The 1970s were truly an iconic decade. Whether you were a child who always made sure your parents bought you a treat from the ice cream truck or an adult celebrating the resignation of then-US President Richard Nixon, many of us have very fond memories of that time in our lives. The following are are some images that’ll take you on a much-needed trip down memory lane.
Women’s Strike for Equality
On August 26, 1970, some 50,000 women took to the streets of New York City, New York, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the passing of the Nineteenth Amendment. Can’t remember what that one decreed? That American women now had the right to vote!
Times Square hasn’t changed much
Times Square, in New York City, has always been the place to be. Whether it be today or back in the 1970s, its billboards, lights and atmosphere have always drawn in tourists!
Grease lightning
One of the more well-known films of the decade was Grease (1978). While we might not have believed the actors were actually in high school (we’re looking at you, Kenickie), the movie’s catchy music had moviegoers lining up along the block. In fact, it was so successful that it became one of the highest-grossing musicals.
Should Richard Nixon have been pardoned?
The above image shows US President Gerald Ford sitting before the House Judiciary Subcommittee during talks on whether or not former President Richard Nixon should be pardoned for his involvement in the Watergate Scandal. The controversial move was made on September 8, 1974.
I’m lovin’ it
Does anyone else miss when McDonald’s restaurants used to look like this? Today’s versions are drab and look like any other fast food restaurant, but, back in the 1960s and ’70s, they had personality!
Apollo 13
The Apollo 13 space mission was the seventh crewed flight in the Apollo program and the third intended to land on the Moon. Its crew of three astronauts – Jim Lovell, Fred Haise and Jack Swigert – took off from Kennedy Space Center on April 11, 1970.
Richard Nixon resigns following the Watergate Scandal
Richard Nixon’s involvement in Watergate was the last nail in the coffin for his presidency. The public’s confidence in him waned, and several anti-Nixon protests were held. In July 1974, the House Judiciary Committee adopted three articles of impeachment against him, leading him to resign.
Computers were huge!
The above photo shows a man working at his desk in the Department of Labor. We just wanted to comment on how big computers used to be! Compared to the ones we have today, they’re clunkers!
Taking care of the Earth on Earth Day
Earth Day is an annual reminder to take care of our planet, since it’s the only one we’ll ever have. This photo from the 1970s shows children sweeping a park area in New York City, New York.
Disbandment of the Beatles
During the final years of the 1960s, the members of the Beatles were pursuing their own music and business ventures. On April 10, 1970, member Paul McCartney stunned fans across the world when he announced the band was splitting up.
By the end of the year, McCartney filed suit to dissolve the band’s business partnership, making the split official. There were many rumors surrounding the cause, including John Lennon‘s relationship with Yoko Ono and the actions of the Beatles’ new manager, Allen Klein, but the issues actually ran much deeper.
Protesting the Vietnam War
Throughout the Vietnam War, and especially during the final years, anti-war sentiments in the United States were high, especially among those at risk of being drafted. Several protests were held across the country, with many burning their draft cards.
Arnold Schwarzenegger showing off his impressive strength
Before he was an actor and the governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger had a career as a bodybuilder. People loved watching him lift weights (even if it made them feel bad at how weak they were).
1973 Oil Crisis
In October 1973, the Arab members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (O.P.E.C.) announced an embargo on the United States in response to its support of Israel and the Yom Kippur War. What resulted was an epic gas shortage, as people lined up for hours at gas pumps out of fear of running out of the now-precious commodity.
Ford Motor Company employees go on strike
In 1976, an estimated 165,000 employees working for the Ford Motor Company went on strike. It was the largest such strike by the United Auto Workers’ Union since the one in 1970, when 400,000 employees walked off the job for 67 days.
Studio 54 was the place to be
While it may no longer be a nightclub, Studio 54 was the place to party in New York City during the middle part of the 20th century. Some of the most famous people in the world could be found dancing under the disco balls.
Apollo 15
Society was spoiled when it came to Moon landings during the 1970s. Another notable Apollo mission was 15, which saw David R. Scott, Alfred M. Worden and James B. Irwin man the space shuttle during the summer of 1971.
Star Wars
Star Wars, later retitled Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, saw a limited release over the 1977 Memorial Day weekend, shattering expectations. It was soon released worldwide and became the highest-grossing film at the time, surpassing 1975’s Jaws.
