Booming Suburbs
Canada’s population swelled after the Second World 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.
By the early 1960s, many baby boomers had reached adolescence. This demographic wave increased public and commercial focus on teenagers — a term that became popular during this period. These teens generally spent more time with their peers, due in part to new mandatory high school attendance regulations. For many middle-class teens, their bedroom became a sanctuary where they could listen to their new rock music. Parents were encouraged to give teenagers their own space.
Apollo model stereo and speakersDominion Electrohome Industries Ltd., late 1960s
CMH, 2004.7.1.1, 2 a-b
VestSterling Sportswear, 1962
CMH, 2007.182.13.1
Article: “Teenagers: The Coming Avalanche”Evening Patriot, November 21, 1959
CMH, Photographic Archives, lot 2015.97, IMG2016-0272-0001-Dm
Dress1964
CMH, 2007.182.14
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Article: “Teenagers: The Coming Avalanche”
Evening Patriot, November 21, 1959
CMH, Photographic Archives, lot 2015.97, IMG2016-0272-0001-Dm