These 15 Photos of New Jersey In The 1970s Are Mesmerizing

The 1970s were an important era in New Jersey history. In the midst of the Cold War, 14 Nike anti-aircraft missile batteries were constructed in New Jersey to protect the metropolitan areas around Philadelphia and New York City. A regional command center was built in our state along with multiple defense systems. Along with the Cold War, New Jerseyans were protesting Vietnam, concerned about an energy crisis and in the middle of an economic recession.

It wasn't all chaos and crisis though. We were partying at the Stone Pony, which opened in 1974. In fact, it was this week in 1974 that the Stone Pony had its opening celebration, featuring the band, Rathbone. We celebrated our country's bicentennial, along with the 5 Declaration of Independence signers from New Jersey. We spent summers at Action Park (Class Action Park) which opened in 1978. There's so much worth remembering, and these photos will take you back.

1. Welcome to New Jersey! The Garden State Parkway near Montvale in 1977.

The Governor at the time was Brendan T. Byrne.

2. The Asbury Park Casino circa 1975.

3. Camden circa 1975-1976. The Ben Franklin Bridge is in the background.

4. An aerial view of Rider College (now University) in 1974.

5. And the Rider campus up close.

6. Winter in Willingboro circa 1974.

7. Roosevelt Stadium in Jersey City circa 1972.

8. An industrial plant owned by Agrico near Elizabeth circa 1973.

9. Sandy Hook from above circa 1973.

10. The Port of Newark circa 1974.

11. Dial-A-Ride buses waiting for passengers in Haddonfield circa 1974.

12. Lucy the Margate Elephant, Atlantic Avenue & Decatur Street, Margate City circa 1977.

13. Ohio Avenue in Atlantic City circa 1978.

Sun Gallery Bridge, Spanning Ohio Avenue, Marlborough-Blenheim Hotels.

14. Midland Park kids, 1970.

15. A U.S. Navy McDonnell F-4B Phantom II fighter during catapult tests at Naval Air Test Facility Lakehurst in 1978.

If these vintage New Jersey photos didn't bring you back, these videos of Atlantic City (by jhand350),  Trenton (by Ear of Corn Productions), and Seaside Heights (by GreenRoseTV) surely will!

Were you living in New Jersey in the 1970s? Share your photos and memories with me!