Time Capsule
Let's look back at what populated the daily broadsheets of that era —
as we showcase sixty classic ads from our high school years.
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SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — October 1973
A full quart, in a textured glass bottle, with a screw-off top!
Delay clipping the coupon and heading off to Handy Andy,
this offer expired October 7, 1973.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — June 1976
The perfect graduation gift for the Class of 76er in your life.
Imagine, playing an arcade game in your bedroom!
Besides, real tennis is hard.
Sit close to the TV -- the convenient 6 ft. control cord
doesn’t seem very convenient.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1972
A quick trip around the radio and TV dial, 1972-style.
This collage created from a Friday edition, just before Easter that year.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — March 1973
With the gas crisis lurking, economy imports were ready
to do battle against the domestic gas guzzlers.
These dealers offered no maintenance charges for the first year
. . . just gas it up and go!
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — March 1974
New for Spring ’74, the tone-on-tone men’s slip-on.
What could be better than shoes featuring both patent leather and suede?
That would be your color choices -- wine, brown, or navy.
The perfect complement to your leisure suits.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — October 1975
Speaking of leisure suits, this one is called the “Intrepid”.
Probably because of it’s distinctive styling --
contrasting stitches and flappy breast pockets.
Looks like a puka shell choker is the ideal accessory.
Copy claims it’s “a look that’s never out of place” . . .
and never more flammable.
REMEMBER:
anti-formality + synthetic materials + unprecedented cheapness =
the leisure suit
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — June 1973
Music is best enjoyed on quality audio components.
Looks like 8-tracks are gonna be the next big thing, judging from this ad.
Do you recall Chris Geppert singing the jingle for Dyer’s radio spots?
“A Dyer Deal is a Stereo Steal, Dyer Electronics.”
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — May 1976
At the height of it’s popularity, CB radios were actually a throw-in gift
when you signed a six-month apartment lease here.
After that, antenna and installation would be all you, good buddy.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1972
A collage of advertisers who offered their seasonal salutations --
during the holiday season of our freshman year.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — December 1975
Downtown, the El Trop was throwing a Gala Party, which included everything --
from the time you arrived at the hotel, until you dragged yourself back home
the next day.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — April 1972
Female fashions of the 1960s were based around the mini skirt.
These sandals were considered a groovy accessory and became a style
and comfort icon throughout the next decade.
Distribution was enhanced by making them available at self-service racks
in national drugstore chains and local pharmacies.
By the time this ad ran in 1972, Scholl was enjoying annual sales of more
than 1 million sandals -- in the U.S. alone!
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — October 1975
San Antonio’s local TV evening news line-up, just before Halloween that year:
WOAI-TV had become KMOL-TV, showcasing their “TV-4 Big News”,
with Gene Lively, Martha Buchanan, Jim Dawson and Steve Grad;
Channel 5’s KENS-TV aired the “Eyewitness News” team of Chris Marrou,
Jud Ashmore and Dan Cook;
while KSAT-TV offered “Newswatch”, featuring Paul Venema, Dow Sherry,
and Johnny Moore over on Channel 12.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — October 1973
Scriveners was an eccentric store, just north of Loop 410 on Broadway. Quality items — but a funky place, with a sense of randomness to it.
It had a very nice tea room, then a lumber yard out back.
They also offered some diverse and interesting classes, like a Mens Knit
Slacks sewing class, or Decoupage, or Natural Food Cookery.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1974
If you were planning on attending an upcoming Senior Party, you'll need to
get your hands on some stylish formal wear for this important event.
Al’s “now brings you more bold men’s fashions”, from the "After Six" collection.
Meaning $13 would rent you these crushed-velvet lapels with a matching vest
and bow tie, helping you look like Chuck Barris on the “Gong Show”.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — February 1974
Spending the evening on Valentine’s Day with some clown? Sounds dreadful.
Unless that clown is Ronald McDonald, who was offering free valentines
to all his friends at the Spurs game that February 14th.
You could pick up your 2-for-1 coupon (and a Quarter Pounder) at the McDonalds on Broadway.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — February 1974
The original Bean Bag Chair was conceived in the late 1960s by a team
of Italian designers, and was an instant hit.
Called a “Sacco” when it was mass-produced, it was made of vinyl and filled
with polystyrene plastic pellets (which had only recently been developed).
