Category: 1970’s

Did You Ever Order Sea-Monkeys?

In the golden age of comic books, nestled between superhero adventures and bubble-gum ads, one of the most enduring novelty pitches leapt off the pages: Sea-Monkeys. For just $1.25, kids were promised “a bowlful of happiness” filled with instant, trainable pets who could even clown around and perform tricks.

The brightly colored advertisements showed a smiling family of humanoid creatures with crowns, tails, and castles under the sea. They promised companionship, joy, and the thrill of bringing a magical world to life. Parents mailed away money orders, and weeks later, children eagerly tore into the package, ready to meet their new friends.

What they actually got was far different from the fantasy. Sea-Monkeys are, in reality, a species of brine shrimp (Artemia salina). The marvel wasn’t in their human-like personalities but in their biology: their eggs can survive for years in a dormant state, then hatch within hours once dropped into water. With the provided food packets and conditioners, the tiny shrimp could live for weeks or even months. While they didn’t juggle, smile, or build castles, they did dart around their little aquariums with enough vigor to captivate a generation of children.

The genius behind the Sea-Monkeys phenomenon was Harold von Braunhut, who first marketed them in 1957. By the 1960s and ’70s, the ads had become iconic fixtures of comic book culture, exemplifying the blend of wonder and exaggeration that defined mail-order novelties of the era. For many, Sea-Monkeys became a first pet, a first science experiment, or at the very least, a first lesson in advertising hype.

Today, Sea-Monkeys are still available, sold as novelty kits in toy and science shops. They remain a quirky piece of Americana—equal parts biology, marketing magic, and nostalgia. While they may never have lived up to the fantasy kingdom drawn in comic books, the joy of watching “instant life” unfold in a fishbowl still makes them a cultural curiosity that refuses to fade away.

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In The 70’s, This Is How We Whipped Inflation…

“WIN buttons” from the 1970s refer to a campaign launched by U.S. President Gerald Ford in 1974 called “Whip Inflation Now” (WIN). The campaign was part of Ford’s effort to combat the high inflation that plagued the U.S. economy during the mid-1970s.

Background

  • After the 1973 oil crisis and years of government spending on the Vietnam War and social programs, the U.S. faced rampant inflation.
  • President Ford addressed Congress on October 8, 1974, proposing a range of voluntary measures for Americans to curb inflation, such as conserving energy and reducing spending.

The WIN Campaign

  • WIN buttons were handed out as a form of patriotic encouragement. Americans were urged to wear them to show their commitment to fighting inflation.
  • The idea was that grassroots efforts—like saving money, avoiding waste, and boosting productivity—would help stabilize prices.

Public Reaction

  • The campaign was widely mocked and is often remembered as a failed public relations stunt.
  • Critics said the campaign lacked substance and placed too much responsibility on individuals rather than addressing deeper economic policies.
  • Some even wore the WIN buttons upside down, so they read “NIM”—interpreted as “Need Immediate Money.”

Legacy

  • Despite its failure, the WIN campaign is a memorable example of 1970s-era economic policy and presidential messaging.
  • It’s often cited in history and economics classes as a case study in how not to handle economic crises with symbolism over substance.

Takes A Licking, But….

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🕰️ Timex: A Watch That Made History
Founded in 1854 as the Waterbury Clock Company in Connecticut, Timex began by making affordable timepieces for everyday Americans. The brand reinvented itself in the 1940s with a sleek new name—Timex, a blend of “Time” and “Kleenex”—to match its modern, mass-produced watches known for durability and reliability.

But it wasn’t just engineering that made Timex a household name—it was television, and one unforgettable man.

🎙️ John Cameron Swayze, a former NBC news anchor turned enthusiastic pitchman, became the trusted face of Timex in the 1950s. He hosted live commercials that put the watches through outlandish “torture tests”: strapped to outboard motors, frozen in ice, dropped off buildings, even attached to a jackhammer. Time and time again, the watch survived, and Swayze would deliver the now-legendary line:

“It takes a licking and keeps on ticking.”

