These 14 Photos of Vermont In The 1970s Are Mesmerizing

Contrary to popular belief, Vermont is not a state filled with tie-dye wearing dead heads, and if there ever was a period in time we would expect to see hippies (or disco fanatics) it would be the 1970s. After all, the 70s bridge the gap between the hippie movement and the new age of disco. Only In Vermont has uncovered some photos of Vermont in the 1970s depicting real Vermonters who didn't fall into either category, rather, they exemplify the hard working people that continue to populate Vermont today. Let's take a trip back a few decades into the 70s and have a look.

1. Coffee appreciation - June 1974

Uncharacteristically somber, this 76-year-old native of East Randolph finishes his morning's third cup of coffee. Since his legs went bad he is now able to do only small repair jobs. His work career included that of a farmer, lumberjack, mechanic, ice cutter, hotel manager, professional chauffeur and handyman.

2. Homemade Evaporator

This resident of Roxbury draws off the finished syrup from a homemade evaporator. Instead of working in a sugar house, he sets up a makeshift rig in a new spot each year to use fallen timber and loose brush to fire the sawed-off oil.

3. The surviving child of 13 offspring - June 1974

The surviving child of 13 offspring, this man had lived alone since his mother's death 25 years before this photo was taken. He continued to run the family farm, and tended to a herd of 30 Whitefaced Cattle, plus four pigs and 15 dogs.

4. 1970s Diver

Divers inspected the wooden barrels used to support previous versions of the Brookfield Floating Bridge across Sunset Lake.

5. Vermont native - March, 1974

This Vermont native of East Bethel is known principally for his ability to cane chairs and straw buggy seats, but here he is sculpting a chair leg on his homemade lathe.

6. Early Morning Mist

Early morning mist from a river carpets the length of the East Randolph Valley.

7. Farm near Randolph Center

This farm near Randolph Center is one of about 50 in an area where there were several hundred not so long ago.

8. 1978 Beauty Ad

Vintage 1970s magazine advertisement, featuring Suzanne Chaffee, aka Suzy Chap Stick, Lip Treat by Chapstick.

9. Sleigh ride in February 1974

Every February on Brookfield Pond Area there was a traditional ice-cutting festival where free rides were offered in a horse-drawn sleigh.

10. Dairy Farmer in 1974

This dairy farmer averages about 400 gallons of maple syrup each spring. 30 to 40 gallons of sap are needed to make one gallon of syrup.

11. Whatever it takes...

This Vermont native quit a job as an auto mechanic to return to the family farm in hopes of keeping it running. In addition to Jersey Cow milk, he and his mother sell goat's milk to private customers and a local nursing home.

12. Woman on a dairy farm - June 1974

This woman lives on a dairy farm near Randolph Center that has been owned by the family for 6 generations. Low milk prices and increasing property taxes threaten her way of life.

13. A 60-year-old bachelor - July 1974

A 60-year-old bachelor farmer from Beanville adjusts the blades of his mower before going out to hay. Before the season ends, He will have filled his barn with 50 tons of loose hay.

14. An 80-year-old native in April 1974

An 80-year-old native of East Randolph sits back in his favorite corner near the warmth of the woodstove to take his mid-day rest.

We love our hard working characters that make up the wonderful state of Vermont! Do you have any old photos of Vermont in the 1970s that you cherish? Let us know below, we love to hear from you.

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