Perhaps you’ve cleaned up after one, following an unexpected blow-out.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — October 1973
It is the city of beauty and charm, after all . . .
Was Alamo Heights’ downtown considered “bustling” in 1973?
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — January 1976
Places to Go, Things to Do -- Entertainiment to Start the Bicentennial Year.
There were some excellent opportunities for fun during 1976:
ABA Basketball action at the Convention Center, or live theater at
San Antonio College, or music at the Municipal Auditorium.
While driving by Sunset Ridge, you could get your concert tickets at
Jam & Jelly General Store.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — December 1972
This was a go-to spot for finding a special gift for that special someone.
The James Avery Sand Dollar Key Chain, in sterling, was perfect for
Xmas, 1972 -- despite not having any car keys to put on it.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — October 1973
Founder Shakey Johnson is honored at the American Banjo Museum in
Oklahoma City for his longtime use of banjo music at his pizza parlors.
San Antonio got it's first Shakey's in 1966, and a second one soon after.
A pitcher of green beer was only a buck during this St. Patricks Day promotion.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — January 1976
Some super seventies specs, from TSO. Those are some big ol’ glasses!
Turns out the development of lightweight plastic lenses made it possible to
enlarge the diameter of eyeglass frames, like these from Oscar de la Renta.
For the bicentennial, bigger is better at Texas State Optical.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1972
Here’s a chance to let someone else do the cooking for Easter, 1972.
Your delicious feast made easy, courtesty of Luby’s Cafeterias.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — October 1975
It's the heat-sensitive novelty device with a sexy name -- the mood ring.
These were a short-lived fad of the mid-1970s (like the pet rock).
It appears that no direct correspondence between a particular mood
and a specific color has ever been substantiated -- so its really just a
specialized liquid crystal thermometer, wearable on the finger.
Get yours at Frost Bros.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — April 1972
The San Antonio River certainly ranks among the great rivers of the world.
You might have witnessed this in person -- at the River Parade, Fiesta 1972.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — April 1976
With seven locations in San Antonio, Texas Stores was always close by.
Where else could you stop in for some Cutty Sark and a can of
tennis balls, or a six pak of Texas Pride and a pump air rifle?
Liquor and sporting goods -- still perfect partners.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1972
San Antonio is only a three hour flight from Las Vegas, and this pre-Christmas
solicitation offered a show with a pair of dynamic headliners -- the deadpan
delivery of Bob Newhart, coupled with the vocal artistry of Jerry Vale.
File this under: Sin City, Seventy-Two.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — May 1976
The current Mother’s Day holiday was created by Anna Jarvis in
Grafton, West Virginia, in 1908 as a day to honor one’s mother.
She enlisted the services of wealthy Philadelphia merchant John
Wanamaker, and lobbied President Woodrow Wilson until it was
made an official national holiday in 1914.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — October 1973
In response to intense competition from Southwest Airlines, Texas
International began offering discounted fares on its awarded routes.
These fares become a staple of the airline known as “Peanuts Fares”.
Additionally, the first modern frequent flyer program was created by
Texas International Airlines in the late seventies.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1974
Gas up the family station wagon, and take a weekend road trip.
Even at 8 mpg, you can cover lots of ground.
See the local attractions that thousands of people have come
thousands of miles to enjoy.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1976
Backgammon is one of the oldest board games for two players,
and it enjoyed a major resurgence in popularity during the 70s.
J. Cricket offered this deluxe version -- with chips make from
exotic wood -- and costing $75 dollars (in 1976 money).
Or, if you’d prefer, a leather man-purse and driving gloves.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1972
The Canteen Student Center was the place to hang out and see local bands.
Homer’s talented lead guitarist, Galen Niles, was an awesome guitar teacher
as well. A few of our classmates took lessons from him over at Dellview Music.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — June 1972
Did you know that a bill to accord national recognition of Father’s Day was
introduced in Congress as early as 1913?
US President Calvin Coolidge recommended a national day of observance in 1924, but stopped short of issuing a national proclamation.
In 1966, LBJ finally designated the third Sunday in June as Father’s Day.
Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when
President Nixon signed it into law.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — June 1973
The first Pier 1 Imports store opened in San Mateo, California, in 1962,
where it originally catered to hippy baby boomers and featured
love beads and incense.
