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 Rifle
Sadly all I have to pass on is a wooden spoon my mother once used in ‘76 to chase me and my brother to bed.
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 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 Pin
Here one for the Chicago family—the official Bicentennial lapel pin of Chicago.
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 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!!!
