Canada’s population swelled after the war, fuelled by increased immigration and a spike in the birth rate known as the baby boom. With 15 years of economic hardship and war behind them, many Canadians dreamed of a home in the suburbs for their growing families. Their children — the baby boomers — grew up in a world of new ideas about parenting, family and childhood. They created and consumed a distinctive youth culture.
The Baby Boom
Graph showing number of births per year in Canada from 1930 to 1970
Parents of the Baby Boom
This clothing belonged to Amelia Zalewski. She married Roger Laplante at the end of the war and had five children in nine years. Roger’s career in engineering meant that the family moved often: they lived in the suburban communities of Burlington, Ontario, and Baie-D’Urfé, Quebec, in the 1950s and early 1960s. Amelia was a volunteer at her church and with the Boy Scouts and Girl Guides.
Maternity blouseStork-a-Lure, 1940s to 1950s
CMH, 2007.182.15.1
Maternity skirtStork-a-Lure, 1940s to 1950s
CMH, 2007.182.15.2
Blouse1950s
CMH, 2007.182.19
Skirt1950s
CMH, 2007.182.21
Silk dress with belt1960s
CMH, 2007.182.5 a-b
Hat belonging to Roger Laplante1950s
CMH, 2007.182.29
Children’s Culture
Baby boomers grew up in a society that valued nurturing children rather than using strict discipline. Play and involvement in clubs and children’s organizations were seen as key factors in healthy development. Children’s toys and games were both big business and a reflection of social attitudes about appropriate gender roles. These artifacts represent popular toys and games from the period. Are any of them familiar to you?
N.H.L. Pro table hockey gameEagle Toys Ltd., 1950 to 1955
CMH, 988.44.1
Working toy stoveSuperior Electric Ltd., 1950 to 1970
CMH, 992.23.123
Barbie dollMattel, 1969
CMH, D-12076.1
Child’s Mountie suit and box
Child’s Mountie suit boxInscription: Dress to play the “Mountie” way
Cameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.1 a-b
Child’s Mountie suit jacketCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.2
Child’s Mountie suit pantsCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.3
Child’s Mountie hatCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.4
Child’s Mountie uniform cuffsCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.5 a-b
Child’s Mountie toy holsterCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.6
Child’s Mountie toy cap gunCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.7
Child’s Mountie whistleCameron Manufacturing Co., Limited, 1950s
CMH, 2014.48.1.8
Photo at top of page:
N.H.L. Pro table hockey game
Eagle Toys Ltd., 1950 to 1955
CMH, 988.44.1