These 15 Photos Of Kentucky In The 1970s Are Mesmerizing
By Jenn Shockley|Published January 26, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
Those of us who lived during the 1970s in Kentucky likely remember a time much different than today. Technology was limited, pay phones were plentiful and style was… well, original to say the least. Everything was starting to change as a new generation moved towards adulthood. This article topic had me reminiscing on some of the fun or positive things about that decade. You may not be completely mesmerized, but I’m hoping to bring back a positive memory, (or 15.)
He was a real citizen in Kentucky. The original ole’ country gentleman in the white suit was nothing like the faux colonel used in advertisements today.
The machines of the 70s were not the sleek gas pumps like we have today. They were clunky squares that resembled Rosie the Robot from the Jetsons, without the personality. No receipts were printed outside, and digital pumps were unheard of.
We had these tasty little restaurants where clowns and costumed characters danced around to draw in customers. It has been a long time, but I liked these as a kid.
Hippies were not uncommon throughout the Bluegrass State. Many a young man exercised his right for long hair, and bell bottoms were the style of the time.
Though many like to forget it existed, disco was very real all across the U.S., even in Kentucky. People wore sparkly bell bottoms, slinky jumpsuits and danced like John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever.
Even Ripley’s Believe it or Not makes mention of Jim Beam’s Kentucky bourbon with a drink that has likely changed names a few times. Newpaper and magazine ads were popular during the 70s, especially for alcohol and cigarettes.
It wasn’t just a food, it was also a game played by children everywhere. Personally, I did not have this toy, nor did I actually want it. I imagine today they are worth a pretty penny.
Hunter Thompson attended the Kentucky Derby for the first time, publishing a story about his experiences… Ironically, he didn’t even watch the race, but had a glorious time filled with the classic Hunter debauchery he was known for. He told about the event like no other could, or would.
Yes, this was a real movie, and yes, it was quite popular. The primary plot of the movie was "A Fist Full of Yen", which is a complete mockery of "Enter the Dragon", combining a series of skits that mocked life in the 1970s. It is different.
This renowned equestrian beauty won the Triple Crown in 1973, becoming the very first horse in over 25 years to do so. He won the final race in 2 minutes and 24 seconds, and that speed still holds the world record on a 1.5 mile dirt track.
Kentucky is home to the renowned Barnstable sisters, who hailed from Louisville and became television sensations. Their career took off on Quark, a science fiction television show, but they went on to become the renowned Doublemint gum girls. They still reside in Louisville and host a lavish Derby party with wall to wall celebrities and all star musicians annually.
We had really cool lunch boxes back in the day. There was everything from television shows like Dukes of Hazard to the Muppets, and super heroes galore, each with its own little thermos.
Being a kid in the 1970s in Kentucky was probably a lot different than being an adult. My childhood memories of the decade might differ from those that were near grown. Which of the above pictures brought back the best memory for you, or what is your favorite memory from the 1970s?
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