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 Maude
Bea Arthur as Maude, Rue McClanahan as Vivian and Adrienne Barbeau as Carol sing their take on I am Woman in the Tuckahoe Bicentennial woman only variety show.
Bicentennial Iowa
With the exciting news of The Great American State Fair to be hosted in Iowa for America’s 250th birthday, here’s a look back at how Iowans celebrated the Bicentennial. Looks like we’re in good hands.
Bicentennial Coin Contest
To celebrate the Bicentennial, a contest was held to redesign the tail-side of the quarter, half-dollar, and dollar coin. Above is the 12 semifinalists along with the winning designs below. I’m partial to the first tall ship design.
Bicentennial Tee 2
A sharper version of an earlier post from the actual ad. Here’s the reading comprehensive part of the exam - which t-shirt does Alex wear in Brooklyn ‘76?
Bicentennial Administrator
Much of the success of the American Bicentennial Revolution Administration (ARBA) was attributed to the leadership of John W. Warner III. A veteran of WW2 and Korea, Warner served as Secretary of the Navy from 1972-74 and later as a five-time Senator from VA. He also played the murderer on two episodes of Columbo. Let’s listen to a special message from Administrator Warner.
Bicentennial UK Stamps
Not being one to hold a grudge, the United Kingdom also celebrated the Bicentennial by releasing a series of special stamps in honor of American Independence. Jolly good show old chap.
Bicentennial Train
From April 1, 1975, until December 31, 1976, the American Freedom Train toured 48 contiguous states as part of the Bicentennial celebration. The 26-car train was powered by 3 newly restored steam locomotives. Ten display cars carried more than 500 treasures of Americana, including George Washington’s copy of the Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, Judy Garland’s dress from The Wizard of Oz, an original manuscript of “The Battle Hymn of the Republic, and even a moon rock. Over 7 million Americans visited during its tour, with millions more cheering as the train passed through their hometowns. But don’t take my word for it - listen to Johnny Cash.
Bicentennial Cartoon
The animated special, “Days of Liberty” aired in prime time as part of the Bicentennial celebration. Somehow a cartoon about the British occupation of Staten Island did not become an annually recurring holiday favorite like Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.
Bicentennial Times 2
Hey, if you don’t want to listen to me about reading the Bicentennial Times, then at least listen to ARBA.
Bicentennial Times
The Bicentennial Times was both a celebration and educational resource, designed to inform, engage, and unify the American public around the events and themes of the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976. At its peak, it was distributed from to over 400,00 readers. Thirty-five issues in total were published between 1974 and 1976.
Bicentennial Psychedelics
Funded by a Bicentennial project grant, Vincent Collins’ cartoon “200” is a clear reminder that the Bicentennial occurred right in the middle of the 1970s.
Bicentennial Trains
One of my favorites - the Lionel Spirit of ‘76 commemorative trains. I picked up the caboose to add to my Christmas set.
Bicentennial Hope
I know who my family tuned into watch on Bicentennial night. Texaco never failed to deliver a star-studded lineup.
Bicentennial Hydrants
During 1976, many towns and cities encouraged their residents to paint fire hydrants in a Bicentennial motif. Who let in the Red coat?
Bicentennial Mascot
Arba the eagle, made by Patchwork Puppet Productions, was commissioned to be the official Bicentennial mascot and perform public service announcements.
Bicentennial Calendar
The official national calendar of Bicentennial events for September 1974, courtesy of the Bicentennial Times.
Bicentennial Helmet
The Dallas Cowboys added a red stripe to their helmets for the entire 1976 season to honor the nation’s Bicentennial. The helmet would not be worn again for 45 years, but has recently been worn in games to honor servicemen.
Bicentennial Bell
The Bicentennial Bell was gifted by the United Kingdom to the U.S. and presented by Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip on July 6, 1976. The bell was cast at the Whitechapel Foundry in London, the same foundry that cast the Liberty Bell. After sitting in storage for over a decade, the Bicentennial Bell found a new home this past summer in Benjamin Rush Garden in Philadelphia.
Bicentennial Muppets
The Muppet Show premiered in the U.S. on September 20th, 1976. The show had premiered two weeks earlier in the U.K. where the Joel Grey hosted episode was shown first. In it, Grey gives perhaps his best performance of "Willkommen."
Bicentennial Television
Whether it was prime time or Saturday morning, September 1976 featured the premiere of some classic television shows. Nothing like a double-dip of the legendary Fred Grandy!