Kids love to abuse their toys, but every once in a while a toy turns the tables and inflicts a little abuse of its own. With its goofy smiling face, the Water Wiggle seemed innocent enough. Simply throw on your bathing suit, attach the toy to the outdoor faucet, turn the water on … and watch all hell break loose. … read more
The 1970s saw a surge in popularity for discount department stores all across the country. One such place was Woolco, a store that reared its head on Long Island in 1976, and enjoyed success through the remainder of the decade. Unfortunately, when the next decade arrived, those once-busy retail outlets would soon become extinct. … read more
Many people may remember Harry Chapin as the guy that sang “The Cats in the Cradle” in the 1970s, but Long Islanders still mourn the loss of this kind and gentle storyteller, a man who was one of their own, and whose selfless philanthropic efforts during his lifetime still resonate across the Island today. … read more
During those hots days of summer in the 1970s, youngsters had the opportunity to quench their kid-sized thirst – AND learn a new joke at the same time, something sure to make their friends giggle. Dixie Riddle Cups were there whenever you needed a few gulps of water or Kool-Aid to wet your whistle, and they remain fondly remembered to this day. … read more
Only months before the 70s decade rolled in, the Smith Haven Mall opened its doors to the public. Centrally located in Lake Grove, it was a welcome news to a populace fed up with driving to Roosevelt Field for their shopping. Today, it sadly resembles every other mall in the country. But back in the day, it was quite the sight to see. … read more
What’s not to love about a sno-cone in summer? Even better, what if you could make them yourself? Well, the folks at Hasbro had 1970s kids covered thanks to two iconic sno-cone machines, each of which churned out millions of the icy treats over the decade, building the arm muscles of thirsty kids all over Long Island. … read more
While the rest of the world mourns the demise of Hostess, there was another casualty in the snack cake world, one that hits a little closer to home for Long Island 70s Kids. Of course, we’re talking about those beloved Drake’s Cakes, an underdog that held its own on the East Coast for over a century, then disappeared almost overnight. Let’s take a look back. … read more
Think back to the summers of your youth. You’re playing outside with your friends and you’ve worked up quite a thirst. Thankfully, there is a plastic pitcher in the fridge filled with Kool-Aid that you’ll proceed to pour into an indestructible plastic glass, both items courtesy of Tupperware, a parent’s favored choice throughout the decade. … read more
More exciting than croquet or horseshoes, Lawn Darts once held the distinction of being a fun outdoor game to play in backyards, beaches and parks across America. Today, they are illegal in most areas. Read on to learn how Lawn Darts went from popular recreation activity to the toy that would live in infamy. … read more
Those who grew up on Long Island in the 70s likely remember the Times Square Stores, or as they were better known, TSS. Although never exactly plentiful, these department stores were memorable for their discount prices in the pre Wal-Mart era. Today, they exist only in our memories. … read more
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