CO-OP
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Designer: Unknown
Studio: Unknown
Origin: 1957, Canada
Status: Active (updated)
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www.fcl.crs
Growing up in a small farming community in Southern Ontario, Co-op was a familiar name which appeared on various products on our farm. I remember my father applying Co-op grease to our old Cockshutt combine—lubricating it’s grease boxes and articulating arm joints. I also recall my father pouring Co-op sacks of winter wheat seed into our International seeder for autumn planting and empty Co-op feed bags laying beside our barn feed spouts.
The logo that represents Co-op was developed in 1957—all-red Co-op letters framed by a green shield. The only change was made in 1974, in which the logo changed to an all-red mark.
Co-op or Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL), was once a nationwide chain of grocery stores and supermarkets across Canada. Now serving many small rural towns throughout Western Canada. Since it’s beginning, in 1928 the FCL has expanded to wholesaling, manufacturing, marketing and administrative co-operative owned by more than 160 independent local co-operative associations. These local co-ops own and operate agro. centers, food stores, gas bars/convenience stores and home centers.
Co-op Commercials:
1. We Are Co-op
2. Maybe Tomorrow *
* The song in this commercial is “Maybe Tomorrow", sung by Terry Bush. It’s also another childhood memory of my favorite Canadian TV show, The Littlest Hobo.
If you know the designer who created the Co-op logo, email me.
Photo Description & Credit:
1. Grain elevator, Mossleigh Alberta (mock-up) - Bernard Spragg
2. Co-op pole sign, Lafleche, Saskatchewan – Andrew Filer
3. Co-op full service gas station, circa 1960 - The History of Fueling Up in Western Canada
4. Co-op Mineral Gear Oil SAE 80, 1 imperial gallon (collage mock-up)
5. Kindersley Co-op oil truck & tanker next to the Federated Co-operatives Limited building, 1957 – Saskatoon Public Library
6. Old Co-op feed sack (mock-up) – Diego Catto
7. Co-op Bulk Plant, Portage, Saskatchewan, circa 1960 – curiosity of Federated Co-op Limited