📺 That catchy slogan, born in a golden era of live TV and hard-sell advertising, helped Timex become one of the best-known and best-selling watch brands in the world. Even today, the phrase still echoes as a symbol of toughness and timeless style.

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Who Had A Mood Ring?

I had one back in middle school in the 70s, but back then, we called it junior high. Today, I wonder if my fitness watch is similar to my stress indicator.

Mood rings were a huge fad in the 1970s, introduced around 1975. These rings contained liquid crystal-filled stones that changed colors based on the temperature of the wearer’s skin, which was believed to reflect their emotional state. The concept was marketed as a way to “see your emotions” in real time.

How They Worked

The liquid crystals inside the ring were thermochromic, meaning they changed colors based on temperature fluctuations. The idea was that when you were calm or happy, your body temperature was slightly higher, and when you were stressed or anxious, it was lower.

Color Meanings (According to Marketing)

  • Blue – Relaxed, calm, happy
  • Green – Normal, at ease
  • Amber – Nervous, unsettled
  • Gray/Black – Stressed or cold

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Mood rings were trendy among teenagers and young adults, fitting into the New Age and self-awareness movements of the time. They were sold in jewelry stores, department stores, and even gas stations. The concept of emotions being visible through jewelry fascinated people, even though the science behind it was more about skin temperature than actual emotions.

While the 70s craze eventually faded, mood rings have remained a nostalgic item, resurfacing in various forms over the years. Have you ever owned one?

How They Worked

The liquid crystals inside the ring were thermochromic, meaning they changed colors based on temperature fluctuations. The idea was that when you were calm or happy, your body temperature was slightly higher, and when you were stressed or anxious, it was lower.

Color Meanings (According to Marketing)

  • Blue – Relaxed, calm, happy
  • Green – Normal, at ease
  • Amber – Nervous, unsettled
  • Gray/Black – Stressed or cold

Popularity and Cultural Impact

Mood rings were trendy among teenagers and young adults, fitting into the New Age and self-awareness movements of the time. They were sold in jewelry stores, department stores, and even gas stations. The concept of emotions being visible through jewelry fascinated people, even though the science behind it was more about skin temperature than actual emotions.

While the 70s craze eventually faded, mood rings have remained a nostalgic item, resurfacing in various forms over the years. Have you ever owned one?

If you had a mood ring back then, you’ll probably need one of these!

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Johnny Mathis Announces Retirement: A Legendary Career Comes to a Close

Johnny Mathis performing in October 2024 at Flagstaff, Arizona.

After more than seven decades of serenading audiences with his velvety voice, Johnny Mathis, the iconic crooner, has announced his retirement. Known for timeless classics like Chances Are, Misty, and Wonderful! Wonderful!, Mathis has been a defining voice in American music since the 1950s.

At 88 years old, Mathis has continued to perform tirelessly, delighting fans with his signature blend of jazz, pop, and romantic ballads. His influence spans generations, with a career that includes over 360 million records sold worldwide, making him one of the best-selling recording artists of all time.

Mathis’ decision to step away from the stage marks the end of an era for fans who have cherished his smooth vocals and heartfelt performances. Though he will no longer tour, his vast catalog of music ensures that his legacy will live on. From his Christmas albums that have become holiday staples to his enduring love songs, Johnny Mathis’ contributions to music are immeasurable.

As he bids farewell to the spotlight, Mathis leaves behind a remarkable legacy—one that will continue to enchant listeners for generations to come.

Thanks for the many years of magic!

You need add this to your collection if you are a Johnny Mathis fan!

Lite-Brite: The Timeless Toy That Continues to Shine

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For over 50 years, Lite-Brite has been a beloved toy that has captivated children and adults alike. With its simple yet innovative design, this glowing masterpiece allows users to create vibrant, illuminated images using small colored pegs. But beyond being a nostalgic favorite, some versions of Lite-Brite have become valuable collector’s items, fetching hundreds of dollars in the resale market.

