70's, Dig It?

The Vietnam War ended, shortages in everything from gasoline to beef and even toilet paper began, and everybody wore bell bottoms and tube socks, but not at the same time. The Disco dance craze was born, as well as the first calculator. Ah, technology. And don’t forget Star Wars! Are you stoked yet? Let’s keep on truckin’ back to the incredible Seventies…

1. Polaroid Film

Polaroid’s inventor and founding father, Edwin Land, was depicted on the cover of Life magazine in 1972 with the caption “A Genius and His Magic Camera.” With a Polaroid camera the darkroom process was included with the film, giving us photographs in 60 seconds. Remember how the whole family gathered around the pungent film, tiny timer ticking away the seconds, watching with baited breath as the ghostly images materialized like magic?

2. Musk

An intoxicating and mysterious fragrance that gained popularity with the hip crowd in the Sixties and peaked in the Seventies. Musk has been described as earthy, woody, animalistic and sensual. Like most perfumes it emanates from everyone differently.  Musk has been called the fragrance equivalent of sex appeal and is used as the base note for many perfumes. Nothing but good vibes for sure.

3. Patchouli

With a scent that’s kind of strong, earthy yet sweet, spicy and a little musky, Patchouli was often used to mask the scent of Mary Jane. Honestly Officer, we were burning incense! Patchouli has also been used as an insect repellant. Now that’s the skinny!

4. Nerf balls and Pet Rocks

Talk about polar opposites. Nerf was advertised as the ball that could be thrown around the house and wouldn’t break anything or hurt anybody. That must have been before Nerf bullets. I can say, based on personal experience, Nerf bullets are painful. Also hugely popular were Pet Rocks. Seriously. Several millions were sold when all you had to do was go outside and find one for free and paint a face on it. Since these were pets, no one threw them in the house.

5.  Books

Ah the slightly dusty woodsy smell of books. Libraries were a frequent destination, whether you actually went or just used it as an excuse to get out of the house. No parent said no to a kid wanting to go to the library. Many youngsters got their sex education from encyclopedias while at the library. Far more popular before the internet, books were our go to for quiet, comfy, entertainment and endless information. Who can forget Dan Rowan’s famous advice on Laugh-In to “Look that up in your Funk and Wagnalls!”

6.  Star Wars

We flocked to see this groundbreaking movie in 1977 making it the highest grossing film at the time, surpassing even 1975’s Jaws. George Lucas must have been on to something since they’re still making sequels and prequels and all the great toys and action figures.

7. Disco

Short for Discotheque, these smoky, sweaty, late night dance clubs were flashy and popular. It was finally cool to dress up again as long as you wore polyester. With lit up dance floors pulsing colorful designs to the upbeat music and disco balls twirling specks of light everywhere, it was a breeze to dance the night away.  Grooving to the bump, forefingers pointing up and hips knocking together, or doing the hustle in step with everybody on the dance floor, we ‘boogie oogie oogied ‘til we just couldn’t boogie no more.’ Whew!

8. Shrinky Dinks

Kids colored these plastic cut outs then baked them in the oven where they morphed into a different, smaller version of themselves. What could go wrong? Who still has their Shrinky Dink Christmas ornaments from the Seventies?

9. Moon Boots

Inspired by the 1969 moon landing, they must not have been as uncomfortable as they looked. People worldwide went bananas for these sturdy boots, buying millions of pairs. The Louvre Museum included them in their collection of the 100 most iconic design symbols of the 20th century. They were built to last and they’re still selling.

10. Big Red Cinnamon Chewing gum

Introduced by Wrigley in 1975, this gum became wildly popular for its bold cinnamon flavor that gave us great smelling breath, for long lasting kisses. It was hot! Supposedly it’s a sought after souvenir by tourists from other countries.