Undoubtedly, if I had been just a couple of years older in the summer of 1969, I would have found my way to Bethel, New York. Woodstock, one of the greatest events of all times, was happening a mere 60 miles from where I lived. I remember watching the news reports with my mom, and her being aghast at what we were seeing. But me, I wished I was there.

A few years later, I married. Had my children, had my life … and Woodstock was something that I never thought about after those days. Until 1994. That’s when my children and I attended a festival in Bethel, and I realized exactly where I was.

Finally, I made it … 25 years later! Standing at the marker, gazing at the breathtaking view, I was mesmerized. The magnificence of this peaceful setting brought back memories of those times past. As I walked on that field on Max Yasgur’s Bethel dairy farm, I was overwhelmed by the sense of importance for what had happened there and a respect for what it represented.

I found myself drawn back to visit often after that weekend, and always grabbed a newspaper to see what was going on in the area. I soon was shocked to learn that this global icon, the place that I had come to love and visit, was going to be developed. I couldn’t understand why anyone would choose this piece of land to develop. It was beautiful. In the middle of nowhere, but literally discovered by thousands every year. I was disappointed, but honestly, what was I going to do about it? I’m not even a resident of New York.

Then in 2002, I got my computer and discovered what it was to “surf the net.” I stumbled across a group of people with the same objections I had over the destruction of this historic site. They called themselves the Woodstock Preservation Alliance, and they were circulating a petition. I printed out a page, and filled it out. From that I grew involved, and soon became co-leader of that organization and its campaign to pursue the historic preservation of the original Woodstock site.

For several years, we worked to make sure that the integrity of the original Woodstock site would remain untouched as it faced the development of the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. There were only five of us, but we took our concerns all the way to the federal government. In retrospect, it’s hard to believe that we, as a handful of people, were able to accomplish what we did. All of us — 3 different generations, 2 different countries, and 6 different backgrounds. Ultimately, we were successful. We saw a ninety percent downsize of the original plans, and the Woodstock site was safe. That turned out to be a win-win situation for all.

More often than not, what was important yesterday is erased by tomorrow. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to play an active role in the preservation efforts of this global landmark, and proud of the changes we were able to affect. My years of involvement were filled with passion, privilege and enlightenment. I finally made it to Woodstock, but in a way that no one else will ever have the chance to experience, and what I learned is that it is possible for an ordinary grandmother, in small town America, to make a difference.

So here we are … approaching 2009. I’m truly starting to believe that your memory starts getting a little foggy after you reach fifty. Does anyone even remember Woodstock? There’s an old saying that goes, “If you remember Woodstock, you weren’t there,” although that is something I’ve proven to be wrong. The 40th anniversary is right around the corner. Can you imagine? I have a hard time believing that my granddaughter is eight, let alone that forty years have passed by. Nothing like Woodstock will ever happen again. It’s been tried, time and time again, but the outcomes were disastrous. Was it the difference in people, the times, society, the music … who knows?

They say you can’t relive the past, but with the anniversary drawing near, I thought it just might be possible. Four years have passed since our preservation efforts, and since then, I’ve missed working with the people, and I miss “Woodstock.” So, along with one of my partners from the campaign, we’re now trying to preserve something new: memories. Finding and documenting memories of Woodstock ‘69 to place in a book.

I’ve been compiling rare, if never before seen, personal photos from Woodstock 1969, and putting them together with recollections from concert-goers, locals, and anyone else who was in the area at that time, anyone else who has a story to tell. It’s like the icing on the cake. This time around, it’s fun and interesting instead of important and necessary. I’ve been talking with people from all parts of the country, each with their own perceptions and memories. If you’d be interested in talking with me and getting involved in this unique project to permanently mark a milestone for our baby boomer generation, please contact me at: joann1108@aol.com. I hope to share the past, and for those who don’t remember it, maybe create a spark. Woodstock sure did!

ShareThis