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, I’ll be adding some wonderful star-spangled, red, white, and blue blasts from the past as we countdown to America 250.
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.
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!
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!
Bicentennial President’s Day
President’s Day in 1976 was the perfect warm-up for the big day in July.
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!!!
Bicentennial Quilt
You weren't truly celebrating the Bicentennial unless Mom got out the needle and thread and bedazzled the bedspread with this beauty.
