Often when scholars discuss the 1970s in Jamaica, the divisive politics of that decade inevitably comes up. Democratic socialism, mantra of the then governing People’s National Party, found favour with the working class but drove fear in social elites. Yet, despite the power outages, food shortages, and political friction, there was plenty of joy in Jamaica 50 years ago.

Family time

The all-inclusive concept was years from reality. Kingstonians who wanted to escape the hustle of the city travelled to hotels like Turtle Towers, Shaw Park, and Tower Isle in Ocho Rios; Seawind Beach Resort and Montego Bay Beach Hotel in St James; as well as smaller properties in St Mary, Portland, and Trelawny. Negril was a rustic, sleepy fishing village where locals welcomed American hippies who loved the area’s intimate cottages and laid-back lifestyle.

Where they partied

Turntable

Turntable Club was operated by the Blake brothers — Trevor, Winston, Tyrone and Monte. It was located along the Red Hills Road strip which was home to numerous clubs including Tit For Tat and Stables. Politicians, musicians, artistes and the infamous hung out at the Turntable as well as famous American stars like Marvin Gaye and Bunny Sigler.

Bohemia

Found at the intersection of Hagley Park and Maxfield Roads, this venue, like Tit For Tat and Stables, featured live music with a resident band. Producer Winston “Niney” Holness conducted talent shows at Bohemia, helping to expose acts like Mykal Rose, future lead singer of Black Uhuru. For several years the house band was The Titans whose drummer was Glen Washington.

Epiphany

Located at what is now Spanish Court Hotel in New Kingston, this is where the in-crowd hung out. Winston “Spoogy” Samuels, the affable proprietor, welcomed the movers and shakers of the day — from musicians to politicians and enforcers.

What they wore

“I need a big heel boot and a bell foot pants fi guh dance dis ya Festival,” Freddie McKay famously sang to win the Festival Song Competition of 1976. Those fashions were considered ‘boss’ in Jamaica 50 years ago, as well as Afros, soul combs, altar tops, mini skirts, Dashikis, ‘tie and dye’ T-shirts, sandals, and ‘earthman’ shoes.

Cinemas

Regal

Located in what is now Regal Plaza in the Old Hope Road section of Cross Roads, was the Carib 5 of its day. Everything from blockbusters like King Kong and Jaws were shown there as well as low-budget ‘kickers’ from Hong Kong. Regal is now site of Azan’s Supercentre Ltd.

State

Go-to spot if you wanted to watch the latest ‘kickers, State was the smallest of the Kingston cinemas. With the martial arts craze at fever-pitch 50 years ago, this was the place to be, if you loved stars like Wang Yu, David Chiang, John Liu or the ubiquitous Bolo Young. Hardcore fans will remember watching classics like Northern Kicks And Southern Fists at State which is now the site of a supermarket and Payless shoes store.

Odeon

Triple bills abounded at this open-air theatre located in the heart of Half-Way-Tree. On Mondays, there were usually movies starring Spaghetti Western heroes like Eli Wallach, Franco Nero, Clint Eastwood, and, of course, Bigga (Bud Spencer) and Trinity (Terrence Hill). Midweek was time for Blaxpoitation hits like Cotton Comes to Harlem, Black Caesar and Hell Up in Harlem. There was a triple bill of ‘kickers’ on Sunday. That location is now part of the Half-Way-Tree Transport Centre.

Carib

Opened in 1938, Carib was arguably the most popular cinema in Jamaica 50 years ago. The Craven A ‘cigarette box’ atop its Cross Road base was part of its appeal for many years, with the top flicks of the day shown there. The Harder They Come debuted at Carib in 1972 and ‘pre-release’ of major movies were shown at midnight. Fire destroyed Carib in September 1996 but it reopened in June the following year as the multi-cinema Carib 5.

Harbour View Drive-In

Opened in 1963, this outdoor venue was located just beyond the Caribbean Terrace community across from Harbour View. The drive-in was where the family could watch movies like Enter The Dragon, The Harder They Come or The Man With The Golden Gun from their vehicles or in a limited-seat section. Severely damaged by Hurricane Ivan in 2004, the drive-in was inactive for six years until it was sold by owners Palace Amusement Company.

What they drove

Gleamy SUVs and deportees from Japan were not even a thought in 1974. The hip crowd drove hot cars like Ford Capri, Ford Mustang or BMW, while the well-heeled rolled in prestige European vehicles including Jaguars, Mercedes, Volvos or even a Rolls Royce. For the working-class, it was the Triumph, Avenger, Angler or the Cortina. The Austin Cambridge or Morris Austin were the choice of taxi companies.

Where they ate

Imagine Jamaica without fast food! There were no Burger Kings, KFCs, Wendy’s, Pizza Delights, Domino’s or Mother’s 50 years ago. In fact, Kentucky Fried Chicken opened its first store at Hope Road in 1975. Tastee’s and Bruce’s patties in Cross Roads and Johnson’s at the intersection of Maxfield and Chisholm avenues were the closest thing to fast food back then, with Creamy Corner a popular spot for lovers of ice cream. There was no shortage of Chinese restaurants — Golden Dragon, Mee Mee, and Oriental, while Moby Dick in downtown Kingston was the place to go for the best curried goat.