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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/VTrans
Divers inspected the wooden barrels used to support previous versions of the Brookfield Floating Bridge across Sunset Lake.
5. Vermont native - March, 1974
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
Early morning mist from a river carpets the length of the East Randolph Valley.
7. Farm near Randolph Center
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
This farm near Randolph Center is one of about 50 in an area where there were several hundred not so long ago.

Related Stories

At 230 Years Old, The Architecturally Masterful Rockingham Meeting House In Vermont Is A Must-See National Historic Landmark

At 230 Years Old, The Architecturally Masterful Rockingham Meeting House In Vermont Is A Must-See National Historic Landmark

 Built In 1872, The West Dummerston Covered Bridge Is The Longest Covered Bridge Entirely In Vermont

Built In 1872, The West Dummerston Covered Bridge Is The Longest Covered Bridge Entirely In Vermont

 Plan A Trip To Vergennes, One Of Vermont's Most Charming Historic Cities

Plan A Trip To Vergennes, One Of Vermont's Most Charming Historic Cities
8. 1978 Beauty Ad
Flickr/Classic Film
Vintage 1970s magazine advertisement, featuring Suzanne Chaffee, aka Suzy Chap Stick, Lip Treat by Chapstick.
9. Sleigh ride in February 1974
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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...
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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
Flickr/The U.S. National Archives
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.

Learn more about Vermont history with 11 things you probably didn’t know about the history and life in Vermont.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

photos of Vermont in the 1970s

Luke | September 17, 2020

Is Vermont a great place to live?

The answer is a resounding YES. Not only does Vermont have stunning landscapes and endless natural locations to enjoy, but the state also has excellent food, safe cities, great schools, and down-to-earth people. Vermont is an environmentally aware place that focuses on healthy living styles and is socially and environmentally aware and considerate, which all makes Vermont a welcoming and prosperous place for all.

Where can I find more of the best photos of Vermont?

If you are looking for more old historic photos of Vermont, Vermonthistory.org offers a great collection of fascinating Vermont photos, where you can find all sorts of old gems, along with other resources. If you are looking for landscape photography of Vermont’s pristine countryside, there are several books and online places to check out as well. The best is to go to a local bookstore and browse around the VT section.

What stereotypes are there about Vermont?

Where to even start… First of all, Vermont is simply an amazing state that has so much to offer, like gorgeous and peaceful nature areas. But one stereotype about Vermont is that there’s not much else except mountains, forests, lakes, and more nature. Vermont also has the stereotype of being the holiday destination place for city folk like New Yorkers, Bostonians, and Montrealers. Some other prevalent stereotypes are that we never have a spring season or that our winters last half a year. In reality, Vermont has much more to offer than just cold temperatures and nature spots.

Related Articles

Explore Vermont

Featured Addresses
Vermont, USA