"Found In The Attic - Glory Days At The Zoo"

Here's another quick one from the history of the Toronto Zoo, and sadly it's a site that won't be seen there any longer.  The attached file shows a postcard of a large herd of eight African Elephants strolling around their new home at the zoo.  As you may know, the elephants have recently left the zoo, likely never to return.  It was finally decided that the cold Canadian winter was particularly detrimental to the elephants, as was the need to keep them indoors all winter.  So, these mighty beats, and my favourite animal, have left the zoo.

The postcard lists a series of summer events at the zoo, including public feedings of many animals and the chance to meet some of the animal keepers (I think they still do this).  The prices of tours are listed, and once again it shows how far inflation has affected our lives.  The price of a zoomobile ride (which they still have) was $1.

Strangely, the photo was taken by a photographer from Ireland, and the postcard was printed there too.  Didn't we have any photographers and printers in Toronto back then?!  More 2 come...

"Found In The Attic - One Of The World's Great Zoos?"

The attached picture shows a brochure from the Toronto Zoo, and it's undoubtedly from it's earliest years.  The prices are $3 for adults, $1.50 for seniors & youths, and a whopping $0.50 for kids under 12.
The brochure proudly asserts that the zoo is one of the world's greatest.  Sadly, not likely these days.  I'm not exaggerating when I say that the Toronto Zoo isn't what it used to be, although it's still entertaining, especially for kids.  I've been to the San Diego Zoo, the Bronx Zoo, and more, and I can comfortably say that the Toronto Zoo, in my opinion, doesn't rank up there with those zoos.  I would be thrilled if the Toronto Zoo could get much more $ and improve itself, but in these times that doesn't seem likely.
The brochure asserts that "Noah would be pleased!" and then mentions the rolling woodland countryside, the five breathtaking glass pavilions, and the 4000 animals from around the world.  It also loudly proclaims "Just 30 minutes from City Hall!". Back in the late 70s that was probably true, but today you might have a tough time getting there in under an hour and 30 minutes (DVP, I'm looking at you)!
Finally, the brochure mentions the climate-controlled train that takes you around the zoo.  If you're old enough, you'll remember the monorail that once gave the Toronto Zoo a futuristic feel.  It's a shame that the monorail is no more.

John's Featured Picture of the Day (Apr 13 12) -- Grand Canyon

John's Featured Picture of the Day (Apr 13 12) -- Grand Canyon

 

"Found In The Attic - VISA Before It Was VISA"

Yep, just as you suspected, VISA used to have a different name too.  That name was Chargex.  In the attached application you can see that the colour and design have remained the same since 1980, and confusingly the VISA name is also on the card so conceivable they were in the middle of a name change in 1980.  VISA Canada is also still using that fake cardholder name ... G Raymond. Interestingly, the application says that Chargex is accepted at 145,000 locations in Canada.  I'll bet the total is at least 10 times as high today.

From a design perspective, the application features a smiling woman lifting brand new sunglasses (tag still attached), a guy fixing a flat tire, and a man about to dig into a large plate of spaghetti -- weird.  More 2 come...

"Found In The Attic - MasterCard Before It Was MasterCard"

As this application form shows, it was originally called Master Charge, and was only available thru BMO or Canada Trust. The graphic art was pretty cool, and the logo is similar to today. The form says you'll find it useful for "big ticket" purchases, and the card has no fees or dues. More 2 come...

"Found In The Attic - Blue Jays 1977"

Okay, let's start this series off with a flyer for the Toronto Blue Jays 1977 season (eg. their 2nd season ever). It's sponsored by Collegiate Sports, which isn't around anymore. There are 6 seniors nights (!) and 3 teen nights ... hmm. The games were still played at old Exhibition Stadium, and look at those prices -- a top seat is $6.50! Today it's $85. Wow.

Found In The Attic (continued)

In my "Found In The Attic" series you'll see stuff from the Blue Jays in 1977, flyers for credit cards that don't exist anymore, original catalogs from Atari and Intellivision, what Panasonic & Sanyo thought was hi-tech in 1980, and a flyer from the Government of Canada that is so ahead of it's time that I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it for myself. Stay tuned 4 more...

Found In The Attic

After 45 years, my folks are moving out of their home into a condo. In helping them clean their house, I found a ton of interesting stuff from the 70s and 80s. So, I'm starting a series to show you some of this unique stuff from a bygone era. Stay tuned for more...

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