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 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 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.
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 Ice Cream
I’m sure Grand Old Vanilla was delicious, but I for one would have loved to try a scoop of Tippecanoe and Strawberry, Too!
Bicentennial Pinball
When you combine the Bicentennial with 1970s Pinball fever you get this beauty. I’m still partial to the Fonz Pinball machine, but that wasn’t released until ‘77.
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
Bicentennial Protection
I’ll reiterate, everything was branded for the Bicentennial in 1976. “One Time For Old Glory” indeed.
Bicentennial Fashion
Whether the occasion called for summer-casual or campus-classy, Bicentennial fashion had you covered!
The Carol Burnett Show’s Bicentennial Minute
The Carol Burnett Show’s Bicentennial Minute parody. It doesn’t get much funnier than Harvey Korman & Tim Conway no matter what year it is.
Bicentennial Fragrances
Just as General Washington doused his Continental Army with the sweet scent of Lilac and Wild Rose to draw in unsuspecting British troops to a waiting ambush, the lucky ladies of 1976 could finally saturate themselves with the exotic fragrances of 1776 to make themselves irresistible. It was a wonderful time to be alive.
Bicentennial Bionics
Many feel that in February of 1976, the finest two hours of American dramatic television aired over consecutive weeks. In obvious parallel of the relationship between the United Kingdom and United States, Bigfoot and Steve Austin begin as bitter enemies but soon become staunch allies. Sometimes someone just needs to get their bionic arm ripped off before an understanding can be reached.
Bicentennial BarGuide
Whether you are hosting a party during the Bicentennial or the Super Bowl, you better have a copy of the Spirit of ‘76 BarGuide on hand. Just tell your guests to drop their car keys in the empty fishbowl, pour themselves a Scarlett O’Hara, and let the spirit of the Founding Fathers be their guide.
Bicentennial Tour
You wanted the best. You got the best. The hottest tour of the Bicentennial—KISS!!!
Bicentennial Quilt
You weren't truly celebrating the Bicentennial unless Mom got out the needle and thread and bedazzled the bedspread with this beauty.
Bicentennial Champions
Who were the greatest athletes of the Bicentennial? The conversation begins and ends with these three champions.