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.
December 20, 1976
Welsh writer, dramatist, and actor, Emyln Williams, with his Bicentennial minute.
Christmas Kong
Now this is how you cap off a Bicentennial celebration! Released on this date in 1976.
Bicentennial Ornaments 2
Fine assortment of Bicentennial-themed Christmas tree ornaments to choose from in 1976.
Bicentennial Norelco
Starting in 1976, you knew Christmas time was near the moment Santa sledded over a snowy hill inside a Norelco shaver.
Bicentennial Thanksgiving Day Parade
Another special anniversary was celebrated in 1976 - the 50th annual Thanksgiving Day Parade.
Bicentennial Coin Contest
To celebrate the Bicentennial, a contest was held to redesign the tail-side of the quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coin. Above is the 12 semifinalists along with the winning designs below. I’m partial to the first tall ship design.
Bicentennial Tee 2
A sharper version of an earlier post from the actual ad. Here’s the reading comprehensive part of the exam - which t-shirt does Alex wear in Brooklyn ‘76?
Bicentennial Psychedelics
Funded by a Bicentennial project grant, Vincent Collins’ cartoon “200” is a clear reminder that the Bicentennial occurred right in the middle of the 1970s.
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 Helmet
The Dallas Cowboys added a red stripe to their helmets for the entire 1976 season to honor the nation’s Bicentennial. The helmet would not be worn again for 45 years, but has recently been worn in games to honor servicemen.
Bicentennial Television
Whether it was prime time or Saturday morning, September 1976 featured the premiere of some classic television shows. Nothing like a double-dip of the legendary Fred Grandy!
Bicentennial Cinema
Brooklyn dominated September 1976 at the Box Office. The highest grossing movie for the month - Bugsy Malone, starring Brooklyn’s own Scott Baio and John Cassisi; Also starring some girl named Jodie Foster.
Bicentennial Barbie
Critical outcry over the glaring omission of Bicentennial Barbie from the 2023 film is still strong and well-deserved.
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 Action Figures
Just to add the the awesomeness of 1976, the Fantastic Four, Thor, and Conan were added to the Mego line of action figures. See them all in action here.