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 Smoking Paraphernalia
That pack of Kent’s isn’t going to light itself and those L&M butts need a home.
Bicentennial Cigarette Promos
Back in ’76, proof of purchase for two packs of smokes got you some fine Bicentennial merchandise.
Bicentennial Milkshakes
Not to be unpatriotic; but Bicentennial or not, I’m still picking chocolate.
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 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.
Bicentennial TP
In 1976, you literally could not wipe your ass without being reminded the country was celebrating its Bicentennial.
Bicentennial Pin
Here one for the Chicago family—the official Bicentennial lapel pin of Chicago.
Bicentennial Decorations
I think it’s safe to say that if the American flag were a star, we would have lost the revolution. Unless, of course, General Washington was leading a rebel army wholly compromised of ninjas, which would have been cool.
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 Tractor
For many American males in 1976, the feminine ideal was best represented by Betty Ross riding the Bicentennial Cub Cadet tractor.
Bicentennial Yankees
With Spring Training fully in swing, let’s take a moment to appreciate the 1976 New York Yankees. While the World Series would escape them, 1976 marks the Yankees’ return to the post season for the first time since 1964, the first full season for Billy Martin as manager, and the arrival of several NYY greats—Willie Randolph, and my all-time favorite player, Mickey Rivers! With 1976 under the Yankees’ belts, the rest of MLB didn’t have a chance in 77 & 78!