Centennial celebrations. Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. ca. 1960s.
The Town on Film
Celebrations
In a small community, celebrations and events hold a unique significance that extends beyond mere moments of amusement. Among those who recognized the importance of these occasions was editor Alan Capon, whose lens bore witness to some of the most memorable events that Lindsay residents attended. Throughout his time with the Post, Capon captured three primary celebrations and events that resonated with the town: the Lindsay Central Exhibition, the Santa Claus Parade, and the Montreal Expo of 67.
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The Community Chest
The Kinsmen Club
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The Royal Canadian Legion
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Advertisement from the Lindsay Daily Post for residents of fair events. September 11, 1963.
The Lindsay Central Exhibition
The Lindsay Central Exhibition (also known as the LEX) is a longstanding agricultural fair and exhibition held annually in Lindsay, Ontario. The fair traces back to 1875, when the counties of Peterborough, Victoria, Durham, and Northumberland agreed to stage the same fair in each of the four areas. The South Victoria Society purchased eight and a half acres of land on Angeline Street from John Knowlson, co-owner of Knowlson-Gregory Pharmacy.
Advertisement from the Lindsay Daily Post for residents of fair events. September 11, 1963.
With the combined sum of the location and buildings on the property, the expenditure was approximately $8,288; equivalent to $250,000 in current value. It provided a platform for farmers to showcase their produce, livestock, and skills. Despite poor weather on the first day, the Lindsay Central Exhibition was a success on the second day with a little more than 25,000 visitors coming through and a sum of $2,964 earned.
James Keith was one of the first secretaries of the Lindsay Central Exhibition. The original fair, according to James Keith:
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. ca. 1960s.
The fair not only held competitions, but it was also a way to encourage community. The grounds of the fair were oftentimes a meeting place for friends and family members. Businesses of Lindsay would be thriving, especially hotels when guests would visit for the fair. The meals consisted of produce that had just been harvested, and the streets were filled with people and their horses.
When it was over, they returned “to the farm, to the store, to the plow, to the counter to pursue the old time grind in a hum-drum world, actually a good world then as it is today,” stated Keith.
Children trek through the mud at the Lindsay Central Exhibition. The event is known for being held during poor weather conditions, however attendees make it part of the fun. ca. 1960s.
The Lindsay Central Exhibition still continues today as an annual event. The land and buildings on the grounds have been improved throughout the years, and spans over some 37 acres at a new location. It includes paved areas, lighting, coliseum, grandstand, barns, portable stages, and an extension to the main building.
Hundreds of thousands of dollars has been allocated to this attraction, which averages about 45,000 visitors and multiple competitions annually. 2024 will mark the 170th Lindsay Central Exhibition, managed by the Lindsay Agricultural Society. Each year is dedicated to a different theme which is reflected in the games, performances, livestock events, and displays.
“The fall fair gets in the blood”
—Mark Everett to Post reporter Ford Moynes in October of 1967, previous long-time sheep exhibitor of the LEX.
Photograph from the Lindsay Daily Post of children enjoying the amusement rides at the Lindsay Exhibition. Depicts Conklin midway. September 23, 1966.
Sometimes tactics were utilized in order to attract fair attendees. Previous Post journalist John Hooper recalls being told that young boys were employed by concession stand owners to roam around the fairgrounds with oversized stuffed animals, informing anyone who asked where they won the big prize. Those seeking to impress their date, or merely children persuading their parents to play, would try their luck at one of the stands.
Photograph from the Lindsay Daily Post of a ride at the fair called “The Spider,” which was new to the exhibition in 1966. September 24, 1966.
The deceptive scheme was exposed by Stan Pitts, who had written an article about the event in the Watchman-Warder. These tactics were fortunately few and far in between. For the most part what enticed attendees was food samples. The scent of candy and meat sizzling on the grill could be detected wherever you were on fair grounds.
In the early days, admission to the fair guaranteed giveaways and samples of cereal, juice, and cleaning supplies such as soap. Businesses would hand out free items with their advertisement on the side, not unlike festivals today.
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. Susan Capon, Alan Capon’s youngest daughter, tests out the children’s ride at the Lindsay Exhibition. ca. 1960s.
The event remains a cherished tradition in Lindsay, and continues to engage the local community and visitors alike. The event is a celebration of both the town’s agricultural heritage and its endurance to reflect the ever-changing interests and needs of the community.
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. Photographed on November 18, 1967.
