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 7/4/24 Anthony Ausiello 7/4/24

Bicentennial Bell Ringing

Courtesy Gerald R. Ford Library: President Ford initiates the ringing of Bicentennial bells across the nation while on the flight deck of the USS Forrestal with Bicentennial Administration head John Warner in observance of Operation Sail activities. A similar celebration is planned for the nation’s 250th birthday in two years.

Anthony Ausiello 6/29/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/29/24

Bicentennial Pez

Nothing more patriotic or sweeter than a rectangle of solidified corn syrup spilled from a gaping hole in Uncle Sam’s neck.

Anthony Ausiello 6/28/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/28/24

Bicentennial Flag

On June 28th, 1976, The Great American Flag - the largest flag ever made at the time, measuring 193 feet by 366.5 feet - was unrolled across the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge for a test run prior to the Bicentennial. After just a few hours it was unfortunately ripped to shreds by wind. As one Bridge and Tunnel engineer put it, “The stars are still up, but the stripes are down.”

Anthony Ausiello 6/26/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/26/24

Bicentennial Superfight 2

On June 26, 1976, boxing world champion, Muhammad Ali, fought legendary Japanese wrestler, Antonio Inoki, in what was a precursor to mixed martial arts competition. The modified rules to the match severely limited Inoki’s move set, forcing him to spend the majority of the match crawling on his back, kicking at Ali’s legs. Ali suffered over 100 kicks leaving him with two blood clots which were said to be responsible for his subsequent decline in mobility. Footage of the fight exists online, but it’s not pretty. Hogan and Stallone did it better.

Anthony Ausiello 6/22/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/22/24

Bicentennial Glasses 2

I’d like my Bicentennial loud, fun, and with extra cheese, thank you. And a side of onion rings.

Anthony Ausiello 6/21/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/21/24

Bicentennial Balloons

Best way to add some color to your Bicentennial promotion?

Balloons.

Anthony Ausiello 6/15/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/15/24

Bicentennial Disney

To celebrate the Bicentennial, Disney’s presentation of America on Parade was featured in both Disneyland and Walt Disney World from June of 1976 through September of 1976. Click on the photo to view the TV special which aired in April 1976. There’s also many home movies of better quality on Youtube.

Anthony Ausiello 6/14/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/14/24

Bicentennial Debut

On July 14, 1976, nearly two centuries of the American experiment culminates in the debut of the Gong Show.

Anthony Ausiello 6/13/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/13/24

Bicentennial Ceramics

To celebrate the start of National Clay Week, here are some finely crafted, officially recognized Bicentennial commemoratives. And as everyone knows, if your ceramics aren’t fired to 1325° Fahrenheit, they’re likely just crap.

Anthony Ausiello 6/8/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/8/24

Bicentennial Cinema—June

Here are just some of the films released in June of 1976. I’d put up a picture of the 6 top grossing movies from last weekend for comparison, but it would just be depressing.

Anthony Ausiello 6/7/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/7/24

Bicentennial Bill

In 1976 the $2 bill was reissued after a decade's absence. To celebrate the Bicentennial, the image on the back of the bill was changed from a depiction of Jefferson’s home, Monticello, to the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

Anthony Ausiello 6/1/24 Anthony Ausiello 6/1/24

Bicentennial Beer Calendars

If you were lucky enough to start 1976 with the Pabst Blue Ribbon, Falls City, or Stroh’s calendar hanging on your kitchen wall, you knew the Bicentennial would be an amazing year.

Anthony Ausiello 5/31/24 Anthony Ausiello 5/31/24

Bicentennial Brooklyn Sign

One of my favorites— the Bicentennial edition of the iconic “Welcome to Brooklyn” sign made famous worldwide during the opening credits of Welcome Back, Kotter. If you’re wondering how the sign can look both accurate and brand new—it’s because this is one of the amazing replicas made by Jack Giambanco at majorminis.com. Check out his online store. These amazing replicas can help you relive many neighborhood memories, and if you weren’t so fortunate, help you make believe that you grew up in Brooklyn too!

Anthony Ausiello 5/25/24 Anthony Ausiello 5/25/24

Bicentennial Radio 2

Yet another special edition Bicentennial radio. Except this one is ALL transistor and still works!

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

Bicentennial Foil

You had no chance making it through the Bicentennial if you weren’t packing at least two boxes of aluminum justice in the kitchen cupboards. Now pardon me while I wrap this damp patch of earth in foil and take a nap.