70 Photos That Show the Way We Were in the 1970s

All Nostalgia March 5, 2025

The 1970s were a time of change, color, and unmistakable style. It was an era of shag carpets, bell-bottoms, and station wagons with wood paneling, but more than that, it was a decade of everyday moments. Kids staying out riding their bikes until the street lights came on, familiar gathering around bulky televisions, and trips to McDonald’s when a burger and fries felt like a treat. These 70s photos capture the way life truly was in the ’70s, not just how we remember it, but how it looked, and felt.

Step back in time and see the world as it was, one snapshot at a time.

1. Christmas in 71

A family gathering around a dining table with food. There are adults and children wearing colorful paper hats. The room has a map on the wall and balloons. Everyone is smiling and looking at the camera.

“The entire family ay my grandparents in the country. None of us were planning on staying the night after our Christmas Eve visit. Then an ice storm hit unexpectedly, and the roads were sheets of ice. 13 people in a small, cold farmhouse. It became one of our family legends.” – mks113

2. “Posing for my boyfriend after our high school dance in 1970.”

A woman in a green dress reclines on a floral-patterned sofa. She is smiling, with one arm resting on the sofa's back. A lamp, mirror, and decorative items are in the background in a warmly lit living room.
dittidot

3. This McDonald’s menu from the 70s

A vintage McDonald's menu board showing prices for items like hamburgers, Filet-O-Fish, cheeseburgers, fries, hot apple pie, shakes, and beverages. Customers stand below the sign. Vintage aesthetics suggest it's from the mid-20th century.

4. Young couple at a soul club in Memphis in 1971

A stylish woman and man pose in a retro setting. The woman wears a light dress, large pink hat, and holds a tambourine. The man is in a blue suit with a patterned shirt, holding a bag, both exuding a vintage vibe.

5. Library in the 1970s

Four people stand at a library counter. Two women behind the counter assist a man and a woman. Library shelves with books are in the background. The setting suggests a transaction or inquiry at a public library.

6. Atari ad from 1978

Vintage advertisement for the Atari Video Computer System featuring an old TV displaying a video game image. Two joysticks are in front, alongside the console. The bottom showcases various game cartridges, with a headline saying "Don't watch TV tonight. Play it!
BumblebeePurple1074

7. 1970s barbershop haircutting guide

A black and white collage featuring fifteen portraits of men with distinctive 1970s hairstyles. The styles vary from long and wavy to short and slick, with some featuring sideburns and facial hair. Each man displays a unique fashion of the era.
5_frog_margin

8. World Trade Center under construction seen from below the Brooklyn Bridge in 1971

A person stands under the shadow of a large bridge, overlooking a cityscape with skyscrapers. In the background, a tall building is under construction, with cranes visible at the top. The atmosphere is overcast.
AxlCobainVedder

9. “My parents the night they might in 1970.”

A black and white photo of a man playing an acoustic guitar while seated, wearing a sweater and necklace, with long hair. A woman with long hair in a white turtleneck sits nearby, looking at him. A table with a fruit basket is in the background.

10. A boy selling lemonade in his front yard on Main Street in Aspen, Colorado, 1973.

A young boy wearing glasses and a baseball cap sits at a lemonade stand outside a house. An American flag is displayed above the stand. He's holding a cup, with books and a sign reading "ICE COLD LEMONADE" nearby.
RyanSmith

11. A kid tries out the best seat in the car while her parents shop for one in the early 70s

A child is lying inside the back window of a car, gazing outside. The setting appears to be a car showroom, with several vehicles visible in the background, and bright overhead lights reflecting on the car's surface. The child wears a striped shirt.
FNaXQ

12. A housewife in the early 70s

A woman with curlers in her hair sits at a kitchen table with a serious expression. On the table are a blender, a Domino sugar box, eggs, a measuring jug, and a bowl. Floral curtains hang in the background. The photo is in black and white.
slow-moving-sloth

13. “In the kitchen with my dad in California in 1974”

A man wearing glasses and a red shirt carves a roasted turkey on a kitchen counter. A young boy stands nearby, looking at the camera. The kitchen has white cabinets, a dish rack, and a window with a striped valance.
Yoojay

14. Young man reading from the magazine rack at 7-Eleven circa 1973

A person with reddish hair and wearing a yellow shirt with a dark jacket and plaid pants is reading a magazine in a store aisle filled with magazines and books. The background shows shelves with various products.
AxlCobainVedder

15. Inside a 7-Eleven store showcasing their brand-new design in 1973

A woman with long hair stands at a convenience store counter talking to a male cashier wearing glasses and a patterned shirt. Shelves of candy are in the foreground, and other customers and products fill the background.
AxlCobainVedder

