Kids without easy access to a pool on Long Island in the 1970s had to find all sorts of creative ways to stay cool in the summer. Luckily, the folks at Wham-O toys were there to help, via the ever-popular Slip ‘n Slide. Simply roll out the narrow plastic mat, attach a garden hose, and do try to make sure that the end of the slide doesn’t lead to a tree, driveway or sidewalk.. … read more
If you were a lover of all things peanut butter-related in the 1970s, chances are good that a product called Koogle captured your attention. Not your typical spread, Koogle had a unique texture and came in four flavors that you either loved or hated. Either way, this short-lived snack spread still conjures up plenty of flavorful memories for many a former 70s kid. … read more
When the 1970s arrived, few people outside of the trucking industry had ever heard of a CB radio. Within a few years, however, just about everyone and their mother had joined in the fun, thanks in no small part to a popular song and a very successful movie, each of which promoted this early version of social networking that took the nation by storm. … read more
Long Island beaches are notoriously busy when the summer season arrives. But back in 1975, fewer people were eager to take a dip in the Atlantic waters, thanks to a little film by Steven Spielberg about a menacing maneater off the coast of the fictional town of Amity. It was the summer of the shark. … read more
He was the epitome of cool, and just about every boy in the 70s wanted to be Fonzie. Sporting a motorcycle, black leather jacket, masterful command of jukeboxes (and other appliances) and most importantly, a superhuman ability to attract the opposite sex, he won the hearts of millions of TV viewers on the popular series, Happy Days. … read more
Many of us grew up learning letters and numbers from our pals who lived on Sesame Street. Once we felt more confident, it was time to move to another PBS series for the slightly older set. The Electric Company was poised to challenge our young minds in new and entertaining ways, earning a rightful place in the history of children’s programming. … read more
Drive-In movies once dotted the landscape of Long Island, providing inexpensive summertime entertainment to millions of families. Today, they exist solely in our memories, a reminder of a simpler time before the birth of the megoplex concrete bunkers that began to infest the landscape. … read more
Editor’s note: On July 11, 2013, we learned that Peppi Marchello passed away after suffering a heart attack at the age of 68. All of us at Long Island 70s Kid are terribly saddened by this news and wish to convey our thoughts and condolences to his friends and family. He was a homegrown Long Island rock and roll legend and will be sorely missed. … read more
Yes, Snack Pack pudding is still around, available at any grocery store in the civilized world. But, any 70s kid will readily attest that this isn’t the same pudding they enjoyed in their youth, the one that lay ready to slice your tongue open should you dare lick the top of the can. Yeah, that’s what we’re talking about, the good old days. … read more
Kids have long held a fascination for rockets and toy stores have long offered an ample supply of plastic replicas. But if you wanted to actually fly one in the 70s, you had two choices – either take up the involved hobby of model rocketry, or just buy a cheap water rocket. Fill it up, give it a few pumps, fire it skyward and hope it returns. Simple. … read more
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