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.
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 Brothers
Despite the Bicentennial’s celebratory mood, the U.S. was troubled with both fiscal and social issues throughout the year. However, the country’s greatest domestic threat was likely the Malachi Brothers. The Count and Rocco menaced demolition derbies and local diners from coast to coast. They did visit Pinky Tuscadero in the hospital; however, so maybe they had big hearts under all that leather after all.
”Let the pigeons loose!”
Bicentennial Champions
Who were the greatest athletes of the Bicentennial? The conversation begins and ends with these three champions.
Bicentennial Radio
Let’s say you couldn’t get to the track since it’s the nation’s Bicentennial, but you did manage to sneak away to OTB to play a hot tip. How do you find out how your horses did in the early double? You listen to your Sharp special edition Bicentennial radio, Model FX-209III.
Made in Japan.
Archie Bunker’s Bicentennial Minute
Several sit-coms featured parodies of CBS’s Bicentennial Minute. None of them did it better than All in the Family.
Bicentennial Chainsaw
Everyone’s favorite piece of Bicentennial memorabilia— The Poulan Special Limited Edition Chainsaw. I’ll never forget that morning when Mom surprised me and my brother with this beauty. Of course, this was before we were forbidden to have pets.
Bicentennial Christmas Ornament
And for the holiday season—Hallmark’s commemorative Bicentennial Christmas tree ornament.
Bicentennial Slogan
From over 1 million entries, these six finalists were announced during Super Bowl X on January 18, 1976. Which one has your vote?
After over 300,000 votes were cast, the winner was…
Freedom’s way - U.S.A.
Well…it rhymed, at least.
May 7, 1976
Only thing cooler than the Bicentennial is Mr. Freeze talking about the Bicentennial. Wild!
Bicentennial TV Guide ad
I’m sure that on Bicentennial morning, my family wore out the channel dial on the Sylvania switching back and forth between Operation Sail and the riveting National Governors Conference. However, we closed out the day with Bob Hope, like every other real American.
April 26, 1976
In his Bicentennial minute, actor Darren McGavin cautions that Democracy is FRA-GEE-LAY.