Skip to main content

August 17, 2019

.

There aren’t many doggies who can say they were at the ACTUAL SITE of the infamous WOODSTOCK during its 50-year celebration… but WE CAN! Mummy and Daddy plan on attending the 3 nights of concerts this weekend, but wanted to take us to the actual site in Bethel Woods, New York where it all went down, and then wander around in the darling little town of Woodstock. Mummy was only a little girl when all of this music stuff happened, so she didn’t experience it back in 1969 but she said almost EVERYONE has heard SOMETHING about WOODSTOCK! But just in case you need a refresher course… here are a few interesting facts we have learned:

.

WOODSTOCK was a music festival held August 15-18, 1969 and attended by almost 500,000 people! It was scheduled for 3 days but due to rain delays, it actually went thru to the 18th, for a 4th day, with Jimi Hendrix performing the final act at 8:30 in the morning. Only about 30,000 people got to hear him sing because almost everyone else had left by that point. The blue-beaded, white-leather jacket with fringe and red head scarf that he wore, has since been regarded as a defining moment of the 1960’s. WOODSTOCK was billed as “3 Days of Peace & Music” and was held on a 600-acre dairy farm in Bethel, New York, belonging to 49-year-old, Max Yasgur. He was paid $50,000 for the use of his farm for the event. 32 music acts performed outdoors, despite off and on rain, sometimes pouring rain and thunderstorms. WOODSTOCK has been regarded as a pivotal moment in music history. There is a 1970 Academy-Award winning 4-hour, documentary film that depicts the events that happened during the festival.

.

WOODSTOCK was initiated thru the efforts of 4 guys: Lang, Kornfeld, Rosenman & Roberts who formed a group called “Woodstock Ventures,” which is how the event got its name, but it was originally called “Aquarian Festival.” The group had problems from the start getting financing for the event and even finding a site. They planned on about 50,000 people attending their music festival and no town wanted to deal with that many people. They were having trouble even getting GROUPS to sign with them until “Creedence Clearwater Revival” signed on with them FIRST… agreeing to play for $10,000 ($68,000 in today’s money) but once they were on-board, other groups started coming in fast!!! Despite the fact that CCR was the catalyst for getting others to sign up, they were given the TERRIBLE start time of 3:00am to play and the group is said to have expressed bitterness over this. John Fogerty was quoted then as saying, “We were ready to rock out and waited and finally it was our turn… there were half million people asleep. These people were out. It was like a part of a Dante scene, just mud. And this is the moment I will never forget as long as I live: A quarter mile away on the other side of this bowl, there was some guy, flicking his Bic, and in the night I hear, ‘Don’t worry John. We’re with you.’ I played the rest if the show for that guy.” Despite the band’s bitter feelings back then, they are back tomorrow night, playing the final night at the 50-year celebration of WOODSTOCK. ?❤️?

.

WOODSTOCK was supposed to be a profit-making venture and many tickets were actually SOLD, but it ended up being more of a “free concert” when it became overrun with hundreds of thousands more people than actually bought tickets for the event. Tickets for the 3-day event were $18 in advance and $24 at the gate ($120 and $160 in today’s money). About 186,000 advance tickets were sold and the organizers expected about 200,000 total people to attend. After being banned from several other locations due to crowd size, they found the Yasgur farm and told the Bethel authorities that they only expected about 50,000… but they knew there would be more… just not HOW MANY MORE!!! There was resident opposition with signs posted saying: BUY NO MILK! STOP MAX’S HIPPY MUSIC FESTIVAL! Stop work orders were issued and it wasn’t until 2 weeks before the festival was due to begin that they were lifted!!! The promoters barely had time to complete the required fencing and ticket booths, without which, they would lose any profit… or go into debt! Their other option was to put their remaining money into the STAGE… which still had not been built!!! On the Wednesday before the festival was to start, tens of thousands of people started arriving and the decision was made for them. People arrived by the thousands and those without tickets just trampled over the fences, forcing the organizers to make it a FREE concert for those who arrived with no tickets. Those who paid, simply had a souvenir that would one day be a keepsake!!! The festival left the promoters $1.4 million in debt ($9.6 million in today’s money) but their ownership of the film and recording rights more than compensated for the losses.

