Much like the 1960s, the 70s were a very dynamic time for our country. There were many different movements going on: the environmental movement, the equal rights movement, and the antiwar movement – not to mention the political scandals like Watergate that overshadow the era. But things were not all bad, and even during tough times, life goes on. These 11 photos will give you a glimpse into the life of an everyday Iowan during the 1970s:

1. These Iowa college students with the American Lutheran Church did three-week visitations to ALC congregations in the summer. They did survey work, conducted visitations, and helped revitalize youth programs. Travel, board and room are supplied, as well as a "salary" of one dollar per day.
ELCA Archives/Flickr
2. The bags are packed, the car is loaded, and this Iowa family is ready to take a road trip in 1970.
Bree Anne (Bryan) Buckley/Flickr
3. This photo shows a much different looking Dubuque Street in Iowa City during 1975.
Alan Light/Flickr
4. This woman in Waterloo poses in front of her bright yellow house in a matching yellow shirt. Oh the 70s.
George Campbell/Flickr
5. Dubuque's Hempstead High School football team poses for a photo in 1974.
SD Dirk/Flickr

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6. These school girls from Dubuque gather up for a quick photo in their first day of school outfits in 1970.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr
7. This Fourth of July parade in 1970 took place on the crowded streets of Sac City, long before the city was famous for their gigantic popcorn ball.
Bree Anne (Bryan) Buckley/Flickr
8. This 1977 Fourth of July picnic in Newton looks like a happy place to be.
Allen/Flickr
9. In 1970, the UNI basketball team loses to the North Dakota State University Bisons with a score of 81 to 72.
NDSU University Archives/FLickr
10. This is what patrol cars in Iowa looked like during the 1970s. Much different than today's vehicles.
dmblue444/Flickr
11. Even in Iowa the antiwar movement could be seen, as 700 demonstrators in Des Moines hold an anti-war rally and dump tea into the Des Moines River, symbolic of the Boston Tea Party.
Robert Hall/Flickr

It’s crazy to think how much things have changed in such a small amount of time. Have any of your own photos from the 70s? We’d love to see them!

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