The 1960s were some of the most dynamic times in history. When John F. Kennedy took office, the future seemed bright, and it looked like we were about to enter a new golden era – but by the end of the 60s it seemed like the country was falling apart. Kennedy was assassinated, the already unpopular war in Vietnam was quickly going downhill, and the country was faced with civil rights and equality issues. But life wasn’t all bad. In America’s Heartland, things were still pretty normal. These everyday photos will give you a look at what life was like for the average Iowan during these times:

1. These high school students from Dubuque pose for a photo with their dates before prom night in 1961.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr
2. These girls in Eagle Point have a slumber party (complete with hair curlers) in the 1960s. Some phone calls were probably made to boys that night.
Todd Ehlers/Flickr
3. Vaughn's Phillips 66 Gas Station on Highway 20 in Fort Dodge was a pretty cool place to stop at.
Roadsidepictures/Flickr
4. These roadtrippers in the 1960s stop off at an Iowa cornfield to stretch their legs.
Liz Thomson/Flickr
5. These gentlemen are faculty members from the Iowa Center for Modern Letters.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
6. These college students in the 1960s sit down for a friendly game of cards on a Friday night.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr

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7. These artists at State University of Iowa prepare for a poetic experiment in the mid 1960s.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
8. This group of people step off a plane in Iowa during the 1960s. You won't find this model in the skies anymore.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
9. This group of people get ready to take a bus trip in the 1960s.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
10. These two members of the Scottish Highlanders Club stand in front of the old capitol building in Iowa City.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
11. This gal is a drummer for the Highlanders Club at State University of Iowa.
Iowa Digital Library/Flickr
12. Every year, including 1960, Mrs. Lyons carves a 360-pound butter cow sculpture for the Iowa State Fair. Even in tough times, Iowans stick to traditions.
SwellMap/Flickr

Iowa has always been an amazing place to live, even in the somewhat troubled 1960s – and it always will be an amazing place to live.

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