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 TV Guide 2
Back when the TV Guide was the weekly periodical of choice for the most learned and discriminating of readers.
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.
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 Concerts
In addition to the parades and fireworks displays across the U.S., there were some amazing rock concerts to see on the Bicentennial.
Which one do you wish you could have attended? Or were you there?
America 250
Let’s switch gears for a moment and look forward instead of to the past. Here is the official logo for the forthcoming 250th birthday of our nation, as well as link to the official website. So it begins.
Bicentennial Flag
On June 28th, 1976, The Great American Flag - the largest flag ever made at the time, measuring 193 feet by 366.5 feet - was unrolled across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for a test run prior to the Bicentennial. After just a few hours it was unfortunately ripped to shreds by wind. As one Bridge and Tunnel engineer put it, “The stars are still up, but the stripes are down.”
Bicentennial Glasses 2
I’d like my Bicentennial loud, fun, and with extra cheese, thank you. And a side of onion rings.
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 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 Cigarette Promos
Back in ’76, proof of purchase for two packs of smokes got you some fine Bicentennial merchandise.
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.
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.
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.
Bicentennial Baseball Cards
Here’s the 1976 Topps set featuring several cards that make important cameos in Brooklyn ’76.
Flip him, kid!
June 4, 1976
Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC) with his Bicentennial Minute from June 4th, 1976.
Bicentennial Cars
There were several Bicentennial special edition autos produced, but in my humble opinion, the 1976 Dodge Dart “Spirit of ‘76” special edition was the coolest. Mostly because it looked like my bike. Love how the pinstripes end in an eagle’s head.
Bicentennial Godzilla
Not even Godzilla was immune to Bicentennial fever! A “Godzilla for President” promotion was run in tandem with the U.S. release of Godzilla vs Megalon in the summer of ’76. I can say wholeheartedly that the big guy would have had my vote if I was of age.
FUN FACT: My father took me to see Godzilla vs Megalon—which was running at the top of a double-feature bill with a film titled, “Bug,” about mutant cockroaches that could start fires.
FUNNER FACT: (mostly to folks from Brooklyn) We saw the double feature at The De-Luxe Theatre, which soon played host to an entirely different kind of double features.