Later, it added home furnishings and table top items, created in
conjunction with foreign designers.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — July 1976
200 years in the making -- it’s America’s Bicentennial!
The San Antonio Light teased their July 4th edition -- featuring a historical
perspective by local columnists, and patriotic, city-focused vignettes.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — January 1972
The San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo is one of the largest events of its
type held in the United States. Great entertainment -- and lots of livestock.
Started in 1950, it takes place annually over three weeks each February.
The rodeo’s permanent home was the Joe & Harry Freeman Coliseum until
2003, when its primary events moved into the AT&T Center.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — April 1973
Feeling lucky? Then this is a great day to purchase your new Gremlin.
With air conditioning, and maybe the Levis denim interior.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — October 1975
The mall destination for entertainment, excitement and fun -- Spencer Gifts.
It's where you'd find custom t-shirts, wall posters, traditional and gag gifts,
room decor items, collectable figures and fashion jewelry.
It was the perfect place to get an R. Crumb black light poster, or a
7-Up can with a flickering, oversized bulb.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — July 1973
Before “Don’t Mess With Texas” -- we’re keeping San Antonio clean.
Recycling scrap aluminium was a low-profile activity until the late 1960s
when the exploding popularity of aluminium beverage cans finally placed
recycling into the public consciousness.
And here in 1973, there were just two places to redeem your cans,
for ten cents a pound.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — January 1974
Before the world wide web, we visited the library, utilized an encyclopedia
and of course, referenced The World Almanac and Book of Facts.
Good reading, and lots of fun.
Useful like the internet, but only updated annually.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — August 1972
Located across from the Buttercrust plant, the aroma of the freshly-
baked bread was an additional perk when visiting Playland Park.
It had a wooden roller coaster, a Hall of Mirrors, plus the usual fun
rides, games and attractions. The carousel had a real barrel-organ
for its music, with pipes, cymbals, drums, xylophone, and bells.
Playland Park was a San Antonio favorite until 1980.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — June 1973
"Fox Photo -- Look for the Fox!"
During our high school years, photo processing was a bit like dry cleaning --
in by 9, out by 4. Over at Oak Park, Mrs. Sandoz (Randy’s mom) would take
care of you, even if you didn’t have your claim stub.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1974
So many good choices for live music -- how do you decide?
Four events to consider here. Hmmm, what do you think the
“Pop” Concert over at the Holloway House of Music is all about?
Betcha Mike Kordos can rock that Lowrey Organ. Alas, we’ll never know...
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — August 1976
How about a nice dinner out, and a show? The Bicentennial hoopla has
died down a bit, but the summer of ’76 still sizzles with entertainment
opportunities. Here’s an unusual meal and concert combination --
Steak, Shrimp & Steve Howe.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — March 1973
In the 70s, a typical book required approximately 1200 stamps to fill,
or the equivalent of about $120 in purchases.
Major stamp brands included “Top Value Stamps”, which were given away by this grocery store chain in San Antonio.
Just look for Toppie, the Elephant -- at your local H-E-B.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — September 1973
After Laugh-In finished it’s five-year run in spring of 1973, NBC produced
a star-studded variety hour called the “Rowan & Martin Special”.
“NBC Follies” was a Thursday-night talent explosion hosted by
Sammy Davis Jr. For some reason, Mickey Rooney was featured in
most of the shows. Quality programming from the Peacock(?!)
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — April 1973
The University of Texas at San Antonio was founded on June 5, 1969
by Governor Preston Smith. A land donation of 600 acres in northwest portion of town (then considered the outskirts) was made for the site.
Our AHHS 1976 classmate Gino Chincarini was the first freshman student admitted to UTSA, 02/16/76. It’s now San Antonio’s largest university.
Their motto: A cultivated mind is the guardian genius of democracy.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — March 1974
The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile has evolved from Carl Mayers original
1936 vehicle to the current vehicles seen on the road today.
In the early seventies, Wienermobiles were built upon a Chevrolet motor
home chassis and featured Ford Thunderbird taillights.
