My Bicentennial Ephemera
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 Beer
The giants of the beer industry stepped up their game for the Bicentennial.
Bicentennial Smoking Paraphernalia
That pack of Kent’s isn’t going to light itself and those L&M butts need a home.
Bicentennial Cigarette Promos
Back in ’76, proof of purchase for two packs of smokes got you some fine Bicentennial merchandise.
Bicentennial Milkshakes
Not to be unpatriotic; but Bicentennial or not, I’m still picking chocolate.
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 TP
In 1976, you literally could not wipe your ass without being reminded the country was celebrating its Bicentennial.
Bicentennial Pin
Here one for the Chicago family—the official Bicentennial lapel pin of Chicago.
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.
Bicentennial Baseball Cards
Here’s the 1976 Topps set featuring several cards that make important cameos in Brooklyn ’76.
Flip him, kid!
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 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.
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 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.
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.