1970's Archives - Page 2 of 10 - Retro Reminiscing Video and Pictures

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.

Oscar Meyer Luncheon Meats

How many of these do you remember? Which was your favorite? I never had the courage to try the head cheese, did you?

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!

Were You A ToysRUs Kid?

There was nothing more magical than taking your kids to ToysRUs where there were toys as far as the eye could see. Watching them dart from one end of the aisle to the next in sheer excitement was such a joy to witness. Somehow I don’t see how online shopping can be as magical.

At its peak in 2000 ToysRUs had over 1,600 stores worldwide. ToysRUs failed to capitalize with an online prescience which accelerated its demise. The company also faced financial difficulties due to high debt levels resulting from a leveraged buyout in 2005. n 2017, Toys “R” Us filed for bankruptcy protection in the United States and Canada. Despite efforts to reorganize Toys “R” Us announced in March 2018 that it would liquidate its U.S. operations and close all of its stores. There is a ToysRUs.com now, but somehow it’s not the same as seeing the magic in your kids’ eyes at the store.

Wednesday Is Prince Spaghetti Day!

Anthony! The Prince Spaghetti Day ad ran for 13 years starting in 1969. Sadly, Anthony Martignetti passed in 2020 at the age of 63. Prince Pasta is now owned by New World Pasta. Would that make it the Pasta formerly known as Prince?

ABC Sunday Night Movie (1983 Version)

ABC Sunday Night Movie was a TV staple from 1962 to 2004

The program presented theatrical feature films airing on TV for the first time, often edited for time.

It provided viewers with the opportunity to watch a wide variety of movies from different genres.

The exact movie lineup varied from week to week, so viewers could expect to see a mix of new releases, beloved classics, and occasional made-for-television movies.

The advent of such cable television networks as HBO, Cinemax along with VCRs led to the decline of theatrical films regularly airing

Did Mercury Ruin The Cougar With This Model?

The car model maybe, but certainly not Farrah!

In 1970 unknown actress Farrah Fawcett starred in this ad for the Mercury Cougar. This was the “second generation” of the car. The first generation Cougar was a “pony car” to compete with the Chevy Camaro. A pony car is a class of compact, sporty vehicles inspired by the success of the Ford Mustang. This Cougar had a longer and wider body featuring a more pronounced grille and a more formal appearance. It listed for $4791 which is the 2023 equivalent to over $39,000.

Farrah’s career of course went on to be a huge success with her own shampoo line and Charlie’s Angels.

Diana Rigg – A Look at Her Life and Career

Diana Rigg was a British actress known for her role as Emma Peel in the 1960s TV series The Avengers. She was also a prominent stage actress and had a successful career in film and television. In this article, we will explore her life and career, focusing on her role in The Avengers and what she has done since. We will also take a look at her personal life, including her age and family.

Early Life and Career

Diana Rigg was born on July 20, 1938, in Doncaster, Yorkshire, England. She attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and began her career in theater. Her breakthrough role came in 1965 when she was cast as Emma Peel in the TV series The Avengers. The show was a huge success and made Rigg a household name.

The Avengers

Rigg’s portrayal of Emma Peel in The Avengers was groundbreaking for its time. She was a strong, independent woman who was not afraid to take on the bad guys. Her character was a feminist icon, and Rigg’s performance was praised for its wit and intelligence. She was also known for her fashion sense, wearing tight leather outfits that became a fashion trend.

Film and Television Career

After leaving The Avengers, Rigg continued to have a successful career in film and television. She appeared in several movies, including On Her Majesty’s Secret Service, The Hospital, and Evil Under the Sun. She also appeared in TV shows like Game of Thrones, Doctor Who, and Victoria. Rigg was nominated for several awards throughout her career, including Emmy, Tony, and BAFTA awards.

Personal Life

Diana Rigg was married twice. Her first marriage was to Menachem Gueffen, an Israeli painter, in 1973. They had a daughter together, named Rachael. The couple divorced in 1976. Rigg’s second marriage was to Archibald Stirling, a Scottish businessman, in 1982. They had a daughter named Louisa. Stirling passed away in 2020.

Later Years and Legacy

In her later years, Rigg continued to act and was a respected figure in the industry. She was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1994 for her services to drama. Rigg passed away on September 10, 2020, at the age of 82.

The Bic Banana

The Bic Banana pen was a writing instrument introduced by Bic Corporation in the 1970s. The pen was distinctive for its shape, which resembled a banana, and its bright yellow color. The concept behind the Bic Banana pen was to create a fun and unique writing tool that would appeal to both children and young adults.

The Bic Banana pen was marketed as a fun and playful writing instrument. The marketing campaign featured bright and colorful advertisements that showcased the unique shape and design of the pen. The advertisements also emphasized the durability and reliability of the pen, highlighting Bic’s reputation for quality writing instruments.

The Bic Banana pen was a popular item in the 1970s and 1980s. However, its popularity began to decline in the 1990s the novelty of the Bic Banana pen began to wear off, and it became less appealing to consumers.

Despite its decline in popularity, the Bic Banana pen remains a unique and memorable writing instrument. It is often sought after by collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its playful design and nostalgic appeal. Today, the Bic Corporation continues to produce a wide range of writing instruments, but the Bic Banana pen has been discontinued and is no longer available for sale.