Minnesota in the '70s

by Dave Kenney, Thomas Saylor

The 1970s were more than big hair, mirror balls, and leisure suits. These were the years that bridged the chasm between the anti-establishment tumult of the 1960s and the morning-in-America conservatism of the 1980s. In Minnesota, this evolution unfolded in ways that defied expectations. No longer was Minnesota merely a vague, snow-covered outpost in the American consciousness. It was a place of note and consequence—a state of presidential candidates, grassroots activism, civic engagement, environmental awareness, and Mary Tyler Moore. Its governor appeared on the cover of Time magazine. Its city skylines shot up with uncharacteristic immodesty. Its farmers enjoyed some of their best years ever. Minnesota forged an identity during the 1970s that would persist, rightly or wrongly, for decades to come.

This book tells the stories of people, places, and events that defined the colorful individuals, including Allan Spear, Arlene Lehto, Wendell Anderson, and Herb Brooks; significant groups like the Willmar 8, American Indian Movement, Minnesota Citizens Concerned for Life, and Save the Met; and news-making events, including the first Earth Day, the Dayton's bombing, school desegregation battles, and highway construction protests. Richly illustrated with evocative photos, cartoons, and ephemera, this book helps bring the 1970s back to life.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, American History

288 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

About the author

Dave Kenney is a novelist, freelance writer, and two-time winner of the Minnesota Book Award.

Reviews

[Jeff J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

My "coming of age" was in Minnesota during the seventies so this book had a lot of resonance. The book was framed by chapters on politics, with Wendell Anderson and the Minnesota Miracle upfront and the takeover by the Independent Republicans at the end of the decade. The writer could probably have skipped the chapter on the music industry, since the only real highlight of the decade was Funkytown. I was fascinated to learn that a plan to build a domed city was seriously discussed. I hope someone is working on a sequel: Minnesota in the 80's?

[Bob Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book from the Minnesota historical society press. Covers all aspects of the 1970s section by section. Lots of information and research went into this book although reading it was certainly fun and brought back a lot of memories.
If you were up in the 70s in Minnesota I think he would enjoy this book as well.

[Barbara Calder · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and informative book that anyone who lived in or visited Minnesota during the 1970's will appreciate. The book covered a broad range of topics yet flowed extremely well. Not at all dry, thank heavens. I laughed often as Mr. Kenney's writing brought back memories. Well written and a great read. I am going to pass it on to family who visited Minnesota during that period so they can enjoy.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good book. I was amazed at all the things that happened in the 70's that I have forgotten or never knew. Including a female athletic from Tech HS who won a case regarding sports for women.