A marvelous recollection from Richard Grayson of the first earth day in Prospect Park. Grayson, the author of, "TO THINK THAT HE KISSED HIM ON LORMER STREET," copied a page out of his diary from the very first Earth Day in Union Square in 1970. I remember that day – vividly and vaguely if that’s possible – I was in Union Square with I don’t remember who. That was a long, long time ago. Another time.
I don’t know what I will be doing for Earth Day in Prospect Park this
year, Louise, but this post made me get out my 1970 diary. If this is
not too cheesy, here’s an excerpt from the entry for Wednesday, April
22, 1970, the first Earth Day:A warm & sunny Earth Day. Mark called & asked me to come
with him to the Union Square rally. Mayor Lindsay closed off 5th Ave.
& 14th St. to traffic & the crowds were enormous. But I didn’t
feel like getting into so big a crowd & went by myself to the
smaller Prospect Park rally.I parked the car on 8th Ave. & walked to the meadow. A singing
group called the Smubbs, dressed as pigs, sang about pollution. They
also sang a song to the tune of "Give My Regards to Broadway" that was
"Give my regards to Brooklyn / Remember me to Bartel Pritchard Square."Then Gov. Rockefeller made a speech saying, "If you’re not part of
the solution, you’re part of the pollution." He had a lot of trouble
with hecklers…Walking back to the car when the rally ended ended, I was stunned to
see Rocky waving to me from a bicycle! Too bad I’d used up all my film.Dad came home and said he was booed by the crowd as he drove through
the streets near Union Square and people banged on his Cadillac. The TV
reports said the crowds were disappointing. It remains to be seen what
will be done about our environment.
–Richard GraysonPHOTO FROM 1970 EARTH DAY
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My brother was in the Smubbs – George Utter who has remains friends with Rick Segall and Mike Seagall as well as Steven who’s last name I can’t recall at the moment-Steven replaced Mike as bass player when Mike had some health concerns. In some manner they have remained active with music as part of their lives. They were a great band and their participation in the 1st Earth Day made it more of a memorable occasion. Their was a post by Vinny the drummer here and what happened to Jerry the lead guitarist I don’t know.
I remember the 1st Earth Day. I went to the city with my best friend Aide~we took the subway and Gov. Rockefeller was there and touched my arm!
I went to high school with Rick & Mike Segall; they were an amazing pair. I used to see the Smubbs any weekend they played on Long Island; I even saw them play at the Electric Circus. I just set the WAYBAC machine and pulled out my copy of their album ‘This is the End of the Night’ – good thing I still have a turntable. I’d love to know what’s become of them.
Yes, my great uncle George Soerensen was the Smubbs’ manager at one time. He was also one of the founders on Earth day:) I would love to see pictures if they are available.
Wow I remember the Smubbs, Holtsville, Long Island, my girlfriends brothers were two of the original members Ricky and ? Segal. What great times at “The Cave in the Hamptons, The Bridal Path, Wow Wow Wow memories, I had the biggest crush on Steven
Vincent, if I can find the photos when I go back to Phoenix next month, I will try to get in touch. You can email me if you want. Thanks. I’m glad you read this.
hey, i was the smubbs drummer that day. i also would like to see some photos. i guess we did some good in that era, but the establishment ended up winning. v
I remember the 1st earth day.I was one of the pigs.If you have any photos of the Smubbs that day I would really like to get a copy.E-mail gutter5030 @yahoo.com