Author: 70sKid

16

Libbyland

Forget those adult TV dinners. Back in the 70s, youngsters had their very own line of frozen meals. Libbyland dinners may not have lasted long, but they made quite an impression on millions of former kids who fondly remember these kid-friendly meals to this day. … read more

2

Mr. Microphone

Perhaps no gadget from the 1970s is as endearing as Mr. Microphone, a toy that let you broadcast your voice from any nearby radio. Of course, what we remember most is that goofy commercial featuring a tagline that just about every person in America can still quote decades later. Now, that’s some effective advertising. … read more

5

Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews

Much of America remains in the dark when it comes to Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews, a tasty chocolate-covered confection that has satisfied the sweet tooth of millions of East Coasters for nearly a century. But, although they were quite popular during the 1970s, a radical packaging change almost spelled the demise of this decidedly tasty treat. … read more

14

Click Clacks

Despite the best of intentions, not all toys that reach the marketplace are entirely safe. Take Click Clacks for example (also known as Clackers, Clack Balls, Kerbangers, etc). They seemed harmless enough – just a couple of acrylic spheres attached by a string – but history tells us that they were eventually deemed so dangerous, they were taken off the market. … read more

122

Korvette’s

It’s hard to find a Long Islander from decades past who doesn’t remember shopping at Korvette’s. One of the first discount department stores to emerge from the 1950s, they are best remembered for their low prices and, perhaps surprisingly, their outstanding music departments. Once plentiful on the Island, they sadly never made it out of the 1970s. … read more

4

Dynamite

If you’re a kid from the 70s, surely you remember a little publication called Dynamite magazine? Sold in school classrooms around the country, Dynamite kept you abreast of all your favorite celebrities, and was filled with interesting stories, games, puzzles and other cool stuff. … read more

13

Marathon

Back in 1973, the Mars candy company unveiled a new and sizable confection. The Marathon bar, packaged in a bright-red wrapper, was an instant hit and stayed in the candy aisle for the rest of the decade. Today, they reside in the extinct foods graveyard, but memories of this chewy treat remain in the minds of any former 70s kid. … read more

7

Hoppity Hop

For youngsters not quite ready to tackle the pogo stick, but eager to get their own bouncy fix, the 1970s offered the Hoppity Hop. Consisting of a large rubber sphere with a handle (or head, depending on the model) affixed to the top, this was a coveted toy among the younger set – at least until your legs grew long enough for a Big Wheel. … read more

20

Smithtown Theater

With so many historical places having disappeared on Long Island over the years, it’s always nice to report when one is still there. Such is the case with the Smithtown Theater. Now known as the Smithtown Center for the Performing Arts, this little theater has been entertaining locals for an astounding eighty years and counting. … read more

19

Toughskins

Parents didn’t buy their children Toughskins in the 70s because they were fashionable. Rather, these infamous Sears pants were constructed from the closest thing to Kryptonite the fashion world had ever created, a virtually-indestructible denim that could take some serious kid punishment and live to tell the tale. … read more