cubes were dunked in the mixture. The name 'fondue' came from the French word 'fondre' which means 'to melt'."

Fish and Seafood Fondue, featuring Salmon, Shrimp and Lobster.

Meat magic:

"'Beef Fondue' consists of beef cubes cooked in hot oil and then dipped in a zesty sauce. Similar fondues substitute other meat, fish, or seafood for beef.

"Dinner is easy on the hostess when the main dish is meat, fish or seafood fondue. The hostess sets the table, and the guests do the rest themselves. It's instant fun for everyone."

Mexi-Meatball fondue... ¡Ay, caramba!

Fondue Fiesta fun:

"Mexican food and music go hand-in-hand, so combine the two with colorful south-of-the-border decorations for a wildly enthusiastic dinner. To an accompaniment of recorded trumpets, guitars, maracas and castanets, serve a snappy 'Mexi-Meatball Fondue', soft tortillas and hot 'Mexican Chocolate'."

Fondue Italiano, served at a gay after-ski party. Look how happy everyone is!

After-ski amusement:

"Br-r-r-r, it's cold outside - so build a roaring blaze in the fireplace, bring on the fondue, and start swapping skiing tales. If you're not in ski country, plan this "warm up" party to follow some other winter activity."

Modern, portable appliances, used for tabletop cooking.

Tabletop truths:

"The myriad of smartly-styled appliances for tabletop cooking gives the modern homemaker another approach to dining. Some provide sufficient heat to cook table-side; others simply keep foods at serving temperature."

An electric skillet is used to cook vegetables and shrimp Tempura-style.

Tempura talk:

"Add a far-eastern flavor to dining with Japanese Tempura - batter dipped shrimp and vegetables deep-fat fried in an electric skillet."

Decorating directives:

"Guests will enjoy dining at a low table accompanied with plenty of soft floor pillows. Arrange a black or brightly colord lacquered tray at each place setting - they need not match - or, use bamboo placemeats. Chopsticks add authenticity, although it is wise to furnish knives, forks, and spoons. Provide small cups for warm 'sake' (rice wine)."

Waffles served with apple, pecan or coconut-orange peel toppings.

Waffle wisdom:

"Start the day with piping hot wafles for breakfast or wind it up with an ice cream-topped waffle dessert after the theatre. In between are occasions for sophisticated waffle entrées served with cheese, meat or seafood sauce."

The chafing dish, demystified.

Chafing dish chat:

"Ever dream of being a star? Even if your stage aspirations have long been forgotten, dust the cobwebs off that dream. Make your debut at your next dinner party by cooking at the table using a chafing dish. Chafing dish cookery not only caters to the showmanship in all of us, it also enables the hostess to spend her time with guests. They become the supporting players."

Wow, who knew that a chafing dish could do all that...?

Lemon Crêpes, drizzled with Royal Grape Sauce, and warmed in a chafing dish.

Mini Pastries au Fondue

Do-it-yourself dessert:

"Guests spear and cook surprise filled pastries. Easy to make, squares of refrigerated crescent-roll dough are sealed around bite-size pieces of fruit or candy."

And, yes, they're fried in oil...!

images: personal collection

Groovy Turcot!

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 18:57:00 +0000

I just love this ultra-groovy interpretation of the Turcot Interchange, by local artist Henry Buszard...

Expo 67 in One Day

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 01:33:00 +0000

Only one day to visit Expo 67...? No problem!

From Expo Inside Out, a no-nonsense guide to seeing the best of Expo, in just one day:

"Take the Metro to Sainte-Héléne, arriving at 9:30am. Go immediately to the United States pavilion (you can't miss it); and get in line for the film (which includes the tour). Allow two hours, which means you should be out before 11:30.

Get in line for the U.S. pavilion first thing in the morning.

"You won't have to wait in line long if you lunch early. Try the restaurant in one of the following pavilions (all a short walk from the U.S.): Scandinavia, Austria, Switzerland, Japan. With care and luck, you will eat well for 5$ each. We'll allow you until 1pm to eat.

"An hour is plenty to take in Japan and will even give you some time to rest in its garden.

Take the time to rest in Japan's garden.

"By 2:30 you should have found your way to the theme pavilion, 'Man the Explorer'. See 'Man and the Polar Regions' and 'Man, his Planet and Space'. By 4:30, you should be out.

