My Bicentennial Memories
I’m not sure I believe in fate, but there must be a reason why I could never bring myself to throw out my Ross Bicentennial bicycle. My parents, despite complaining about its prolonged residence in the cellar of 1710 78th street, could never bring themselves to roll the bike out with Tuesday trash (something they had no issue doing with all my other toys and preciouses). Maybe I or they knew the Bicentennial would be something I’d one day revisit. Or maybe we all knew, as long as the bike remained, so would those wonderful hazy summer day memories of years past.
Keep checking back — as we countdown to the release of Brooklyn ’76, I’ll be adding some wonderful star-spangled, red, white, and blue blasts from the past.
Bicentennial Ornaments 2
Fine assortment of Bicentennial-themed Christmas tree ornaments to choose from in 1976.
Bicentennial Hope
I know who my family tuned into watch on Bicentennial night. Texaco never failed to deliver a star-studded lineup.
Bicentennial Hydrants
During 1976, many towns and cities encouraged their residents to paint fire hydrants in a Bicentennial motif. Who let in the Red coat?
Bicentennial Bell
The Bicentennial Bell was gifted by the United Kingdom to the U.S. and presented by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on July 6, 1976. The bell was cast at the Whitechapel Foundry in London, the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell. After sitting in storage for over a decade, the Bicentennial Bell found a new home this past summer in Benjamin Rush Garden in Philadelphia.
Bicentennial NFL
In 1976 the NFL expanded to 28 teams, adding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks. For their inaugural season, the Seahawks played in the NFC West while the Buccaneers played in the AFC West.
Bicentennial Barbie
Critical outcry over the glaring omission of Bicentennial Barbie from the 2023 film is still strong and well-deserved.
Bicentennial Reunion
"I have a friend who loves what you do every year."
Labor Day 1976 - if you're too young to remember, you missed out!
Bicentennial TV Guide 2
Back when the TV Guide was the weekly periodical of choice for the most learned and discriminating of readers.
Bicentennial Centennial
There was more than one special birthday worth celebrating in 1976!
Bicentennial Transit
On July 4, 1976, the New York City Transit Exhibit was opened in a decommissioned underground Brooklyn subway station as part of the United States Bicentennial celebration, charging a fee of one subway token for admittance. Old subway cars which had been preserved, as well as models and other exhibits were displayed. Originally the exhibit was to remain open only through the summer, however it proved to be so popular that it remained open and eventually became a permanent museum. In a lesser known fact, the New York Transit Museum was my absolute favorite elementary school field trip, narrowly edging out both the Circle Line and the Bronx Zoo.
Bicentennial Glasses 2
I’d like my Bicentennial loud, fun, and with extra cheese, thank you. And a side of onion rings.
Bicentennial Debut
On July 14, 1976, nearly two centuries of the American experiment culminates in the debut of the Gong Show.
Bicentennial Ceramics
To celebrate the start of National Clay Week, here are some finely crafted, officially recognized Bicentennial commemoratives. And as everyone knows, if your ceramics aren’t fired to 1325° Fahrenheit, they’re likely just crap.
Bicentennial Cinema—June
Here are just some of the films released in June of 1976. I’d put up a picture of the 6 top grossing movies from last weekend for comparison, but it would just be depressing.
Bicentennial Bill
In 1976 the $2 bill was reissued after a decade's absence. To celebrate the Bicentennial, the image on the back of the bill was changed from a depiction of Jefferson’s home, Monticello, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Bicentennial Radio 2
Yet another special edition Bicentennial radio. Except this one is ALL transistor and still works!
Bicentennial Foil
You had no chance making it through the Bicentennial if you weren’t packing at least two boxes of aluminum justice in the kitchen cupboards. Now pardon me while I wrap this damp patch of earth in foil and take a nap.