The History of Lite-Brite

Lite-Brite was invented in 1967 by Joseph M. Burck, a designer at Hasbro. Inspired by the dazzling effect of stained-glass windows, Burck wanted to create a toy that let children “paint with light.” The first models came with a lightbox, a black perforated screen, and colored translucent pegs that, when placed, created glowing images.

The toy became an instant success, with Hasbro releasing character-themed templates featuring Mickey Mouse, Scooby-Doo, and other popular figures. Over the years, Lite-Brite has evolved into digital versions, LED models, and even app-based designs, ensuring its continued relevance in a modern, tech-driven world.

The Lite Brite is still made and sold today! Pick up one with the same retro aesthetics here!

Keith Richards Honored with Inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence

Westport, CT – The Westport Library played host to a historic moment as legendary musician Keith Richards was honored with the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence. The award, which recognizes Connecticut residents who exemplify the state’s values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism, and generosity, was presented by Governor Ned Lamont in a ceremony attended by local dignitaries and community members.

Bill Harmer, Executive Director of the Westport Library, opened the event by emphasizing the significance of both the award and its first recipient. “Keith Richards is a man whose legacy transcends music, community, and culture,” Harmer said. “His impact here in Connecticut is immeasurable.”

Richards, who has been a resident of Connecticut since 1985, has been actively involved in supporting various community initiatives, including the Prospector Theater in Ridgefield, which provides inclusive employment opportunities for people with disabilities. His contributions to the arts and education accessibility in the state were highlighted as key reasons for his selection as the first recipient of the prestigious award.

The Governor’s Award of Excellence comes with a custom-designed medallion created by State Trooper Danny Carbalhal and manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. The ribbon for the award was designed and sewn by Enfield-based fashion designer Justin Haynes.

During his remarks, Governor Lamont spoke about Richards’ deep ties to Connecticut and his influence on both culture and civic life. He recalled the iconic moment when the Rolling Stones performed an impromptu set at Toad’s Place in New Haven decades ago and reflected on Richards’ journey to Connecticut with his family in search of a quieter life. Lamont also humorously noted that Richards’ music has served as his personal inspiration in decision-making as governor.

Upon receiving the award, Richards expressed gratitude to the state and its people. “I’ve been here for about 40 years, and it’s been a great place for me and my family,” he said. “I’m incredibly happy about everything, especially things like this because you don’t get them every day.”

In addition to the Governor’s Award, Richards was presented with a special surprise—his own Westport Library card, recognizing his appreciation for libraries as institutions of knowledge and equality.

The ceremony concluded with a celebration of Richards’ legacy, not only as one of rock and roll’s greatest musicians but also as a dedicated member of the Connecticut community.

The Voting Machine

Here is the voting machine I remember most. In my school, they were kept by the custodian’s office and we thought we were so clever discovering where they store them. They’d wheel them out the night before election day and set them up in the gymnasium. I also remembered when the bars had to remain closed until the polls closed so the “drink” would have an influence on the person’s vote.

Did You Check To See If Your Name Was In The New Phone Books?

The Jerk was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $73 million at the box office. It was nominated for two Golden Globe Awards, including Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy, and won the award for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the People’s Choice Awards. The film is considered a classic of American comedy and has been praised for its humor, heart, and originality.

The phone book scene in the movie The Jerk is a classic moment in comedy history.

Navin Johnson (Steve Martin), a naive and optimistic young man, is so excited to see his name in the new phone book

The scene is funny because it captures Navin’s simple joy at being recognized.

It is a reminder that even the smallest things can bring great joy

I’m somebody now! Millions of people look at this book every day! This is the kind of spontaneous publicity – your name in print – that makes people. I’m in print!

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