"Walk back towards the United States, and turn right at Cosmos Walk, the pedestrian bridge across Le Moyne Channel. (If you're tired, take a Pedicab for about 1$).

Cross Cosmos Walk, the pedestrian bridge...

... or take a Pedicab if you're tired.

"Take a good look at the U.S.S.R., but don't go in. Cross Île-Notre-Dame and turn right again, past Mexico and India to Barbados-Guyana, where we suggest you stop and have a drink (our recommendation: BIM BAM BOOM), to the accompaniment of a calypso group and macaws.

Have a drink at the Barbados-Guyana pavilion.

"By 6:00pm, you should be ready for supper in Canada's 'Tundra' restaurant, which is two buildings past the teepee of the Indians of Canada (allow 15$ for two.)

Have dinner at Canada's Tundra restaurant.

"Try not to miss the last showing of 'A place to Stand' in the Ontario Pavilion (get there by 9pm).

"We wouldn't blame you if your energy has given out, but if you're still going strong, walk over to the Minirail Station opposite the Western Provinces and take the Blue Minirail (a 45 minute ride for 50¢). Don't get off too early - you pass through some stations twice. This is the best time to take the Minirail; you see Expo lit up at night and you won't have to wait in line.

Take the Minirail at night... it's the best time.

"After that, you may want to visit the Amusement Center (La Ronde). Walk to the Expo-Express Station (Île Notre Dame) and take the Expo Express to La Ronde, at the end of Île Sainte-Hélène. From there you are at the mercy of the barkers and your own impulse to spend money.

Finish off your day at Expo 67 at La Ronde.

"To get home, use the La Ronde exit, and take a bus to the Metro (Papineau station) and you're on your way."

images: (1) montage by author
(2-3-8-9) Bill Dutfield
(4) flickr.com
(5) library and archives Canada
(6) personal collection
(7) courtesy DC Hillier

The Château Champlain Hotel

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 23:33:00 +0000

Artist's conception of the Château Champlain and surrounding area, 1965.

Designed by Quebec architects Roger D'Astous and Jean-Paul Pothier, the Château Champlain hotel was built in anticipation of the massive influx of visitors expected for Expo 67.

Located just south of Dominion Square, the 480-foot, 38-storey luxury hotel was part of the Place du Canada complex, which included a pedestrian plaza, boutiques, and an office building.

The Château Champlain was built by Canadian Pacific Hotels, a division of the Canadian Pacific Railway, at the cost of $25 million. Construction was completed in late 1966, with the official opening in the spring of 1967, just in time for Expo.

Close-up view of the hotel's top, with it's ubiquitous arched windows.

The 480-foot tower's facade included 1100 concrete panels, finished in a textured white quartz composite, with 660 of these bowed and arched to frame the Château Champlain's signature curved windows. The arched windows were intended by the designers as a visual reference to the Romanesque Revival arches of nearby historic Windsor Station.

The interior of the hotel was designed with a distinct French Canadian character, a modern blend of old and new.

The hotel's main and lower lobbies, as well as its ballroom, featured cathedral-like vaulted ceilings from which hung contemporary chandeliers. The traditional crystal ballroom, with balconies, could welcome 500 guests for a formal dinner, or 900 for dancing.

Guest rooms were U-shaped, dictated by the architecture, with an arched bay window in each room. A round breakfast table was set in the bay window which was curtained with light and airy drapery. Furniture was simplified as much as possible: a mirrored dressing area in each room provided built-in luggage and clothing storage, forgoing the need for bulky free standing units. Upholstered chairs and ottomans featured modern interpretations of traditional styles. Tasteful accessories such as cushions, lamps and paintings completed the décor.

Rooms on the east side of the hotel had an unobstructed view of Expo 67.

The office tower (right) was unfinished at the time of this photo (1966).

The Château Champlain featured 7 dining rooms and cocktail lounges:

Le Caf' Conc' was built like a turn-of-the-century theatre, recalling the heyday of French cafés-concerts. Included was a full stage, tiered parterre and box seats... adorned with gilt-framed paintings on a backdrop of lush reds, purples, and gold.