16. Kids playing bingo on an Amtrak train between Chicago and Glacier Park, Montana in June, 1974.

Interior of a train with red seats and large windows. Several boys in casual clothes sit on both sides, absorbed in books. A woman at the front, in a uniform, writes on a notepad. Sunlight filters through, creating a warm ambiance.
notbob1959

17. The Sunset Strip in Los Angeles, 1979

A busy urban street scene from the 1970s, filled with cars and billboards. Prominent billboards feature entertainment icons and a restaurant sign. Trees and buildings line the street under a clear blue sky.
countrylewis

18. A room at the Plaza 500 Hotel in Vancouver, BC, 1974

A man and woman stand on a balcony, looking out over a city at night. The interior has green carpet and red armchairs. A vintage TV is in the corner, with long green curtains framing the window. City lights and distant mountains are visible outside.
AxlCobainVedder

19. Staff at a Burger Chef circa 1975

Two fast-food employees in matching uniforms with smiley face patterns stand behind a counter. They look towards the camera, each holding a drink. Menu boards in the background display meal options like "Super Shef" and "Burger Chef.
AxlCobainVedder

20. Found slides in a collapsing house date 1973

A man in a light suit sits at a table with a drink, while a woman in a green top stands behind him, smiling. They are in a room with large windows revealing a car and greenery outside. Various framed pictures hang on the walls.
tyr2665

21. Frisbee in the park in 1973

Two images: Left shows two people in casual summer outfits walking on grass, smiling, each holding a pink frisbee. Trees are in the background. Right shows a close-up of one person wearing glasses and hoop earrings, with a neutral expression.
s2sailor

22. The wife of a coal miner wins a new Gibson dishwasher at the company’s 1st annual company picnic in Jasper, Tennesse (August, 1974)

A smiling woman stands next to a washing machine on a red truck bed. Several people, including a man wearing a cap, are gathered around in the background. A yellow vehicle is partially visible. The scene appears to be outdoors.
AxlCobainVedder

23. A motorcyclist from Leakey, Texas, stops to talk with friends near San Antonio in May 1973

A group of people gathered beside motorcycles in a rural setting. The left image shows two men interacting with someone on a motorcycle near a Mobil gas station. The right image shows four people near motorcycles, including a child, in a grassy area.
DualCay0te

24. A girl walking her rabbit in a summer kimono in Shinagawa, Japan, 1973

A person in a blue kimono stands on a street, holding the leash of a white rabbit. The street is busy, with signs and people walking by. Shops and colorful decorations are visible in the background.
MunakataSennin

25. Bicycle winner in a shoe store in the early 70s

A vintage black-and-white photo shows a smiling child sitting on a bicycle inside a shoe store. Two adults stand beside him, one on each side. Shelves filled with various shoes are visible in the background.
mistermajik2000

26. Mary Wallace, the first female bus driver for Chicago Transit Authority (1974)

Black and white photo of a smiling woman bus driver sitting at the wheel. She is wearing a patterned shirt and a hat, with her left hand on the steering wheel. In the background, cars are visible through the bus window.
AxlCobainVedder

27. Supermarket sign painting circa 1973

A woman in a grocery store aisle writes a sign advertising a special on items at 29 cents. She uses a marker and ink, surrounded by jars of ink and brushes, with store shelves visible in the background.
AxlCobainVedder

28. “My dad shaving in a side mirror on a family trip in 1974.”

A man with shaving cream on his face is kneeling by a white vintage car, using its side mirror to shave. He is wearing a blue shirt and red plaid pants, and there's a green bucket nearby. The car's window is slightly open, showing a pink interior.
GroovyFrood

29. Impromptu trip to the snow, California, 1973

Four people stand in front of a snow-covered vehicle. They wear winter clothing and are surrounded by snow. Trees and a metal structure are visible in the background.

30. Living room decor in 1971

A cozy living room with a mid-century modern design, featuring a red carpet, an orange chair, a patterned sofa, a round coffee table, and a lamp. Bookshelves and a grand piano are in the background. A plant adds greenery.
frecklefactor

31. L’eggs display in a grocery store in the 70s

A woman in a grocery store examines a product in her hand near a display of L'eggs pantyhose in egg-shaped containers. She stands beside her shopping cart, and shelves of canned goods are visible in the background.

32. Taco Bell menu from 1972

A vintage Taco Bell menu featuring items: Taco, Burrito, Enchirito, Bellburger, Tostada, and Frijoles. Each item has a description and image. The bottom mentions beverage options: Pepsi, Orange, Root Beer, and Coffee.

Notice how it gives people a pronunciation guide for most items.

