Throughout the 70s, a small hospital sat at the intersection of Smithtown Bypass and Route 111. Serving the community for almost 40 years, Smithtown General lives on only in the memories of patients, former employees, and those that passed it on the way to work. … read more
There was no shortage of places to shop for food on Long Island in the 1970s. While some still preferred the local markets and neighborhood butchers and bakers, millions of others found their way to the bigger chains. One particular homegrown chain had an enormous impact on the grocery stores we visit today, not only on the island, but all across the country. … read more
Village Green was a summertime tradition for countless Long Islanders in the 1970s. Located at 974 Portion Road in Ronkonkoma, this small venue offered multiple miniature golf courses, snacks and more. It was a great place to spend a hot summer day. … read more
The 70s arrived about the same time the Westbury Music Fare went from adolescence to adulthood. From its modest beginnings as a tent, it grew into one of the most beloved places on Long Island to hear live music. … read more
In those muggy, unbearable summer days of the 70s, Suffolk Country residents packed the family into the car and made their way southbound on William Floyd Parkway to Smith Point. Waiting for them - soft and sandy beach, an iconic snack bar, and the cool, soothing Atlantic Ocean. … read more
When the 70s arrived, little, rectangular theaters starting popping up across the island. Each featured a smiling caricature of beloved comedian, Jerry Lewis, and family-friendly movies. Unfortunately, when the decade ended, so did the Jerry Lewis Cinemas. … read more
Sitting in Centerport, along the island’s picturesque north shore. the Vanderbilt Planetarium has served as a school field trip destination to countless school kids ever since its doors opened in 1971. … read more
If you needed home supplies in the 70s, you probably spent some time at Rickel Home Centers. In the 70s at least, they were the largest harware retail store on the island, with nine locations that would expand significantly in the decades that followed. Then they were gone. … read more
Real fans of phonograph records in the 70s learned that retail stores weren’t where the real gems were found. Those could only be discovered at the independent places. One such legendary audio oasis was the Record Stop in Ronkonkoma. … read more
If you lived near Lake Ronkonkoma, there were a number of reasons you might find yourself at the Bavarian Inn in the 1970s. It hosted countless weddings, anniversaries, christenings, sweet 16s and other events throughout the decade, leaving many a Long Islander with fond memories that lasted a lifetime. It was also a darn good German restaurant. … read more
The arrival of the 70s brought a new attraction to Long Islanders who loved animals and rural surroundings. Just off of Exit 70 in Manorville, NY, The Long Island Game Farm has hosted a steady stream of visitors young and old ever since. … read more
If you learned how to ski on Long Island in the 1970s, there’s a pretty good chance it was at the Bald Hill Ski Bowl. Granted, it wasn’t exactly Aspen, Colorado. but for many families, it was a convenient local place to slap skis on the kids and have a great day in the snow. … read more
Throughout the 70s, a small hospital sat at the intersection of Smithtown Bypass and Route 111. Serving the community for almost 40 years, Smithtown General lives on only in the memories of patients, former employees, and those that passed it on the way to work. … read more
There was no shortage of places to shop for food on Long Island in the 1970s. While some still preferred the local markets and neighborhood butchers and bakers, millions of others found their way to the bigger chains. One particular homegrown chain had an enormous impact on the grocery stores we visit today, not only on the island, but all across the country. … read more
Back in the 70s, adults exchanged flowers and elaborate boxes of chocolate with their loved ones. Kids, however, preferred those little heart-shaped candies with the chalky flavor and Cupid-like power, each emblazoned with a short message such as “Be Mine” or “Kiss Me”. Sweethearts were always happy to do the talking when you were too shy to verbally profess your love. … read more
The Gong Show wasn’t the first televised amateur show, but it was definitely the most extreme. Literally anyone who was willing to face the shame of being ‘gonged’ could step up to the stage and present their disputable talents to millions of viewers. The result was a cavalcade of some of the most bizarre entertainment ever televised. … read more
Decorating eggs for Easter was one of my childhood joys. All you needed was a little vinegar, a few bowls, eggs and one of those cheap little coloring kits from the good folks at PAAS. Oh, and newspaper. You better have plenty of Newsdays on hand. … read more
Through 70s kid eyes, there were few things better than the annual collection of neighborhood candy while in costume. On those glorious October eves, some focused on the treats, others on the tricks. Either way, it was a holiday too good to miss. … read more
For Long Island 70s Kids, the day after Labor Day always marked the end of one of the most beloved traditions of childhood, summer vacation. Next up - a new school year - with new teachers, new desks, new lockers, and perhaps even new friends. That’s right, it’s the first day of school. … read more
The days of summer were in their twilight. It was time to pull the jackets out of the closet, head sleepily to the bus stop and bid summer vacation a sad ado. Before you headed back though, you needed a few supplies. … read more
Bubble Yum was the first soft bubble gum to arrive, way back in 1975. Enormously popular when it was introduced, it would soon find itself waging war, not only against a handful of competitors, but also an army of imaginary spiders. … read more
It’s summertime, and you know the ice cream man is going to come around later in the afternoon. The question is, how to earn a buck before he gets there so that you don’t have to go without? Answer - lemonade stand! … read more
Forget the whoopie cushions and x-ray glasses. This was the kind of thing you spotted in a comic book, then fantasized about undersea adventures for days on end. A submarine for $6.98? What a steal! … read more
Maybe it didn’t come when you called it, but when it came to tricks such as sitting, staying still and especially playing dead, there was no pet that was easier to train. … read more
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