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 Reconvening
Bicentennial celebrations kicked off as early as September of 1974 with a reconvening of the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia. At the 2-day celebration, President Ford addressed Governors of the original 13 states, Senators, Congressmen & over 1500 invitees -
But may I offer my own idea on how best to commemorate the Bicentennial. Let us all, during the coming months, study carefully the character, study the qualities of the men who founded this Nation. Let us try to grasp the stuff that was inside of each of them and all of them collectively. And then, let us release, if we can, the same spirit within ourselves. We have the same capacity for unity, discipline, and sacrifice. Let us show the world that the character and quality of the American people has not changed in 200 years.
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 Trains
One of my favorites - the Lionel Spirit of ‘76 commemorative trains. I picked up the caboose to add to my Christmas set.
Bicentennial Hope
I know who my family tuned into watch on Bicentennial night. Texaco never failed to deliver a star-studded lineup.
Bicentennial Mascot
Arba the eagle, made by Patchwork Puppet Productions, was commissioned to be the official Bicentennial mascot and perform public service announcements.
Bicentennial Calendar
The official national calendar of Bicentennial events for September 1974, courtesy of the Bicentennial Times.
Bicentennial TV Guide 2
Back when the TV Guide was the weekly periodical of choice for the most learned and discriminating of readers.
Bicentennial Smokes
This Bicentennial advertisement served as a stark reminder that the long-lasting, full-flavored taste of Saratoga 120’s almost cost us the Revolution.
Bicentennial Beer Calendars
If you were lucky enough to start 1976 with the Pabst Blue Ribbon, Falls City, or Stroh’s calendar hanging on your kitchen wall, you knew the Bicentennial would be an amazing year.
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.
Bicentennial Rifle
Sadly all I have to pass on is a wooden spoon my mother once used in ‘76 to chase me and my brother to bed.