Le Café-Terrasse featured sliding doors that opened onto the pedestrian plaza during the warm months. An open kitchen served coffee, crèpes, home-made soups, etc.

Le Tournebroche, as the name suggests, served spit roasted and grilled specialties. The largest of Château Champlain's restaurants featured a décor that recalled an old-style Quebecois auberge. Bread was baked in brick ovens, while a series of alcoves along a 60-foot wall let guests observe the chefs at work. The restaurant also featured a walk-in wine cavern and a special section where cheese and sausage hung from the ceiling.

L'Escapade, the hotel's rooftop entertainment centre, offered a panoramic view of Montreal and its surroundings. 4 split-level sections were linked by vaulted archways, containing 2 à la carte restaurants, as well as a cocktail lounge and nightclub.

Le Jardin, the formal cocktail lounge, featured a winter garden with poodle cut box hedges in marble planters. Vaulted ceilings were painted with a cloud motif, and 5 French doors led to the formal dining room.

Le Neufchâtel was the Château Champlain's formal dining room, and the only area that was decorated in a purely formal manner. À la carte lunches and table d'hôte dinners were enjoyed in ornate Louis XVI style...

From left: Neighboring Mary Queen of The World Cathedral and Windsor Station.

A decorative windmill on Dominion Square contrasted with the modern hotel.

A 1966 view of from Peel Street. Till today, the hotel remains Montreal's tallest.

images: authors own, from Montreal '65 & '66 magazines

The Pavilion of Thailand

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:30:00 +0000

The Thai pavilion at Expo 67 was a marvel of classic Eastern architecture. Located on Île Notre Dame, Thailand sought to present an image of traditional grace and refinement, in an atmosphere of oriental beauty.

The pavilion's 2 seperate buildings, clearly illustrated by this artist's conception.

Thailand's participation at Expo 67 was composed of 2 main structures:

The first was a replica of an ornate 18th century Buddhist shrine. A pagoda-like roof was covered in gilded tiles and crowned by a tall, delicate spire. Each tile had a tiny bell suspended from it, meant to tinkle in the breeze and ward of evil spirits.

Thailand's 18th century Buddhist temple.

Inside the shrine, the atmosphere was tranquil. Tall, stained glass windows were flanked by sumptuous red draperies. Religious items, temple furniture, traditional costumes and statues were on display in this area. A magnificent altar of carved wood, adorned by precious stones, was located towards the rear of the shrine. Large pewter vases on the altar held 2 elephant tusks forming an arch from which was suspended a brass gong.

Long lineups to enter the Buddhist shrine were frequent.

The second structure of the pavilion was also of traditional architecture, yet considerably larger than the former. It housed a long hall under its gabled roof, flanked on each end by smaller versions of the intricate Buddhist shrine top. As with the temple, red, green and blue lacquer adorned the exterior, with motifs inspired by mythological symbols.

A closer look at the Thai pavilion's ornate exterior.

Despite the traditional outward appearance, the second building's interior was a tribute to modern Thailand. Remarkable works of craftsmanship were on display: decorative objects such as world-renowned Thai ceramics and porcelains, bronze and silverware, exquisite silks, teak furniture, figurines and costumed dolls, as well as exotic jewelry and precious gems.

Thai ceramics, considered some of the world's finest.

An area devoted to export products showed different kinds of rice, tapioca and corn, as well as samples of rubber, minerals, and forest products.

The pavilion's boutique offered visitors handmade jewelry, traditional dolls, ceramics, and a vast assortment of lavish Thai silks.

A Royal Barge was on display outside the pavilion.

In an adjacent pool outside the pavilion floated a replica of a Royal Barge. These vessels were traditionally used in processions of royal and religious significance.

The Thai pavilion, as photographed by Lillian Seymour.

Michèle Richard, posing in front of the Thai pavilion.

A night view of the Thai pavilion.

The Thai pavilion at Expo 67 glowed during the day and glittered at night.

images: (1-2) flickr.com
(3-5-7) Bill Dutfield
(4) gorillasdontblog.blogspot.com
(6-11) personal collection
(9-10) the Lillian Seymour collection
(12-13) courtesy DC Hillier

High Rollers

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 00:51:00 +0000

Check out these fabulous vintage roller sets from the September 1961 issue of Australian Woman's Day magazine... My favorite? The Summer Parfait...!

images: flickr.com

Julien Hébert and the Expo 67 Symbol

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 12:21:00 +0000

Julien Hébert was born in 1917 in the municipality of Rigaud. A pioneer of modern industrial design in Québec, Hébert was originally a student of philosophy before venturing into the Arts. He studied sculpture in Montreal at l'École des beaux-arts, and in Paris under famed sculptor Ossip Zadkine.

