A TV premiere in Pine Valley, a Plum Crazy Challenger, and a mean Steeler who wasn't so mean.

Evening, friend. Jack Reynolds checking in.

January 5 always takes me back to when the whole family would gather around the TV for a new show that felt like it belonged right in our living room.

Stick close for that Plum Crazy Challenger my brother still dreams about, and for the football giant who turned soft for a bottle of Coke. Then we will end with a roller rink memory that smells like floor wax and Friday night.

Brings it all back, doesn’t it?

On January 5, 1970, ABC took us to Pine Valley for the first time with the premiere of “All My Children.” It became a daily ritual for millions and introduced Susan Lucci as the unforgettable Erica Kane. The show ran for 41 years. Click to remember the original cast and the storylines that hooked us.

This 1970 Dodge Challenger R/T in Plum Crazy was the kind of ride that stopped traffic just sitting still. It stickered around $3,266 new, but a clean 440 Six-Pack model today can command over $100,000. My neighbor polished his until that purple paint looked like glass. Click for the engine options and the auction records.

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That giant neon sultan at The Dunes stood 35 feet tall in 1959, welcoming folks to the desert. Rooms ran about $10 a night back then. The hotel was imploded in 1993 to make room for the Bellagio, but that sign was pure magic. Click for the full photo and the demolition story.

“Hey kid, catch!” turned a tough Pittsburgh Steeler into a softie in 1979. This Coca-Cola spot debuted during the World Series and later won a Clio Award. It made Joe Greene a household name beyond the gridiron. My son tried tossing his jersey just like that. Click to watch the full minute and catch the smile.

Dick Van Dyke tripped over that ottoman in 1961 and laughed his way into our living rooms as Rob Petrie. He took home three Emmys for the role and became a Disney legend. Having just turned 100, he is still singing and making folks smile. Click to track a century of pure joy.

Tonight’s ‘Your Memory’ comes from Bill in Ohio, thinking back to Friday nights at the roller rink in 1978. He remembers the hum of wheels on the wood floor and the way the disco ball spun during the couples skate. The air smelled like floor wax and hot popcorn. It was the only place a twelve-year-old wanted to be.

Tonight’s Quote comes from Lucille Ball, who said, “Love yourself first and everything else falls into line.” I grew up watching her get into trouble on Monday nights, but she ran a studio like a boss in real life. That takes real grit. You can learn more about her here. Click to see the woman behind the laughter.

See you tomorrow. Same time, same station.

– Jack

Images are AI-generated or sourced from public-domain archives. Reader photos used with permission.