.

The original stage roof with complex lighting attached, could not be supported by the quickly made stage… so spot-lights were attached to the 60-foot towers that flanked the corners of the stage. There was NO COVER over the shoddy stage, so performers had to perform in rain or shine… some REFUSED to perform in the rain, requiring the organizers to quickly juggle the acts and fill the now-vacant spots with someone who WOULD perform in the rain!!! It became a scheduling nightmare at times! “Melanie” was sent onstage for an UNSCHEDULED performance after “Incredible String Band” declined to perform in a rainstorm (they were moved to the next day) and she ended up being called back for TWO ENCORES!!! Santana played there 50 years ago, and will be playing TONIGHT at the 50-year celebration in Bethel Woods. Their drummer, Michael Shrieve, was only 20 back then and was the youngest musician at the festival.

.

The influx of concert-goers to this rural town created a massive traffic jam. Fearing chaos as thousands of people descended on the little community of Bethel, the police did not enforce its codes! Radio and TV description of the traffic jams discouraged people from going to the festival if they had any THOUGHT of even going!!! There was bad weather, little food, limited health care and poor sanitation. Sullivan County declared a state of emergency.  Two people died: one was run over by a tractor  after he had fallen asleep and the tractor driver didn’t know he was there and rolled over him… and another died from insulin use. There were two births: one baby was born in a car, caught in the traffic jam… and another was born in a hospital after the mother was airlifted out by helicopter. And there were 4 miscarriages that were recorded.

.

All in all, there was a sense of social harmony with people in bohemian clothing, behavior and attitudes, who helped to make it one of the most enduring events of the century.

0 0 votes
Article Rating
Millie LaRue

Author Millie LaRue

More posts by Millie LaRue
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
70 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Carol Copeland
Carol Copeland
3 years ago

Very cool history lesson! I was only 13, but I remember a neighbor going. His mother was so worried! Looking forward to seeing more pictures.

Maggie
3 years ago

Amazing recounting of this historic event-thanks for sharing-i was too young to comprehend it at the time

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Maggie

It was amazing how much we learned while here! ✌️

Christie Hale
Christie Hale
3 years ago
Reply to  millie larue

Love the love this. Very educational

Laura Seavers
Laura Seavers
3 years ago

I love your photos and history! I was 16 when this happened and I wanted to go so bad. My dad was a cop and I knew he would not be happy at all if I snuck off with a bunch of strangers and attended Woodstock! I have the documentary video and the CDs of the whole event. Thanks for sharing! I’m jealous! ????

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Laura Seavers

Mummy and Daddy are having a BLAST at the concerts!!! ✌️?✌️

Elaine Cardell
Elaine Cardell
3 years ago

I’m glad in a way we didn’t go, since it was such a nightmare, but they had great concerts. Did see the movie. If my husband (ex) had not been in the army and had plenty of time to drive up there, we probably would have. Hope mom and dad enjoy the rest of it.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Elaine Cardell

Our parents are enjoying the music and it is well organized with LOTS of security!!! ✌️?✌️

Theresa Goodwin
Theresa Goodwin
3 years ago

Wow. You are definitely seeing the sights and you all seem to be enjoying your trip
Thank you for all the updates and enjoy ? the rest o& your journey. Hugs ?

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago

We had fun seeing the two main sites and Mummy and Daddy are seeing the nightly concerts! ?

Sheri Admire
Sheri Admire
3 years ago

I was a 9th grader and remember the news carrying the event. So cool you all get to be part of the 50th!
Have a great time.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Sheri Admire

We have had a great time here and happy to have part if the 50th celebration!!! ?✌️?

Bethe Austin
Bethe Austin
3 years ago

????

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Bethe Austin

PEACE OUT ✌️

Laurie Heikoff
Laurie Heikoff
3 years ago

I heard about it, but did not go. My
sister tried, but could not get in. Amazing event!!! Thank you, little Millie, for sharing the history!! ?

