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.

Anthony Ausiello 6/22/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/22/24

Bicentennial Glasses 2

I’d like my Bicentennial loud, fun, and with extra cheese, thank you. And a side of onion rings.

Anthony Ausiello 6/21/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/21/24

Bicentennial Balloons

Best way to add some color to your Bicentennial promotion?

Balloons.

Anthony Ausiello 6/1/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/1/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 5/24/24 Anthony Ausiello 5/24/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 5/3/24 Anthony Ausiello 5/3/24

Bicentennial Cigarette Promos

Back in ’76, proof of purchase for two packs of smokes got you some fine Bicentennial merchandise.

Anthony Ausiello 4/26/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/26/24

Bicentennial Milkshakes

Not to be unpatriotic; but Bicentennial or not, I’m still picking chocolate.

Anthony Ausiello 4/20/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/20/24

Bicentennial Campaign Pin

In staying with the election motif for this week, here is a 1976 Republican campaign pin.

I think they were going for a tree, but…

Never mind.

Anthony Ausiello 4/19/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/19/24

Bicentennial Convention Guide

If you're a Democratic delegate wandering around 1976 NYC, who can you count on to show you a good time?

Korvettes, of course! I am a bit disappointed they didn’t steer anyone to the Brooklyn store.

Anthony Ausiello 4/13/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/13/24

Bicentennial Vacations

Considering the current price of flying, we could all use some Revolutionary Fares!

Although, I think “riding the Colonial Corridor” means something different in present day.

Anthony Ausiello 4/12/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/12/24

Bicentennial Paperweight

How does one make sure their precious Bicentennial memorabilia doesn’t blow away?

Deploy the Bicentennial paperweight — no breeze is mighty enough to displace the force of freedom.

Anthony Ausiello 3/1/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/1/24

Bicentennial Buttons 2

Six different Bicentennial buttons designed and sent by two art teachers to President Gerald R. Ford. Each button contains an individual design in red, white, and blue featuring various patriotic images and slogans. While not for sale to the general public, readers may recognize a few from Brooklyn ‘76.

Credit: fordlibrarymuseum.gov