Peace, Love, Music, Health Care, and Irony at the 1969 Woodstock Music Festival

Overview

• The Woodstock Music Festival of 1969 is remembered as a pivotal event in music and cultural history.
• The event attracted about 400,000 people, far exceeding the expected 50,000, highlighting the era's counterculture movement.
• Despite potential for a public health crisis, efforts by local authorities and volunteers successfully managed the situation.

Key Themes

1. Health Care at Woodstock

• Myron Gittell's Book: "Woodstock 69: Three Days of Peace, Music, and Medical Care" discusses health care challenges and successes at the festival.
• Health Crisis Management:
  • Drug overdoses were a significant issue but were effectively managed by an eclectic group known as the Hog Farmers.
  • About 3,000 first aid visits were recorded.
  • Collaboration with the US Army and local townspeople was crucial in crisis aversion.
  • Despite the scale, only two deaths occurred.

2. Sociological Complexities

• A film interview with the individual responsible for cleaning portable toilets provided a unique glimpse into the sociological dynamics and complexities of the festival.

3. Cultural Impact

• Woodstock's 50th anniversary in 2019 sparked a renewed interest, underscoring its enduring cultural fascination.
• Multiple films, including a 2018 release, have depicted the festival, perpetuating its place in pop culture.

Key Figures

• The Hog Farmers: Played a crucial role in managing health issues.
• Film Documentation: Provided insights into the festival's events and its impact.

Publications and Contributions

• The article by Clyde Partin at Emory University provides a detailed analysis and references Gittell's work.
• Acknowledgments:
  • Contributions from David Pacini, PhD, and Sally Wolff-King, PhD, for editorial insight.
  • Myron Gittell, RN, EMT, provided paper review and suggestions.

Keywords

• Aquarius
• Hog Farmers
• Myron Gittell
• Port-O-San Man
• Wavy Gravy
• William Abruzzi
• Woodstock Music Festival

Conclusion

• The Woodstock Festival transcended its musical origins to become a significant cultural and sociological phenomenon.
• It highlighted the capacity for community resilience in the face of unexpected challenges.

Reference Information

• Published in Baylor University Medical Center Proceedings, Volume 34, Issue 2, Pages 327-333.
• Author: Clyde Partin, MD, Emory University School of Medicine.

Academic Permissions

• Options for obtaining reprints and permissions for the article are available via Rightslink and other forms as detailed in the publication.

This summary captures the key points and insights from the provided article, offering a comprehensive overview of the topics discussed regarding the 1969 Woodstock Festival.