The Haight-Ashbury neighbor in San Francisco become identified as the birthplace of the counter-culture movement. Home to the Grateful Dead, the Diggers community anarchist street theater group, and the first-ever head shop, the “Haight” became a magnate for youth looking to flee suburdia to tune in, turn on, and drop out.

“Hippie” communes become an increasing popular lifestyle choice as people reject urban, materialistic routines for more simple, agrarian collective living. A popular movie in 1969, “Easy Rider,” included a scene from a commune.

Following the Kent State massacre on May 4th, 1970s, student protests erupted in Athens with firebombing and the eventual closing of the University on May 15th.

Art Park, the effort by famed Athens Sculptor and Ohio University professor David Hostedler, closed. Hostetler had purchased 40 acres off Terrel Road to create an “earth workshop” where artists and students would convene to create and display their work. It was invsioned as a place where “Man’s imagination can work in harmony with – not against – his environment.” A four-day festival in May 1970 was expected to attract 10,000 artists and visitors, but was canceled in the wake of student riots. But the Grateful Dead did play a free concert at Art Park.

Roger Jahnke builds his temporary cabin for shelter while he builds Medicine Woods.

Medicine Woods is completed

Swanky’s, a legendary Athens Bar home to hipsters, hippies, and counter-culturalists, closes and with it the 60s and 70s. Back to the Earthers head back to the burbs.