Wendy Robert
The air in 1970s Staten Island was tinged with the musky scent of vinyl records, the growl of muscle cars, and the buzz of civic engagement. It was a time of flared pants, formidable afros, and expressive graffiti art—all blending to create a portrait of an era that still whispers to us today.
The Arrival of the Staten Island Mall
If the late ’60s set the stage for a retail revolution, the ’70s saw the curtain rise. The Staten Island Mall opened its doors in 1973, providing Islanders with an entirely new way to shop and socialize. Imagine teenagers hanging out by the fountain, flanked by stores selling everything from mood rings to 8-track tapes. The food court was a cacophony of sizzling grills and friendly banter, a nexus of community life.
Staten Island Expressway: A Divisive Convenience
There’s no talking about Staten Island in the ’70s without mentioning the completion of the Staten Island Expressway. It was an arterial link that promised swifter commutes but also stirred controversies over the displacement of residents and businesses. Nevertheless, the Expressway became a fixture, changing the Island’s dynamic and challenging its small-town feel.
Civic Engagement and Activism
If the ’60s were marked by protest and social change, the ’70s deepened the grooves of community activism. Among the issues that hit close to home was the Fresh Kills Landfill. Islanders united in the quest for better environmental practices, and slowly, the vision for the future Freshkills Park began to crystallize. Town hall meetings were buzzing with debate and citizen journalism reached new heights, capturing the spirit of an involved community.
The Disco Craze Meets Rock Rebellion
Turn the dial to the local radio station, and you’d find yourself in the midst of a musical battleground. On one side, disco—with its pulsating beats and glittering disco balls—captured the hearts of many. Places like the Electric Circus became dance sanctuaries. On the other side, rock music, especially of the punk and classic varieties, reverberated in bars and makeshift concert venues. It was a time when music was more than a pastime; it was a statement.
Family Life: New and Continued Traditions
As the family unit adapted to the pressures and changes of the ’70s, Staten Island remained a haven for those in pursuit of the American Dream. Backyard barbecues were enlivened by the sounds of a new generation, perhaps riding skateboards or debating Star Wars trivia. Schools buzzed with the anticipation of summer vacations, perhaps a trip to the renovated South Beach Boardwalk, replete with carnival games and Atlantic breezes.
Then there was the blackout—a citywide plunge into darkness in the summer of 1977. It was a moment of both chaos and camaraderie. While parts of the city were marred by looting, many Staten Islanders came together to help neighbors and secure communities.
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