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Flashback to '76: Flashes in the Spirit of America

The Chestnut Burr yearbook captures �Ը�� during the Bicentennial year.

Jen Lennon

by Jen Lennon

Feb. 9, 2026

Keep on truckin' back with us to 1976 as we flip through groovy photos from The Chestnut Burr, �Ը�� University's student-produced yearbook, published from 1914 through 1985. These snapshots capture campus life during America's Bicentennial year — a time of celebration, change and some truly far-out fashion.

Can you dig it?

Students in dorm in 1976 — "Quilts, plants and murals are a matter of personal taste."

Radio DJ in 1976 — John Gozan, an AM jock, stays up late to entertain other night people. Photo by William Green

People playing instruments on campus 1976 — "Blossom Festival School music students in concert at the opening of the William J. Eells Art Gallery on the grounds of Blossom Music Center." Photo by Paul Davis

Concert in 1976 — Jethro Tull in concert on Oct. 24, playing to a capacity crowd. Photo by Jack Radgowski

Architecture students 1976 — "James Ramey and Rob Garrett, aerospace technology majors, interned as junior engineers with the Grumman American Aviation Corp. in Cleveland." Photo by Dan Young

People with parachute in 1976 — A physical education class in chute-sledding.

Kent street 1976 — A couple sidesteps puddles on Water Street at midnight. Tomorrow is another day. Photo by Dave Anderson

Man lifting weights 1976 — A heavy day in the weight room of the Quad Area. Photo by Jack Radgowski

People dancing in 1976 — The crowd watches Pristella Usher and Clyde Nickolson in the dance marathon. Photo by Matt Bulvony

Bus in 1976 — At 10 p.m. Laura Sestokas gives the CBS buses their daily bath at the bus garage. Photo by Thom Warren

Beverly Simpson working at the home economics day care center in 1976 — Beverly Simpson, a graduate assistant in individual and family development, feels working with children is the "best experience." Beverly at work at the home economics day care center. Photo by Dan Young

Two people walking on campus in 1976 — Linda Gross and Neil Jacobs. Photo by Lee Ball

Intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets, 1976 — "The intersection of Main and Lincoln Streets, 1976."

Stevie Nicks 1976 — Fleetwood Mac, Sept. 24, 1976 Photo by Jack Radgowski

Tod Rudgren — Tod Rundgren, Oct. 29, 1975

The Black Drama Workshop performing in 1976 — "Tambourines to Glory," produced by the Black Drama Workshop, dealt with gambling, drinking and playing at the Tambourine Temple. The play opened Feb. 29 in the Mbari Mbayo Theatre. Photo by Wesley Nicholson

LARPer group 1976 — Days of yore: Society for Creative Anachronism Society members: Seigfried der Schwarzwald (Duane Behn); Richard of the Black Star (Rick Mansfield); Nigel Fitznaurice der Caeranor (Bruce Gordon); Conrad Von Totenfisch (Rad Clark); Gabriel Serenarian (Jeff Wyndhan) and Phillip der Linden (Dale Herbort). Thom Warren