Starring the likes of Carrie Fisher, Mark Hamill, and Harrison Ford, Star Wars was praised for its visual effects. It won six Oscars at the 50th Academy Awards, including Best Costume Design and Best Visual Effects, and fast became a cultural phenomenon.
Before Star Wars, George Lucas directed American Graffiti
Before he was famous for bringing Star Wars to the big screen, director George Lucas introduced audiences to another popular film: American Graffiti (1973). The coming-of-age comedy remains beloved to this day.
Los Angeles traffic never changes…
If there’s one thing Los Angeles, California, is infamous for nowadays, it’s how bad traffic is. For those of you who are too young to remember (you might not have even been born), it was equally as horrible in the 1970s.
Beginning of the arcade era
The 1970s saw the inception of the video game industry. The first mainstream hit was 1972’s Pong, stirring an industry that today is worth billions. Arcades soon became a major part of popular culture, and anyone who wanted to play the newest releases knew they could find them at their local gaming establishment.
Great Blizzard of 1978
Anyone living in the Great Lakes region during the 1970s will undoubtedly remember the Great Blizzard of ’78. The region got walloped with snow over a two-day period that January, with Muskegon, Michigan, receiving 86 cm of the white stuff.
Enjoying a meal at Big Boy
Anyone else feel nostalgic seeing this picture of the Big Boy statue? We can remember our parents taking us to the restaurant on a Friday night to celebrate the start of the weekend… Those were the days.
Death of the King of Rock n’ Roll
Elvis Presley was found dead on the bathroom floor on August 16, 1977. Two days later, his funeral was held at Graceland, and an estimated 80,000 onlookers and fans gathered outside the gates and along the processional route to Forest Hill Cemetery, where the late singer was buried beside his mother.
Bob Hope worked diligently with the USO
One way soldiers’ morale was kept high during the Vietnam War was USO shows, and one star who made a point to perform with the organization was Bob Hope. Beginning in World War II and continuing up until the Gulf War, he brought his famed humor to military bases and the battlefield.
Taking the subway
Some things never change, including the New York subway system. We don’t know why, but we feel nostalgic just looking at this photo… Maybe it’s because we’re thinking of our youth.
A night out at the roller disco
Roller discos became a popular place for young adults to hang out during the 1970s. Rollerskating paired perfectly with the disco music that often played while attendees skated. It was common courtesy to skate in one direction, so as to not crash into others, but those wishing to show off their moves could do so in the center of the rink.
Man, Lou Ferrigno is strong!
Talk about two icons of the 1970s! Billy Crystal and Lou Ferrigno were two faces most people immediately recognized when they appeared on their television screens. If we’re being honest, we forgot just how strong Ferrigno is!
Picking up some groceries
Anyone else wishing we could go back to the price of things in the 1970s? The cost of groceries today is horrendous, and we find ourselves both crying and laughing at how much lower they were back in the day.
It’s a pet rock
While the majority of children ask their parents for a cat or a dog, those in the 1970s were interested in just one type of pet: a rock. Created by Gary Dahl in 1975, pet rocks were marketed like live animals, complete with a carrying box with straw and air holes. For those who couldn’t be bothered with feeding or walking an actual pet, these rocks were the way to go.
The fad only lasted about six months or so. By 1976, interest in them had died down and the product was discontinued due to low sales. Despite this, Dahl managed to sell over one million at $4 each, effectively becoming a millionaire.
Olympic upset
For more reasons that one, the 1972 Olympic basketball final between the United States and the Soviet Union was incredibly controversial. We’re sure many people were yelling at their television screams during the game, with those in America likely fuming over the fact their team lost by only one point.
Vinyl tops everywhere
While cars with vinyl roofs have been around since the 1920s, they became increasingly popular during the 1970s. Almost every car company released a vehicle with one: Ford, Nissan, Toyota, Chrysler, etc.
More from us: In Photos: See What Happened To Old Olympic Venues
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While initially designed to give a non-convertible car the appearance that its roof was moveable, it eventually became a style in its own right. In general, some of the most recognizable cars of the last century were released during the 1970s, including the 1970 Ford Thunderbird, the 1970 Dodge Challenger and the 1972 Plymouth Road Runner. They currently go on the resale market for a pretty penny.