As we reflect on the past, it’s interesting to look back at the quirky elements of the 1970s that seemed entirely normal at the time. Here’s a rundown of seven bizarre phenomena from that decade that might raise your eyebrows today.
1. The New Scooby-Doo Movies
This animated series was the follow-up to Scooby-Doo, Where Are You? While the premise of teens solving mysteries with a (sort-of) talking dog might sound strange, the real oddity lies in the celebrity cameos. Before shows like The Simpsons popularized celebrity appearances, iconic figures—both real and fictional—were hopping into the Mystery Machine. Imagine episodes featuring the likes of The Addams Family, with the voice of Gomez Addams himself, John Astin, and guest spots from the Harlem Globetrotters. It was a wild mash-up that was just part of Saturday mornings.
2. The World of Sid & Marty Krofft
Shows like Sigmund and the Sea Monsters and H.R. Pufnstuf defined Saturday mornings in the ’70s, but the strange reality was even more vivid at the indoor amusement park, The World of Sid & Marty Krofft, in Atlanta. You’d ascend the tallest escalator to a whimsical realm filled with animatronics and funhouse mirrors, reminiscent of the trippy shows. Sadly, little remains of this bizarre attraction, leaving it shrouded in nostalgia.
3. King Tut’s Spectacular Tour
In 1976, King Tut’s exhibition swept across North America like a pop music phenomenon. With millions flocking to see the treasures of Tutankhamun, the excitement was palpable. It was a cultural phenomenon, featuring a memorable Saturday Night Live sketch by Steve Martin. The enthusiasm for history and science felt entirely normal back then, but looking back, it’s a bit astonishing.
4. Coors and Smokey and the Bandit
In the iconic film Smokey and the Bandit, a character played by Jerry Reed embarks on a cross-country journey to smuggle Coors beer from Texas to Georgia—an illegal operation at the time since Coors was only available in the West. As you crack open a craft brew today, think about how the allure of a simple beer sparked such wild adventures.
5. The Streaking Craze
While occasional streakers still pop up at events, the ’70s saw the phenomenon explode in popularity. It became so mainstream that Ray Stevens released a novelty song, capturing the hilarity of the moment. The refrain “Don’t look, Ethel!” still echoes in the back of our minds, a nostalgic reminder of that outrageous era.
6. Joe Namath’s Unlikely Endorsement
Back in the day, sports stars were just starting to venture into the world of endorsements, and who better than Broadway Joe? His commercials for Beauty Mist pantyhose raised eyebrows, but for many, it made sense—if Mom liked him, that was good enough. His flamboyant persona fit right into the disco culture of the ’70s.
7. Pantyhose in a Plastic Egg
If you watched Mad Men, you might recall the battle between Topaz and L’Eggs, the latter famously packaged in little plastic eggs. How many of those eggs ended up as craft supplies in your home? L’Eggs became a staple, similar to the Styrofoam burger boxes of the past. Yet, the question remains: when will we finally bid farewell to pantyhose altogether?
Reflecting on these oddities reveals how much has changed over the years. From celebrity cartoons to the wild antics of streakers and unusual product endorsements, the ’70s were a truly unique time.
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Summary
: The ’70s brought a variety of eccentricities, from celebrity-filled cartoons to streaking phenomena and unique product endorsements. These quirky elements shaped a decade that seems both familiar and bizarre today.