33. West Hollywood, California, 1975

A vintage street scene featuring a red building with Coca-Cola signage, a Shell gas station, and several classic cars including a green muscle car and a blue station wagon. The street is bustling under a clear blue sky.
blrghh

34. A mechanic working on her van in 1975

A person with long hair sits on a mechanic's creeper next to a teal vehicle. They hold a wrench and are dressed in a white tank top and blue jeans. A soft drink can and a tool kit are on the ground nearby. The setting appears to be a parking lot.
Beaucaillou

35. Page from a spring 1973 fashion catalog

Vintage 1973 fashion catalog page featuring women modeling various outfits, including polka dot dresses, plaid suits, and striped blazers. The text highlights styles like seersucker separates and fun spring fashion trends.
TerryLovesThrowaways

36. Kids playing with a fire escape and old mattress in NYC’s Lower East Side in 1979

Two people are depicted on a derelict building. One is jumping off a fire escape while another stands above, watching. Below, there's debris and old mattresses. The building's windows are mostly boarded up.
5_Frog_Margin

37. High School in 1975

A woman in a red top and black pants stands with one foot on a bench, holding books and a bag. She smiles and wears tall red platform shoes. People walk on the pathway behind her. Brick building and tree in the background.

38. Bathroom in a Sears ad from 1971

A vintage bathroom with floral wallpaper, a white sink vanity, and a toilet with a fluffy seat cover. The shower has golden curtains. Various colorful towels are draped around the room, adding bright accents.
morganmonroe81

39. The Party Room, Miami, Florida, 1978

Two people wearing party hats sit in a room with retro decor. They are facing a vintage television on a stand. The room features yellow chairs, a blue patterned couch, and a carpet with a blue and gray abstract design.
Slow-moving-sloth

40. A Manhattan street in 1978

A man in a blue shirt is exercising with a belt massager on a city sidewalk. Pedestrians, including a woman walking a dog, pass by. A yellow car is parked on the street, and a red awning with "Sam Flax" is visible.
theanti_influencer75

41. “My dad with his neighborhood friends around 1973.”

A group of children and adults pose outdoors on a sandy area. One child sits on a small dirt bike, surrounded by others who are smiling and standing. Trees with autumn foliage are in the background. The mood is cheerful and relaxed.
minois121005

42. Summer of 1978 at a park in New York City

A group of people outdoors, some clapping and smiling. One man holds an accordion, wearing sunglasses and a cap. Others wear vibrant, patterned clothing, hats, and stand near trees and picnic items. A man in the background wears swim trunks.
FNaXQ

43. Woman shopping at the Treasury discount store and supermarket circa 1971.

Two women stand in a grocery store aisle looking at refrigerated products. One pushes a cart filled with groceries, wearing a striped shirt, while the other wears a plaid outfit. Shelves are stocked with various packaged goods.
AxlCobainVedder

This was a photograph for parent company JCPenney Company’s annual report.

44. The Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade in 1978

A festive parade with a yellow van leading a colorful float featuring a large yellow bird and other characters. People in vibrant costumes walk alongside, while a crowd watches from the street. Holiday decorations and lights adorn the buildings.
susierabbit

45. Cruise to the Bahamas in 1971

A man and woman stand at an airplane entrance. The man, in a hat and plaid jacket, holds a floral suitcase. The woman, in a white coat and holding a burgundy bag, smiles. A "Welcome Aboard" sign is visible above them.

46. “I can practically hear my mom telling me to stop playing Atari so my sister can watch Little House on the Prarie.”

Two people in a living room play a retro video game on a vintage TV. They are lying on a carpeted floor. A fluffy dog with a red bow lies nearby. The room is decorated with greeting cards and has a brick wall.
Quick_Presentation11

47. Putting together model planes in the mid-70s

A young boy stands at a desk assembling a model airplane. The desk has shelves filled with various assembled model aircraft of different colors. Instructions and parts are scattered across the desk. The room appears cozy and well-lit.
mks113

48. A young man reading in his bedroom in 1976

A person wearing glasses and a blue plaid shirt sits at a cluttered desk, reading a magazine. The desk is filled with books, photos, and various decorations. A window and signs are visible in the background.
Yoojay

49. Chi-Chi Rodriguez and his caddy at the 1975 Masters, both looking effortlessly cool.

Two men stand on a golf course beside a golf bag. One wears a green cap and white outfit, the other a gray sweater and red pants. Trees and several people are in the background.
BufordTeeJustice

50. Plains, Georgia, 1976

Three people stand by a vintage gas pump at a service station. One man wearing overalls and a red cap kisses a woman on the cheek while another woman smiles. They are holding drinks, and there's a sign for American Express in the background.
blrghh

51. “My grandma with me in my swanky panorama pram, 1976”

Elderly woman with white hair sits on a green park bench, wearing a red and black patterned dress. She looks at a baby sleeping in a vintage blue pram with a colorful blanket, surrounded by greenery.
higglety_puggletypop

52. Atari Headquarters, 1976

A vintage office reception area with a woman sitting at a curved white desk. The wall has a green and yellow Atari logo. A mustard-colored chair and potted plants are placed nearby.
morganmonroe81

53. On a NYC subway in 1976

A man and a person holding colorful balloons sit inside an old, graffiti-covered subway car. The train number 6789 and the word "EXPRESS" are visible. It's stopped at a dimly lit station.

