December 10th, 1974

When Employers had 25 Year Clubs & Cars Came With Mini-Me's

Erik Martin
December 10, 2024

Pines Restaurant Destroyed by Fire

The Chapel Hill News, Chapel Hill, North Carolina · Tuesday, December 10, 1974

The night of December 10, 1974, flames claimed The Pines Restaurant on Raleigh Road near Finley Golf Course. In the early 1960s, the restaurant stood as Chapel Hill's sole claim to "fine dining". It was strictly segregated 1964 when federal pressure and quiet advocacy from UNC Basketball Coach Dean Smith helped change that policy. After the fire, the site hosted other restaurants including Slug's at The Pines and later Aurora, before becoming the medical offices that stand there today. Like many lost landmarks, The Pines marked both celebration and change in a growing southern town.

"In those days, the basketball team was all white. They had many of their evening meals in a very fine local restaurant called The Pines. The Pines was one of the restaurants that was rigid about not admitting blacks.

"When the federal government passed a public-accommodations act, Dean was willing to be a party to our congregation's effort to ensure that all the restaurants were complying. Dean and myself and a black student from the University of North Carolina went to The Pines. We asked to be served and with Dean Smith at the door, they could not say no. That was the opening of the door of The Pines restaurant."

Story by Steve Kelley in The Seattle Times

When News Media & Careers Were Stable

The News and Observer, Raleigh, North Carolina · Tuesday, December 10, 1974

This ad celebrating new additions to the News & Observer’s 25 Year [Employment] Club illustrates just how different careers and company tenures were 50 years ago. News organizations once functioned as lifelong employers and something like extended families, complete with their own rituals, hierarchies, and celebrations.

Perhaps the Best ‘Free with Purchase’ Ad Ever Created

The Durham Sun, Durham, North Carolina · Tuesday, December 10, 1974

The AMC Gremlin quirky two-door hatchback has become the epitome of 1970s automotive personality. While this local dealership's Christmas ad touts practical perks like fuel efficiency (a hot selling point during the gas crisis), it's the bonus "littler Gremlin" that steals the show.

Imagine the holiday magic of getting not just Mom & Dad's new car but an identical miniature gas-powered go-kart for the kids. Today, these pint-sized Gremlin go-karts have become coveted collector's items, popping up on eBay and vintage auto forums.

Here’s a photo series of someone restoring one of the go-karts.

Reply

or to participate.