Perhaps one of the most ill-conceived confections ever devised, candy cigarettes enjoyed enormous popularity among children of decades past, and the 1970s was no exception. Available in a variety of forms, they gave kids a way to emulate their heroes of the day, who always seemed to have a cigarette dangling from their lips, or a pack rolled up in their t-shirt sleeve. … read more
Kids have a fascination for bugs. Not only are they fun to play with, but a well-placed insect can induce a scream from an unsuspecting sibling. Bugs have minds of their own, however, scurrying at the least opportune moments and ruining the fun. Thankfully, with the invention of Creepy Crawlers, the days of uncooperative insects were over. Now you could make your own rubber replicas, much to your little sister’s horror. … read more
There are countless legends and mysteries woven within Long Island’s rich history. One of the oldest and most enduring concerns Lake Ronkonkoma and the tragedy that befell a Native-American princess. If you grew up in the surrounding area in the 1970s, you are undoubtedly aware of this ominous Lady of the Lake. … read more
For the past five decades, Chilling, Thrilling Sounds of the Haunted House has served as the unofficial soundtrack for Halloween. Released by Walt Disney Productions in 1964, this collection of spooky sound effects and scary stories became an annual tradition throughout the 1970s and beyond, heard at countless Halloween parties and at homes awaiting the arrival of trick or treaters. … read more
With the arrival of October each year, it was time for millions of Long Island 70s kids to start pondering their Halloween costumes. The ambitious ones created their own, relying on grease paint, old clothing, maybe even some plastic vampire teeth and fake blood. Those looking for a more convenient approach turned to Ben Cooper. … read more
There are countless urban legends associated with Long Island, but none more pervasive nor frightening as the place called Mary’s Grave. Every 1970s kid has heard the gruesome stories from friends and siblings, and many a brave teenager has even paid a visit to Mary’s supposed final resting place, wherever that may be. … read more
Kids have always loved television shows and movies featuring monsters. For those fortunate enough to live in New York during the 1970s, there was a particularly cool show called The Hilarious House of Frightenstein. Featuring all the popular creatures of the day (and night), the horror spoof was more funny than frightful, endearing millions of youngsters during its run. … read more
The music fan of the 1970s didn’t have the plethora of resources that we enjoy today. Sure, the popular records of the time were sold at most department stores. But what if your tastes were a little more eclectic? Unless you had a decent independent record store nearby, your best bet was to head to your local Sam Goody, a mecca of sorts for the New York music aficionado. … read more
You’ve tumbled out of bed and sleepily made your way to the kitchen for a bowl of Cocoa Puffs. Bowl in hand, perhaps a blanket to wrap yourself in, you flip on the television. And here you will sit for the next few hours or so, assuming you had parents that would allow such a thing. Such were the magical Saturday mornings of the 1970s. … read more
In the 70s, not all families felt comfortable talking about controversial topics that are commonplace today. Perhaps there was an alcoholic teen, an abusive parent or other issues in the home and it was hard for kids to get the advice they needed. ABC stepped up with a series called the ABC Afterschool Special to tackle these issues, offering guidance to many a troubled kid. … read more
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