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Laurie Heikoff

We are having a great time here this weekend. ??

Sherri Davis
Sherri Davis
3 years ago

I enjoyed the information on Woodstock! I was a little girl too and only heard about it. I hope Mummy and Daddy enjoy the concerts. They are so lucky CCR is one of my favorites!!

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Sherri Davis

Mummy was too young the first time around but she made it this time. ???

Pamela Hartman
Pamela Hartman
3 years ago

Millie it sounds like you and your family are having quite a vacation. I envy your parents attending three concerts. I am sure they will be good. I will be anxious to hear about them. I was eighteen years of age at the time. Have fun but be safe.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Pamela Hartman

They are having a great time and made sure to take us to the two most famous sites so that we were part of it too. ?✌️?

Lynn
Lynn
3 years ago

I was there – way back when.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Lynn

Wowza!!!! Lucky you!!! ??✌️?

Sherry Simon
3 years ago

Thank for all the information. Although I was around i 1969 I did not attend. I was about to have my first child and heard nothing good about Woodstock. It is great to get all the background. You girls have such a smart Mummy.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Sherry Simon

Mummy did a lot of research to help me make this post… and she went to the museum at Bethel Woods too.

Elayne Shapiro
Elayne Shapiro
3 years ago

WOW. Lucky pups. You’ve got a great life.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Elayne Shapiro

We have had a lot of fun this trip!!!!

Sandy McDonald
Sandy McDonald
3 years ago

I was living in rural Idaho, where rock and roll and flower children, aka Hippies, were quite different, but I did like the movement. It was of a time when young people were protesting, amongst other human right issues, the War in Viet Nam, which was not called a war until much later. Even in Idaho, some of my friends and classmates returned in body bags and mentally and physically injured, but yet it was not called a war and they were treated badly upon their return. It was a sad time that was expressed by the music and lyrics… Read more »

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Sandy McDonald

Ohhh yes, in the museum at Bethel Woods they document all about the Vietnam War and all of the protests and how the music world was affected by the war.

Sharon Hook
Sharon Hook
3 years ago

Good Evening Everyone,
Glad Mummy and Daddy had such a good time at the concerts. You know Millie I was 26 at the time of Woodstock. I couldn’t go because I was about to have my second daughter and we didn’t think it would be safe. I was living in New York at that time. Will be waiting for your next adventure. Have fun and be safe.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Sharon Hook

Wow!!!! Sooo many people have stories about this time!!! ?❤️✌️?

Hope Eber
Hope Eber
3 years ago

So neat to read about all these facts, Millie. I was just a baby 50 years ago. I have only read about Woodstock and seen some pictures. So glad you’re all able to experience this.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Hope Eber

It has been a wonderful experience! ✌️?❤️?

Judy Jaeger
Judy Jaeger
3 years ago

I was only 14 for the first Woodstock, so didn’t get to go. But I was just where y’all are on July 6th! I was visiting my son and his family up in Lake Luzerne NY and my daughter in law drove me down so I could cross off Bethal Woods on my bucket list! Amazing!! Have fun!?☮️

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Judy Jaeger

We have had a real experience here this weekend… and our parents are enjoying lots of music! ?✌️❤️

Dianna Reynolds
3 years ago

OH I BET ALL YOU SEEN OF THIS ERA WAS UNREAL AND SO REMEMERED BY MANY OF US. SURE LOOKED DIFFERANT IN THAT DOCUMENTARY. SURE WOULD BE SOMETHING TO SEE AT THIS TIME IN LIFE. THANK YOU FOR ALL OF THE INFORMATION. LOVE READING YOUR WORK. YOU ARE VERY GOOD AT WHAT YOU DO.
BE SAFE. TAKE CARE AND THE LITTLE ONES ALSO. SO SWEET THEY ARE..

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago

We have had a nice visit to this area and it was truly special to be here during the 50th anniversary! ??✌️❤️?

Ina Rohde
Ina Rohde
3 years ago

Enjoyed reading about Woodstock! Hard to believe it was 50 years ago!

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Ina Rohde

I know!!!! Wow, that sure went by FAST didn’t it?!?!?! ?