These enormous Wienermobiles were piloted by Little Oscar, who
would visit grocery stores, schools, orphanages, childrens hospitals,
and participate in parades or festivals.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — January 1972
One Hundred Eleven Doors to Quality (in 1972 doors, of course)
When opened in 1960, North Star Mall was a new fully-enclosed
shopping center located at the intersection of San Pedro Avenue and
Loop 13 (now Interstate 410 Connally Loop). The mall expanded in 1963
and new anchor Frost Bros. was opened. 1964 saw the addition of a
two-screen movie theater. By the end of the decade, North Star expanded
again with Wolff and Marx relocating to a new, four-level building off
McCullough. The store was renamed Joske’s. A two-level parking deck
with a full service Texaco was also added to the SE corner of the mall.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1975
The Watergate scandal resulted from the break-in of the Democratic
National Committee headquarters at the Watergate office complex in
Washington, D.C., and the Nixon administration’s attempted cover-up of
its involvement. Not sure how Public Television’s “startingly realistic
reinactment” was to watch, but we certainly recall how pervasive this
topic was during our high school years.
And now, every scandal and cover-up ends with “-gate”.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — January 1974
One of the first to offer quality food-to-go and five minute service, Bill Miller
Bar-B-Q’s concept of serving barbecued meats and fresh pies and breads
on a daily basis from a central commissary was unique to the industry.
Their barbecue is cooked with 100% hill country live oak wood in a brick pit.
Bill Miller designed the original barbecue pits he used in the 1950s and the
large industrial sized ones used today.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — February 1973
Bob Wills was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1968.
After he suffered a massive stroke that paralyzed his right side,
Merle Haggard recorded an album dedicated to Wills, which sparked
a widespread Western Swing revival. In 1972, Wills was well enough to
accept a citation from ASCAP in Nashville, as well as appear at several
popular Texas Playboy reunions.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — April 1972
Halloween can be scary, but a car without air conditioning in San Antonio during the summer is truly frightening. While most of today’s cars have a/c as standard equipment, cars of the 70s often had it as a pricey option. Montgomery Ward's automotive department could install an after-market unit, and you could cruise in cool, quite comfort. Your mileage may vary.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — October 1975
Here are a couple of ads for a pair of downtown Alamo Heights favorites,
both on Broadway. And a small follow-up article regarding the hysteria at
AH vs. Lee during a Friday night football game in October 1975.
Soft drinks test OK -- so what was that all about?
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — September 1972
Southwestern Bell was promoting “dial it yourself, the one-plus way”
as the most cost-effective long distance calling solution, without an operator!
Meanwhile, researchers at Bell Telephone Laboratories created the
Unix computer operating system, designed to be hardware independent.
It eventually becomes the underlying language of the Internet.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — November 1973
The chain was founded as Churchs Fried Chicken To Go by
George W. Church, Sr., in 1952, across the street from The Alamo.
Initially, the restaurant sold only chicken, but fries and jalapeños
were added in the mid-1950s. Rapid growth followed, and Churchs
was to become the second-largest chicken restaurant chain by 1989.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — December 1973
Jonathan Livingston Seagull was the 1973 American film directed by
Hall Bartlett, adapted from the novella by Richard Bach.
Whereas the source text was a commercial success, the film version
was poorly received by critics and barely broke even at the box office.
It was nominated for two Academy Awards and the musical score by
Neil Diamond won a Golden Globe Award and a Grammy Award.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS/NEWS — September 1973
This is your father’s Oldsmobile -- Confidence is Cavender.
The Cavender Family has been serving San Antonio for more than 70 years.
Pictured in this ad is a second generation Toronado, the front-wheel drive
flagship of the Oldsmobile line. Toronado introduced, as a novelty (and what
later became a federal mandate in modified form), two high-mounted
taillights above the trunk and below the rear window.
SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS — December 1972
Aw, what a cute puppy. Frost Bank thought so, and wanted you to
use your BankAmericard to buy one. By the mid 1970s, the credit card
industry started exploring international waters. But the name America
caused some problems. So, in 1977, BankAmericard became VISA.
Then in 1979, MasterCharge followed suit and changed its name to MasterCard.
SAN ANTONIO LIGHT — January 1972
Officially, we weren’t in high school yet. But this might have caught your
eye as an AHJS eigth-grader -- the 1972 San Antonio Boat & Sport Show.
Start the new year with displays and demonstrations of the latest products
for the outdoor enthusiast!