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Wherever you go in Canada, you’re probably not far from a Canadian Tire location, a retailer that carries auto parts, sporting goods, hardware and some appliances, clothing and all manner of other goods. Canadian Tire is so popular it even has its own pseudo-currency — Canadian Tire Dollars — that are both usable and collectible. Many of the retailer’s older advertisements featured humorous bits — some slightly suggestive — as illustrated by these Spring and Summer catalogs across the years. (I’ll post later some others from Fall and Winter editions of the C.T. catalogs.)
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O' Canada 
The artistry and history in these posters and ads show us a simpler, quieter time of life, and that brings a sigh of relief on hectic days. The paintings and colors remind us printers/publishers how time-consuming and creative the process used to be, but the quality was so worth it!
All very much true!
This reminded me of a post by Wendy Brydge (another blogger from Canada) that features Pin Up art. I mentioned this post over on her blog as well. http://wendylovesjesus.wordpress.com/2014/02/09/the-art-of-the-pin-up/
Dan, thanks for mentioning this and I believe I’ve seen that post by Wendy previously. Vintage magazine cover illustrations and the like showed a great deal of artistry and were a wonderful form of popular art!
The flyers we get are far from this. It’s a bit sexist in a funny way.
Perpetua, yes, although fairly gentle, there’s an undertone of that with these — the times have changed!
Hi Brett. It reminds me of Archie comics.
I’ve shared this on Facebook. My nephew got his very first job the other day at Canadian Tire.
First job — that’s a big step! Congrats to him!
What a great post! Thanks to Dan for sending my over here. The old Canadian Tire illustrations are some of my favourites. Very nostalgic! I only wish this type of illustrated advertising hadn’t fallen by the way side. Catalogue covers today are so boring with their generic-looking photos. There’s no creativity or whimsy or fun anymore.
And I happen to have a drawer full of Canadian Tire money!
Hi, Wendy, thanks for your good comments (and the interesting things you post about on your blog!). Best, Brett
oh my how times have changed! lol (btw trip advisor just rated stanley park #1 in the world.) 🙂 aleya
Aleya, they have indeed! Awesome for Stanley Park — well deserved!
I completely forgot about these! Thanks for the reminder.
Some good memories!
Love the cheeky yet wholesome illustrations! 🙂
Cheeky is the perfect description!
I’ve lived in Canada all my life and never saw a Canadian Tire when I was growing up. I had no idea they were putting out catalogues in the 50’s. All I can conclude is that it was only central Canada or back further east. Or my lack of powers of observation – always a possibility.
Interesting how things turn out that way sometimes.
I have never heard of this, and since I know sex sells, I can appreciate the art and color in a fun way.
🙂
Brett– these are terrific ! I’ve never seen any of these before… great stuff !
Interesting that this series with the old fellow and his two sons, most often with a lovely young lady of unspecified relation (if any), ran from 1941 to 1970.
That long period with the same older fellow – 27 years – is what I noticed. Today’s ad campaigns last for about a season, with a very few having a longer life.
So true. I think this series ran from 1941 to 1970 — quite a long run!
Yes, that is interesting — I wonder what tie in the image had with the personal lives of company management, if any.
They show the lifestyle of the ’40s and ’50s too – love it!
Seemed much more innocent back then in many ways.
I was born back then, so what I remember – was a great childhood!
Love it! Wonderful old-fashioned covers!
🙂
Ahaha, one thing I love about WordPress is that I get pointed to great stuff like this when a fellow blogger likes some post of mine! These are hilarious, in a totally different way than the stuff I see in Japan. Where did you find them?
Hi, Jonelle, yes, the serendipity of WordPress is cool in just the way that you mention! I rummage around here and there and find things that interest me and that I think others might also enjoy. Hope your stay in Japan is terrific!
Love this! I have never even thought of Vintage Canadian Tire Catalogues till today when I was in a store and they had pictures on display. Now I want some 🙂 thanks for sharing.
Liz
Hi, Liz, thanks!
Pingback: Cheeky Humour of Vintage Canadian Tire Catalogues « O’ Canada | Dark Pines
Great post. It inspired a Media Literacy look at Canadian Tire advertisements past & present.
Made sure to link back to your post and blog homepage . 🙂
Awesome! 🙂
I look forward to exploring your site.
Hi, Ken, that’s very cool! These are wonderful pieces of Canadiana.