Hébert's prominent career saw him teach art history and sculpture at the École des beaux-arts and planning and design at the École du meuble. He also played a key role in establishing the École du design industriel at the Université de Montréal, where he taught as well.

In 1979, he was awarded the distinguished Prix Paul-Émile-Borduas.

Julien Hébert's most famous contribution to popular culture is arguably the design of the Expo 67 logo. In the above Radio-Canada archive, Hébert himself sheds light on the Expo planners' selection process, as well as the meaning of the now-ubiquitous symbol.

image montage by author

GQ, September 1967

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 11:49:00 +0000

From the September 1967 issue of GQ magazine:

"A male model poses in the Man in the Community pavilion at Expo 67. He wears a four-buttoned DB houndstooth blazer by Hammonton Park with square shoulders, peak lapels, straight flap pockets, and deep side vents."

photo: Leonard Nones

La Cantine

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 11:54:00 +0000

This has got to be one of my favorite new restaurants!

Opened in August 2008, La Cantine is a trip to 1970's nostalgic heaven.

Owner Pierre-Luc Chevalier says the inspiration for his retro-cool bistro stems from childhood outings to canteens with his grandparents: fond memories of orange vinyl banquettes and dishes such as hamburger steak...

La Cantine's menu is an homage to the type of down-home Québecois comfort food we all grew up with... but with a modern, chic twist.

The "Pogos" are bite sized hors d'oeuvres: little wild boar and mushroom sausages fried in beer batter, served with honey-mustard sauce. The "Pâté presque-Chinois" is a simmering casserole of mixed meats, corn, and cheesy potatoes with crispy, crusty edges (as a kid, this was always my favorite part of Shepherd's Pie...) The "Cheeseburger" platter is a mixed game patty, with goat's cheese and mushrooms, served with a raspberry vinaigrette coleslaw, and some of the most delicious french fries I've ever tasted... (their secret: the fries are battered).

La Cantine's homemade mayo is even pink, my favorite color!

Desserts are generous and equally lowbrow/highbrow... I highly recommend the pouding chômeur which features a hint of fleur de sel, for a heavenly salty/sweet taste...

La Cantine also serves brunch on weekends, available from 9am until 3pm, with clever dish names such as "Mange tes croutes!" ("Eat your crusts!")...

The restaurant's décor can only be described as "rec room chic". Reproduction 1970's wallpaper and vintage metallic objets d'arts give the restaurant its kitschy-cool ambiance. Framed collages of mid-70's catalog images can be seen throughout and have become La Cantine's trademarks. There's even an orange banquette... but this one is velvet!

A sweet next-door café/boutique sells takeout sandwiches and dishes, as well as fab locally-made products (including baguettes and pistachio croissants from Arhoma, an artisanal bakery in Montreal's Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood).

La Cantine celebrates its first anniversary this Thursday, August 6th, 2009. A special 5 à 7 is planned for the evening, with a select menu featuring the bistro's most popular dishes. Guests wearing orange (La Cantine's signature color) will be served a complimentary "Barbie Punch". An exclusive banana and chocolate dessert will finish the evening in style...

La Cantine
212 Mont-Royal E.
514-750-9800

photos: Carrie MacPherson

Fort Edmonton

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 11:34:00 +0000

Fort Edmonton-Pioneerland was situated in the La Ronde sector of Expo 67 and sponsored by the city of Edmonton, Alberta.

A view of Fort Edmonton from the Expo-Express station.

Located near La Ronde's Expo Express station, Fort Edmonton was one of the first things visitors saw as they entered the amusement area of Expo 67. Surrounded by a barrier of tree trunks, Fort Edmonton's traditional setting transported guests to the old Canadian West.

The Golden Garter saloon.

The Gold Rush days were re-created with continuous lively entertainment at the Golden Garter saloon, where leggy chorus girls could often be seen through its swing doors. A full liquor service was available at the establishment, which became "adults-only" after 6pm.

