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 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 4/6/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/6/24

Bicentennial TP

In 1976, you literally could not wipe your ass without being reminded the country was celebrating its Bicentennial.

Anthony Ausiello 4/5/24 Anthony Ausiello 4/5/24

Bicentennial Pin

Here one for the Chicago family—the official Bicentennial lapel pin of Chicago.

Anthony Ausiello 3/30/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/30/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 3/28/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/28/24

Bicentennial Baseball Cards

Here’s the 1976 Topps set featuring several cards that make important cameos in Brooklyn ’76.

Flip him, kid!

Anthony Ausiello 3/23/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/23/24

June 4, 1976

Senator Fritz Hollings (D-SC) with his Bicentennial Minute from June 4th, 1976.

Anthony Ausiello 3/22/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/22/24

Bicentennial Tractor

For many American males in 1976, the feminine ideal was best represented by Betty Ross riding the Bicentennial Cub Cadet tractor.

Anthony Ausiello 3/16/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/16/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 3/15/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/15/24

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!

Anthony Ausiello 3/8/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/8/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 3/7/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/7/24

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.

Anthony Ausiello 3/2/24 Anthony Ausiello 3/2/24

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!

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