The Santa Claus Parade
The annual Santa Claus parade, a cherished tradition in many small towns, holds a special place in the hearts of communities across the world. This festive event, held during the holiday season, brings a sense of joy and unity that extends beyond surface-level entertainment. While it may seem like a simple procession of decorated floats and costumed characters, the importance of a parade such as this reaches deeper into the core of what makes these communities thrive.
Photograph from the Lindsay Daily Post of the Canadian Cancer Society float used in the Santa Claus parade of 1966. It advocates for research, education, and fundraising for the cause. November 22, 1966.
While Alan Capon was working as editor for the Post in 1967, the Lindsay Chamber of Commerce sponsored this annual event. He was sent to cover the day’s festivities, taking part in the cultural tradition of the small town.
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. Photographed on November 18, 1967.
More than 35 floats, bands, and other entries were expected to perform in the parade for the centennial year. Bands participating in the event consisted of the Lindsay Kinsmen Band, the Blue Angels Fife and Drum Band, and the Kawartha Kavaliers Drum Corps.
Particularly anticipated in the celebration was the newly formed Kavalier Kadets — a junior drum corps for the Kawartha Kaviliers. Many of the parents of the junior drummers attended just to watch their first march in the parade.
First place winner of the top float in the best commercial float category for the annual Santa Claus Parade of 1967. Their highly decorated car was a big hit among the children attending the event. November 27, 1967.
As an added bonus, judges considered each of these aspects and gave awards across four main categories: the best band, the best commercial float, the best club float, and church of school category. The Kaviliers, Ops Top Body Shop, the Lions Club, and the Senior Central School floats received their awards as winners in their respective categories.
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. Photographed on November 18, 1967.
The Santa Claus parade was a spectacle that captivated the imagination of both young and old alike. Each year as it winds its way through the quaint streets of Lindsay, it ignites community spirit. It connects the townspeople with their shared history and provides a sense of continuity in an ever-changing world.
Alan Capon’s presence and documentation of a town event such as the Santa Claus parade serves to strengthen community bonds, preserve local culture, and fulfill the Post’s role as a chronicler of Lindsay’s history. Even a seemingly minor event such as this underscores the importance of local journalism in small town life.
Alan Capon sent to report on Montreal Expo of 1967 for the Lindsay Daily Post. ca. January 1967.
The Montreal Expo of 1967
The Montreal Expo of 1967, officially known as Expo 67, was an iconic international exposition held in Montreal, Quebec. It marked Canada’s centennial celebration and remains a defining moment in the nation’s history. The theme of the event was “Man and His World.” It aimed to explore the relationship between humanity, technology, and the environment.
Architectural highlights included the iconic geodesic dome designed by R. Buckminster Fuller, which became known as the “Biosphere,” and pavilions from numerous countries showcasing their cultures and innovations.
Photograph from the Lindsay Daily Post of the Lindsay Kinsmen Band after their performance at Expo 67. From left: Beth Bailey, Wayne Wylie, Pat Hornsby, Tim Watson, Jim Madill, and John Fitsell. August 29, 1967.
Residents of Lindsay were anticipating the event. Boat trips from the Kawarthas to Montreal were planned for attendees to travel by water, and housing accommodations were made months and up to a year ahead of the event. Students of Central Senior School would visit the Expo for two days following examinations. Lindsay’s very own Kinsmen Band was expected to play for three days at the event, a highly esteemed opportunity.
Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. ca. 1960s.
Expo 67 was a resounding success, attracting over 50 million visitors, including notable figures like Queen Elizabeth II and Charles de Gaule. Many of the pavilions and structures built for the event still stand and continue to be used for various purposes. It played a significant role in fostering Canadian identity and unity, as it celebrated the country’s diversity and achievements. It was truly a cultural catalyst, hosting a wide range of artistic and musical performances, as well as cultural exhibitions.
United Nations pavilion at the Montreal Expo of 1967. Depicts a circular structure of concrete and steel and surrounded by a forest of giant aluminum masts flying the flags of the 122 member nations. Original negative from editor Alan Capon’s personal collection from his career with the Post. May 1 1967.
Expo 67 is remembered as a watershed moment in Canada’s history, symbolizing the nation’s emergence on the world stage and its commitment to innovation, cultural exchange, and international cooperation. It remains a source of pride and nostalgia for Canadians, and Lindsay’s own contributions further tie in with the event’s success.