One of Fort Edmonton's daily action-packed shows.

Visitors could have their picture taken behind bars at Fort Edmonton, or have novelty newspaper headlines printed while they waited. There was also had a general store, a film and camera shop, hat and souvenir stands, and 2 restaurants... The Klondike steakhouse served barbecued and grilled specialties in an authentic frontier-style ambiance.

There was even a barber shop, where men could have their hair cut...!

The typical Gold Rush atmosphere of Fort Edmonton.

A Minirail station at Fort Edmonton took visitors to other areas of La Ronde.

One of the attractions in Fort Edmonton was the Flume ride. Passengers sat in hollow logs that floated down twisting ramps of water, ending with a climactic final plunge, leaving visitors thrilled and damp...

This water-borne roller coaster was one of La Ronde's most popular rides.

An aerial view of La Ronde's Flume ride during Expo 67.

La Ronde's Fort Edmonton still exists today, and the La Pitoune log ride is still one of the park's most beloved attractions...

images: (1) flickr.com
(2-3) the Lillian Seymour collection
(6) ebay.com
(4-5-7) library and archives Canada

Nightlife Magazine Interview

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:07:00 +0000

Expo Lounge (and my passion for Expo 67) are the subject of an interview appearing in the summer 2009 issue of Nightlife Magazine.

Disneyland's House of the Future

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Mon, 18 May 2009 00:13:00 +0000

The House of the Future was an attraction that debuted in 1957 at the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim, California. Sponsored by the Monsanto Chemical Company, the ultra-modern house was almost entirely synthetic.

Set in the year 1986, the House of the Future's 4 equal wings seemed to float above its beautifully landscaped grounds and waterfalls.

The house's designers, Marvin Goody and Richard Hamilton.

Designed by Marvin Goody and Richard Hamilton of the Goody Clancy firm in Boston, Massachusetts, the 1280 square foot structure took 2 years to develop. Originally members of the faculty or architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Goody and Hamilton were hired by Monsanto to find new markets for plastic products. They eventually formed their own private firm to take over the commercial planning of the project.

A 1966 magazine article describing Monsanto's futuristic plastic house.

The House of the Future was made from 8 prefabricated plastic modules, placed one on top of the other, forming the ceiling, floor, and wall (the remaining walls were windows). When the modules originally arrived at Disneyland for assembly, receiving clerks thought they were part of a boat!

The central core of the house contained the kitchen and bathrooms, while the four wings each contained one room. The entire structure was solidly anchored to an earthquake rated concrete foundation.

The House of the Future under construction, in early 1957.

Construction at Disneyland began on January 7, 1957, and was completed by early June. A special preview day was held on June 11, 1957, while the official public opening of the House of the Future was held the next day.

An estimated 60,000 visitors toured the House of the Future each week.

Upon entering, visitors found themselves in the dining and family room, a place where the family of the future would play, rest, and dine on stylish plastic furniture. Nearby, the Atoms for Living Kitchen awed guests with futuristic amenities such as the microwave oven.

The 2 children’s bedrooms followed, one for the boy of the future and one for the girl of the future, as well as the shared kids’ bathroom. The master bedroom and the main bathroom were next on the tour, which concluded itself in the sleek living room, featuring a giant, wall-mounted television and built-in high fidelity equipment.

The futuristic kitchen featured an ultra-sonic dishwasher.

The dining room of the future... with plastic dishes, of course!

The ultra-modern bathrooms were completely molded in plastic.

A night view of the House of the Future.

An illuminated replica, in a limited edition of 1000, produced in 1996.

The House of the Future is yet another example of the retro-futuristic aesthetic that I adore, reminding me a bit of Jacque Fresco's designs...

Vanished today, there continues to be subtle tributes to the House of the Future both at Disneyland and Walt Disney World...

images: (1) yesterland.com
(2, 4 & 11) flickr.com
(3, 5 & 6) davelandweb.com
(7, 8, 9, 10 & 12) LIFE photo archive

GeoTour 67

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sun, 10 May 2009 15:53:00 +0000

In recent years, what remained of Expo 67's U.S. pavilion has become the Biosphere, an environmental museum dedicated to water issues and climatic change, as well as sustainable development and responsible consumption.

