According to the Canadian Old-time Radio Alliance website, the Happy Gang radio show was established by Bert Pearl for the CBC in 1937. The show remained on the air until 1959. Colgate Palmolive was the radio show's first sponsor. Other sponsors included Carnation Milk, Mills' Flower, and Red Rose.
Custodial History
Photograph sent to Fred McGuinness from Lillie S. Wilkins of Killarney, MB
Scope and Content
Photograph shows a group portrait of the "The Happy Gang" family. The promotional photograph was produced for the 143rd anniversary of the Colgate-Palmolive company.
Notes
Members of the Happy Gang are identified on the back of the photograph along with "a message" from Bert Pearl, the M.C. for the Happy Gang. Date of photograph determined from Colgate-Palmolive company history.
Photograph shows an elderly man and woman seated in a photography studio posing for a formal portrait. The man, James Darroch, is wearing a three-piece suit and is seated in a cane chair. The woman is wearing a black dress and is seated next to her husband.
Notes
Writing on the back of the photograph reads: April 11 1913 - 85, Mr. & Mrs. Darroch, parents to Mary Darroch Pope, my grandmother, Fred McG 8.1.90
Photograph shows two elderly women standing on a porch. These women are likely Fred McGuinness' paternal (left) and maternal (right) grandmothers, Anna Charlotte GALLAGHER (b. 19 September 1861/1863/1864 – d. 10 March 1948) and Mary DARROCH (b. 24 May 1861 – d. 18 September 1942), respectively.