54. Inside a McDonald’s during the holiday season, circa 1976

Employees in a retro fast-food restaurant prepare orders behind the counter. The workers wear vintage uniforms, and the menu above lists items like cheeseburgers and shakes. The decor includes wood paneling and a festive holiday display.
AxlCobainVedder

55. A bread delivery man with baguettes in 1977

A person wearing a winter jacket and hat smiles while holding two large paper bags filled with baguettes. They stand on a snowy street beside a vintage van with French text on its side. Buildings are visible in the background.
ExploreMoreMysteries

56. An elderly man in a grocery store in Los Angeles, 1976

A black-and-white image of a person wearing a hat and suit, holding groceries in a supermarket aisle filled with canned goods. A cart is nearby, and another person is visible in the background, browsing items.

57. “My mom kept her very first concert ticket.”

A hand holds a vintage concert ticket for The Commodores on Friday, July 7, 1978, at 8:00 PM at The Summit. The ticket includes parking and has details of the event section, row, and seat numbers.
Elevendytwelve97

58. “Halloween 1977: Me as C-3PO, my sister as R2-D2. We won our elementary school costume contest.”

Two people dressed in homemade costumes resembling futuristic robots stand side by side in a garage. One wears a gold outfit with boxy shapes, and the other is in a cylindrical silver and blue outfit with dome top.
makinghomemadejam

59. A tiny gas station in Knott County, Kentucky in 1977

Black and white photo of a woman sitting at a small, open-fronted shop or gas station booth surrounded by trees. She holds a beverage and newspapers hang by the entrance. Vintage gas pumps are visible on the right.
AxlCobainVedder

60. The day after Thanksgiving at the food court in Valley View Mall in Dallas, Texas, 1978

A busy black and white scene inside a shopping mall, with numerous people sitting and walking. There's a crowded food court area with a visible escalator, and signs for "Hot Dog Place" and "China Belle" in the background.
AxlCobainVedder

61. McDonald’s in 1978

A customer in a blue sweater and glasses is at a fast food counter, paying with cash. The cashier in a blue uniform is writing something down. Another employee is in the background. Menus are displayed above.

62. A shiny new Schwinn Sting-Ray 5-speed under the tree in 1978

A child with shoulder-length brown hair sits on a red bicycle indoors. The wall in the background has wood paneling and festive decorations, including tinsel and a plush reindeer. The child wears a striped t-shirt and light-colored jeans.
ctraskos

63. Fans in the stands at Tiger Stadium in Detroit, Michigan on April 17, 1979

A man wears oversized sunglasses and a cap with large buttons on his shirt. He's smiling, sitting next to a laughing person. Other people are in the background, wearing casual clothes. It appears to be an outdoor, relaxed gathering.
HesJuggernaut

64. Christmas morning, 1979

A person in a blue jacket is kneeling on a carpet, looking at an open LEGO Technic set box with various parts and an instruction manual. A partially built model and other items are scattered around.
mks113

I’m distracted by those glass bottles of orange juice.

65. Trucker with a cowboy hat in Bakersfield, California, 1979

A man wearing a cowboy hat and a plaid shirt sits inside a truck's cab, holding something in his right hand. The dashboard with various controls is visible, and several vehicles are parked outside.
AxlCobainVedder

66. A restaurant in the World Trade Center overlooking New York Harbor and the Statue of Liberty. NYC, 1979

View from a high-rise restaurant with large windows overlooking the water. Tables are set with white plates. A person in a suit stands near the window. The Statue of Liberty is visible in the background on a sunny day.
5_Frog_Margin

67. Steelcase Tech Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan (1979)

Vintage office scene featuring a row of cubicles with green chairs and desks. Each desk has a beige telephone and a mix of hanging and upright files. An early computer terminal is visible on one desk. Plants are placed around the office.
morganmonroe81

68. Disco Demolition night at the White Sox game in 1979

A black-and-white image showing a large crowd of people dispersed across a baseball field, with bases and home plate visible. The stands in the background are filled with spectators. The atmosphere suggests a celebratory event or occasion.
Quick_Presentation11

69. 7-Eleven in East Brunswick, New Jersey circa 1979

Black and white image of a vintage convenience store at night with a bright sign, partially reading "Eleven." A lone car is parked in front, and a phone booth is visible on the left. Items and signs are displayed in the windows.
AxlCobainVedder

70. Bingo at the Church Hall, Blatimore, Maryland, 1979

An older person with glasses and curly hair sits at a table with several bingo cards. They're holding a pen and surrounded by items like a cup and an ashtray. In the background, others are seated and playing bingo.
Slow-moving-sloth
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