Last summer, the Biosphere launched a unique activity called GeoTour 67.

Using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology, GeoTour 67 offers visitors an interactive exploration of two 4-kilometre circuits on Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands.

Available at the Biosphere's ticket counter for a rental fee of $5, visitors are given handheld navigation devices that enable self-guided tours of 25 points of interest on the islands. At each site, the pre-programmed device displays photographs, audio clips, anecdotes and diverse information, illustrating the significance of the specific location. Each tour lasts about 2 hours.

Not surprising, the tours focus a lot on Expo 67 (much of the grounds themselves did not exist before Expo)... as well as the evolution of environmental awareness over the past 42 years.

Click here to sample GeoTour 67.

images: (top) cyberpresse.ca
(bottom) ideeclic.com

Piknic Électronik Announcement

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Wed, 06 May 2009 22:42:00 +0000

Piknic Électronik's 2009 DJ lineup was announced today... Expo 67 style!

Expo 67 Opening Ceremonies

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:30:00 +0000

Expo 67's official opening ceremonies were held exactly 42 years ago today.

The invitation-only ceremonies were held at Place des Nations on the sunny Thursday afternoon of April 27, 1967. Expo was officially inaugurated by Governor General Roland Michener, with over 7,000 guests in attendance, including 53 heads of state.

Over 1000 reporters covered the event, which was broadcast in color, live via satellite, to a world-wide audience of over 700,000,000.

The Governor General of Canada, Roland Michener.

12 cadets from the Collège militaire royal de Saint-Jean carried in a torch that was lit in a ceremony 2 years prior. The torch bearer was Joseph Philip Lonuel, who passed it on in order of hierarchy of governance. It was passed to the Commissioner General of Expo 67, Pierre Dupuy; who passed it to the Mayor of Montreal, Jean Drapeau; who passed it to the Premier of Quebec, Daniel Johnson, Senior; who finally passed it to the Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson.

The Prime Minister used the torch to light the Expo Flame, which would burn the entire duration of Expo 67.

The Prime Minister of Canada, Lester B. Pearson, lighting the Expo Flame.

The Golden Centennaires, the forerunners of the Snowbirds, closed the opening ceremonies with an aerobatic performance over the Expo 67 site and the Montreal harbour...

From left: Lester B. Pearson, Roland Michener, Daniel Johnson, Sr., Jean Drapeau

images: (1-2-3) expo67.ncf.ca
(4) wikipedia

Labatt 50

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:20:00 +0000

The Labatt Brewing Company was founded by John Kinder Labatt in 1847 in London, Ontario.

In March 1950, Labatt introduced its 50th anniversary ale, commemorating a half-century of business under the leadership of the founder's grandsons, John S. and Hugh Labatt.

The first “light” ale was called "Annie", and later "50". It quickly gained a dedicated following and eventually became Canada’s most popular beer.

Labatt 50 was the working man's beer of the 1960's. From 1968 to 1979, it was the country's best seller.

50's distinctive label, a red 5-0 with green and white background, has remained relatively unchanged over the decades.

A Labatt 50 ad for Expo 67.

In the late 70's, popular taste shifted towards lagers, and 50 fell out of favor. In 1979, Labatt Blue became the company's best-seller, and has been ever since. To this day, the top selling beers in Canada are all lagers (Labatt Blue, Molson Canadian, Coors Lite, Budweiser)...

An ad from 1977, featuring both Labatt 50 and Labatt Blue.

In the early 80's, Canadian brewers started to phase out the iconic stubby in favor of the long-neck beer bottle. By the mid 1980's, 50's reign was over.

Nowadays, Labatt 50 is the has-been of the beer world. While Molson Breweries successfully revived it's classic ale, Molson Export, Labatt 50 has yet to make a true comeback. Loved by some and loathed by others, it's nevertheless a beer that evokes strong emotions... Here in Quebec, "Cinquante" remains popular, and available at any fine dépanneur!

I have very fond childhood memories of my grandfather and his Labatt 50. Whether it was habit or what he actually preferred, the ubiquitous green and red logo will always remind me of him.

