The Legacy of One of the Most Iconic Decades, the 1970s

Good Humor Ice Cream Trucks

There’s nothing like the sound of the infamous chimes of the ice cream truck announcing the commencement of summer. These kids can hardly wait to get their hands on one of those delicious ice cream bars. Good Humor Ice cream trucks spark a sense of nostalgia to simpler times and childhood.

Although Good Humor sold their trucks in the 70s to pursue a different business direction, their legacy lives on ‘til this day. We are still enthralled by the excitement that comes from simply buying ice cream from a truck.

A Softer Side to Muhammad Ali

Muhammad Ali had a huge influence on America during his very successful career. Here he is photographed with his first son and namesake. Seeing the tender side of an American Boxing Icon is so touching. Muhammad Ali was as influential in social reform as he was in the boxing ring.

He believed in equal rights for everyone and was very vocal about it. Both his social activism and boxing were themes that permeated throughout the 70s and long after.

Fuel Shortages Caused By Oil Crisis

These were crazy times! This oil crisis definitely made an impact on day to day life in the 70s, not to mention the American economy. The cars are lined up waiting to fill up on gas all the way into the parking lots.

Although the long lines were a major inconvenience, at least you always had a legitimate excuse for being late for work, right? The shortages were a result of the skyrocketing foreign prices of oil.

After this catastrophe, America began focusing on internal oil production to avoid this type of crisis again.

Extreme Measures

Gas is a necessity, and people were going to extremes to secure it and to acquire it. People were so desperate to secure gasoline; they would use hoses to steal gasoline from unsuspecting car owners.

In this image, the man is making it clear that he is not messing around when it comes to his gasoline supply. Were these measures too extreme? Would you have gone to such extreme lengths to protect your gas? These were most certainly dire and unforgettable times.

George Lucas

Arts and culture during the 70s were iconic and has had a huge impact on the current media culture. Star Wars was an era shaping saga, and its legacy lives on in so many different media avenues. George Lucas is looking cool as ever in this 70s varsity jacket.

Do you remember the film American Graffiti? Not nearly as prolific as Star Wars but still a gem. It told the story of a group of teens growing up in Modesto, California, during the early 60s.

He won numerous awards for this film; it was pretty amazing considering it was his first feature-length film.