When working on this blog, one of the things I love is researching different event merchandise. The majority of the time this is produced before the event. Thought and intentional planning goes into its merchandise creation and I can’t help but wonder the impact an object as seemingly insignificant as a pin, hat, or shirt has in how and how often we remember an event. Due to how much of my brain space these questions are taking up, I want to create a mini series on this blog about events or anniversary merchandise in the hopes of better understanding these questions and to create a public record for collectors and researchers.
A world wide celebration of the 50th anniversary or the Golden Jubilee of the Girl Guides took place in 1960. The focus of the celebration in Canada was two-fold, first to think of what has been accomplished in the movement and secondly how to move Guiding forward to better fit the future. So here is a look back on the Canadian merchandise that was made for the Golden Jubilee.
A special thanks to Michelle J for her Guiding knowledge, photos, sources and more. This blog would not have been possible without her support.
Stamps and FDCs
A special stamp was issued on April 20th, 1960 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee or 50th anniversary of Guiding in Canada. The stamp was first announced by the Postmaster General William Hamilton. It was designed by Canadian artist Helen Roberta Fitzgerald in Toronto and engraved by John. F. Mash. These five cent stamps had two colours and included a Guiding trefoil on a blue background circled by the words “Girl Guide Association” in both French and English in gold lettering and under includes the dates of “1910-1950”.
A First Day Cover or FDC is an envelope with a stamp or stamps postmarked on the first day that the stamp is issued and usually comes on a special envelope making them highly collectible. A number of Guiding members drew their own covers but If they were interested in using some of the FDC an article in the Canadian Guider magazine informs readers they could write to the following stamp firms on how to get the FDC.
Capital City Stamps - Box 1064, Station “B” Ottawa. Ont.
Wm. Griffiths, 2033 Metcalfe Street, Montreal, Quebec
J.C. Rosen Baum. 4119 Decarie Blvd. Montreal 28. Quebec
Placemats
Events and camps were planned across the county for the Golden Jubilee and organizers purchased these special commemorative placements from the local Girl Guide store or the main store in Toronto. The colour placements (or place mats) are approximately 10 by 15 inches or 25 by 38 cm and sold for 0.25 cents per dozen. Each mat has an illustrated map of Canada and the border is made up of the flowers of each province. The sales listing used in the 1960’s Canadian Guider Magazines suggested that it would pair nicely with the Golden Jubilee Guide Crest as keepsakes for events.
Serviettes or Napkins
These napkins were designed with Brownies and Guides in mind and the design heavily uses blue, pink, and yellow. The design includes a cute three tier cake and the words C.G.G. (Canadian Girl Guides) Golden Jubilee 1960 inscribed. Birthdays were a big theme during the 50th anniversary for the younger branches and the January 1960 issue of the Canadian Guider even suggested a recipe for a Jubilee birthday cake and a celebration song was also written. National and Provincial birthday parties were held in January of 1960, including one held at the Eaton Auditorium in Toronto on the 20th. Packs and units were encouraged to host parties in February. The price was 65 cents for a package of 100.
Booklets
A series of pocket size booklets made out of simulated leather with the Golden Jubilee crest stamped on the cover.
Address Book - Contains spaces for names, phone numbers, and addresses of friends and a record of sent and received Christmas cards. Price was 50 cents.
Autograph book - Filled with blank multi-coloured pages to hold autographs of friends met at different Jubilee events. Price was 50 cents.
Birthday Book - Similar to the address book, but has the additional space for birthday dates and a gift log instead of a Christmas card one. Price was 50 cents.
Diary - A navy blue diary with space for daily entries and a loop to hold a pencil. Part of the book is decided to badge work and outdoor skills. Price was 60 cents.
Notebooks - A red notebook with lined pages. Price was 30 cents.
Stationery:
Bookmarks - A white ribbon that was 2 by 6 inches that had the ten Guide Laws and the Jubilee crest printed on it. Price was 5 cents.
Golden Jubilee Letterhead Stationery - the 8 ½ by 11 inch paper was to be used by adults for administrative purposes in units or districts. Price was 25 cents per dozen.
Sticker - Unfortunately, I don’t know much about this sticker. I got it in a lot of vintage Doe Lake items.
Alberta Mugs and Plates
I wasn’t able to track down much on these mugs and plates. I know they were made by the Alberta Council and may have been sold for a fundraiser or given as gifts. I’ve seen a couple of them pop up on eBay and be auctioned off on Kris McGee’s online auction to support the five Guiding World Centers. Learn more about that project here.
Ontario Pin
A 50th anniversary pin for non-uniform wear and possibly only available in Ontario. Below is the line art of the pine found in the Canadian Guider.
Cookie Box
A special Girl Guide cookie box was produced for the 50th anniversary. It included the slogan “Girl Guiding Looks Forward” and used the Jubilee crest.
Badges and Crest
Would it even be a Guiding event without crests or badges? One design was available for order or purchase at the stores and areas would also produce their own. If you have any examples of 50th anniversary crests please send them in and I’ll add them below.