The 1976 Canadian Grand Prix, held in Ottawa, and sponsored by Labatt 50.

images: (1) canadiandesignresource.ca
(2 and 4) stubby.ca
(3) author's own
(5 and 6) ebay.com

Fashion at Expo 67

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 18:52:00 +0000

From Expo Inside Out, a look at fashion at Expo 67:

"Some of the most contemporary styles are those worn by visitors to the site, but for more formal fashion presentations, go inside a number of pavilions. One of the most interesting takes place in the USSR pavilion several times a day. The Russians are trying to break into the international fashion world market, and their hem-lines, faltering nervously above the knee, reflect a concession to decadent mini-skirts and western tastes.

Russian fashion exhibited at Expo 67, designed by Vyacheslav Zaitsev.

"The French put on a magnificent display of magnificent clothes from Balenciaga, Balmain, Chanel, Dior, Givenchy, St. Laurent - the list is endless. The ground floor is devoted to the City of Paris and its current modes; upstairs, selections from the fall collections of the greats are shown with typical Expo film flare. Some of the most spectacular jewelry in the world are shown here, too, at times manages to eclipse the fashions.

"You can see a fur fashion show and eat at the same time in the Scandanavian pavilion restaurant. A collection of native furs is modelled twice daily, at lunch and dinner-time, by assorted Canadian and Scandanavian beauties.

"Pucci, a favorite of Jacqueline Kennedy and the jet set in general (they're the only ones who can afford him), and the Fontana Sisters are featured in Italian fashion presentations. The Sisters also did the hostesses' bright red, swinging uniforms. They're nice to look at but the most dramatic uniform is, appropriately enough, worn by the French Pavilion hostesses who are done up in silver lamé packages.

Expo's hostesses were fashion plates in themselves.

"Fashion shows at the Canadian pavilion are held every Thursday afternoon in the outdoor theatre. Some of the clothes are appealing, but too often a nationalistic fervor to show every Canadian designer whether he's good, bad or just plain awful, prevails over good taste. Hostesses here, as in most other pavilions, are dressed in modified national costume - sedate, simple little dresses, nice but definitely unspectacular. For national dress, the African hostesses top the list.

A dress display in the Swiss pavilion.

"There are also fashion and jewelry displays at many of the other pavilions. The most important of these include Belgium, for diamonds; Czechoslovakia, for jewelry; India, for gorgeous materials; and Switzerland, with a display of exquisite watches."

images: (1) author's own
(2) z3000.livejournal.com
(3) Life magazine online archive
(4) the Bill Cotter collection

Tupperware

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sat, 21 Feb 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Tupperware was invented by Earl Silas Tupper in the mid-1940's. Originally a DuPont chemist, Tupper developed his liquid proof, airtight plastic containers by mimicking the lids of paint cans.

Tupper experimented with department store sales, but as Businessweek reported in 1954, "in retail stores [Tupperware] fell flat on its face."

Plastic containers were still a new phenomenon at that time, and it became clear that they required explanation or demonstration... Enter Brownie Wise.

Detroit-native Brownie Wise had been selling household products for the Stanley Home Products company in the late 1940's. Purchasing through local distributors, Wise began to offer Tupperware as part of her product line, and by 1948, she was moving enough Tupperware to attract Earl Tupper's attention. The 2 met, along with several other distributors, to discuss a new distribution plan. Based on the home party plan pioneered by Stanley Home Products, Wise refined and expanded the concept, and the ubiquitous "Tupperware party" was born. Even today, this direct marketing strategy remains the exclusive outlet for Tupperware.

By the 1950s, sales and popularity of Tupperware exploded.

At a time where women came back from working during World War II, only to be told to "go back to the kitchen", Tupperware became a method of female empowerment. Brownie Wises' influence among women, as well as the lavish gifts and parties designed to motivate Tupperware representatives, all contributed to the company's success.

Tupperware's biggest party was the yearly Jubilee. To this day, the Jubilee continues, with rallies being held in major cities to recognize and reward top-selling demonstrators, managers and distributorships...

images: (1 and 3) tupperdiva.com
(2-4-5) flickr.com

Expo 67, Through Rose-Colored Glasses

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 22:35:00 +0000

A view of Canada's Katimavik and Ontario's groovy acrylic roof.

My good friend (and fellow Expo 67 aficionado) DC Hillier has drawn my attention to a stunning collection of Expo images.