Carole Barrette
Carole Barrette
3 years ago

Lucky girls!!!! I was 17 back then and no way my parents would have let me go!!!! That was my dream then. I was reading everything about it, watching whatever I could see on the news…That was THE event everybody was talking about and oh!! what music and musicians . Makes me feel nostalgic…

Debra Fisk
Debra Fisk
3 years ago

Wow Millie! I am loving these history lessons. I’m so glad you got to visit the actual site of Woodstock! Tell Mommy and Daddy to enjoy the concerts .

Anne Croft
Anne Croft
3 years ago

Fascinating! Thank you for the history behind this infamous festival. Rock on, Mummy and Daddy! ?✌?☮️??

Sheila Allen
3 years ago

Love reading all of your posts. You make all of us feel like we are visiting with you. Woodstock must have been really cool. Thanks for taking us along. Be safe and give your babies a kiss for all of us

Susan Thomas
Susan Thomas
3 years ago

I would have been 12 then and no we weren’t going to Woodstock we were going to a lot of NASCAR races though LOL I don’t even remember reading about it happening in our little corner of Pennsylvania. Of course I’ve heard and read about it after it was over but all I remember reading about is everyone smoking marijuana and using drugs! Well and the bands of course. I also read about the tons and tons of trash left by everyone that had to be cleaned up. Not my idea of fun. I’m afraid I didn’t follow a lot… Read more »

Susan Thomas
Susan Thomas
3 years ago

oh and now I go to an event here in Harrisburg the last Sunday of September called WOOFSTOCK! LOL It’s a gathering of hundreds of dogs and vendors and music and food….. and I love it there! It’s always a lot of fun and you can see every breed of dog there! I take mine in their stroller! So it’s like a DOG version! LOL Millie you and your sisters would create quite a stir if you were there!

Daphne Parris
Daphne Parris
3 years ago

Millie LaRue your Mummy and Daddy sound like they are having a Great time. I was only 14 at the time of Woodstock but I had two Older brothers and they were not allowed to go to Woodstock. Our Dad was a Very Strict man. Love the pictures that Mummy shared with us.

Wendy Scoggins
Wendy Scoggins
3 years ago

Wow! 500,000 people! That sounds like an amazing day you had!

Sandy McDonald
Sandy McDonald
3 years ago

The Rolling Stones are on tour right now and coming my way here in AZ at State Farm Stadium, just about five miles from home. And the amazing thing is that Keith Richards and Jaggar perform without hearing aids and walkers!! Amazing considering the wild and crazy lives they lived back then. lollollol

Shirley Skulimowski
Shirley Skulimowski
3 years ago

Those were some crazy times back then???

carolyn nalley
3 years ago

Very interesting I remember seeing this on the news when this was going on. Thank you for sharing.

Patsy Smith
3 years ago

Gosh Millie, a wonderful story about what happened. “Peace, Love and Rock & Roll”. I was 20 years old in 1969 and informed my Parents that I wanted to go. They just laughed at me. I thought that it would have been interesting.. it was a different time.
By the way, this 20 year old from North Carolina did not go. Be sweet y’all.

millie larue
millie larue
3 years ago
Reply to  Patsy Smith

My Mummy was too young to go the first time around but she wasn’t going to miss the 50-year celebration! She grew up in the 60’s so it was something she JUST HAD TO ATTEND! ❤️??✌️

Monica Karroum
Monica Karroum
3 years ago

Awww I was in my mom’s belly 50 years ago!!! I love my 1969 year!!!! Kissesss

Sandy McDonald
Sandy McDonald
3 years ago

Per my earlier post, I have friends who did go see the Stones here in Phoenix. They said it was truly an experience of a lifetime. I do know they are changing their tour schedule in Florida because of Dorian and so maybe it’s not too late for your mommy to go see them in concert. I suspect this will be their last tour….or maybe not. ..who knows.

Fran Stanley
Fran Stanley
3 years ago

Thanks for the history lesson. I was a young girl at the time and remember hearing about it but never knew anyone that went.

70
0
Would love your thoughts, please comment.x
()
x