July 31, 2007
Vintage Toronto Ad: "The Bank" Wants You
"THE BANK." Does the use of bold face and quotations make this institution sound Big Brotherish?
Canada's major banks regularly advertised in high school yearbooks and college newspapers in the 1960s, eager for new recruits as branches opened in new suburban markets. With all of the promises of security and comfort for potential employees, who wouldn't want to sign up with "The Bank?" This was the era of secure, benefit-laden futures, which anyone who applied in 1962 and stayed the course is now hopefully enjoying in retirement.
It was an era of major change for Toronto-Dominion Bank, formed in February 1955 after the merger of the Bank of Toronto (established 1855) and The Dominion Bank (established 1871). Around the time this ad appeared, it was announced that a new headquarters was under development, plans that evolved into Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's landmark Toronto-Dominion Centre. It is possible that students drawn in by this ad were among the complex's first office workers when the initial tower opened in 1967.
One question: was posing by a stool a prerequisite for businessmen in advertisements of this era?
Source: Leaside High School Clan Call, 1961/62 edition
|
"Begin your fabulous new career as a stool-stander, or, if you're a lady, as a typist..."
Those were the good old days.
I think that was a teller's stool.
Good Afternoon, I'd like to take a moment to talk to you about some opportunities at The Bank, but first, I'd like to casually lean on something...ah, this stool should do fine, it will help me show you my calm, relaxed manner.
cheers to the Leaside High Clan Call mention!
Yeah, it was my father's alma mater. The yearbooks from that period are pretty fascinating, especially how much space was given to full-page articles on the vice-principal's vacation, or how 3/4 of the official autograph page were covered in photocopied teacher signatures.