In 2008, Google announced that it would host an archive of Life magazine's photographs, as part of a joint effort with the 126 year-old publication. The archive contains millions of searchable images, many of which were never previously published.

My favorite shots from the "Expo 67" search results are the ones that have discolored to pink... an aging deterioration specific to slide photography.

The Montreal skyline with Habitat 67 in the foreground.

A small foot bridge in the park located in the south west tip of Île Notre Dame.

Inside Man in the Community's conical roof.

The interior of the Cuban pavilion, a display that was anything but "rosy"!

Left to right: pavilions of Australia, Ethiopia, U.S.A. and India.

The U.S. pavilion's ever-popular space exhibit.

A stunning detail shot of the cable system used for Germany's massive tent.

The interior of the imposing U.S.S.R. pavilion.

The Minirail winding its way around Ontario.

A scuplture in the Île-Notre Dame park.

Left to right: Ontario, Quebec, France, Great Britain and Germany.

The Expo-Express tracks circled around the pavilion of Germany.

The cable car system at La Ronde, known as the Sky Ride.

Another view of the Sky Ride and La Ronde.

images: Life magazine online archive

TV Dinner Packaging

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 12:56:00 +0000

Here's a groovy little montage of some vintage Swanson product packaging from the golden age of TV Dinners... As a kid, I used to always eat the "Chicken and Whipped Potatoes Entrée" (at 0:28, in the video).

I love the international flare (TV Dinner style) of the "English Style Fish and Chips Entrée" (at 0:16); and the "German Style Dinner" (at 0:46), which included "Sliced Beef with Sauerbraten Gravy", "German Style Whipped Potatoes", "Bavarian Red Cabbage", and "Applesauce Cake" for dessert...

Guten appetit!

Small, medium, large: 3 convenient formats of fried chicken TV Dinners.

The European Communities Pavilion

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 20:01:00 +0000

The European Communities pavilion at Expo 67 was presented by the European Common Market, the Steel and Coal Community, and the European Atomic Energy Community. These institutions promoted social and economic progress through joint action among its 6 member countries: Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands.

Located on Île Notre Dame near the Expo-Express station and facing the pavilion of Germany, the steel-blue structure was reminiscent of a diamond, evoking the radiant multi-facets of the European Community. Steel, one of Europe's first common market products, was used to emphasize this.

Inside, the pavilion sought to clear up the complexities of the European Common Market (E.C.M.) with a rundown of its institutions and its history. A spectacular mosaic map in the entrance hall helped illustrate this to visitors.

In a section called "Europe Yesterday and Today", an antique tapestry and a modern nuclear research device were displayed side by side, symbolizing Europe's glorious past as well as its current and future progresses.

An exhibit entitled "Six Countries Decide to Live Together" traced the E.C.M.'s growth, from Winston Churchill's appeal in 1946 that France and Germany work together, through the 1957 Treaty of Rome, to modern day 1967; where 65 countries had appointed diplomatic missions to the E.C.M.'s Brussels headquarters.

Economics aside, a portion of the pavilion was dedicated to arts and culture. A section named "The Great Europeans" payed tribute to 140 Europeans that had influenced western civilization in such disciplines as music, fine arts, literature, philosophy, science, technology and medicine.

Another section displayed 60 examples of contemporary art, selected by members of the 6 European Community countries. A catalogue of this collection was available for visitors to purchase.

A bookshop offered a wide range of publications concerning the various aspects of Europe. A record library allowed visitors to listen to masterpieces of European music either by loudspeaker system or by individual equipment. A non-stop film presentation enabled visitors to further acquaint themselves with the E.C.M.'s principal activities.

The pavilion's restaurant offered a wide variety of European specialties, served on the visitor's choice of table service. Cheeses, fine cooked meats, pastries, etc. were sampled on Europe's finest china, while exquisite wines and liqueurs were sipped from Europe's most delicate crystal...

images: (1) author's own
(2 and 5) DC Hillier
(3) flickr.com (magstb67)
(4) library and archives canada
(6) Bill Dutfield

Happy New Year!

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:03:00 +0000

Happy Holidays!

bonjourexpo67@yahoo.com (jason67) — Thu, 25 Dec 2008 05:01:00 +0000