Historic photos give us a glimpse into life decades ago. A single photo can share details that are sometimes hard to put into words. In the 1970s, the world was changing, and here in Idaho, it was a challenging time, particularly during the Teton Dam Flood. We’ve gathered nine historic photos of Idaho from the 1970s that give us a glimpse into life during this time — the good, bad, and everything in between.
- In May 1973, a jet boat travels along the Snake River between Lewiston and Hells Canyon to deliver mail to remote ranches.
Boyd Norton/National Archives at College Park/Wikimedia Commons
- A Greyhound bus stops in the small town of Wallace in 1974.
Robert Rynerson/Flickr
- A beautiful rainbow appears after a storm in June 1975.
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
- In March 1975, a large snowstorm strikes Rexburg.
Senor Velasco/Flickr
- A man works in his garden in June 1975.
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
- A man and child walk around Craters of the Moon National Monument in June 1975.
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
- Flood waters move through farmland during the Teton Dam Flood in 1976.
ID-L-0015, WaterArchives.org/Roberts/Flickr At the time of the dam’s collapse, the reservoir was approximately 270 feet deep and completely drained in under six hours. The collapse of the Teton Dam resulted in 11 deaths. Thousands of livestock were also killed, and total damage estimates of the flood were more than $2 billion. The dam was never rebuilt.
- People launch a boat in the middle of Rexburg during the Teton Dam Flood in 1976.
ID-L-0031, WaterArchives.org/Roundy/Flickr
- A home is destroyed during the Teton Dam Flood in 1976.
ID-L-0084, WaterArchives.org/Flickr
What do you think of these historic photos in Idaho? Do you have any family photos from the 1970s that you’d love to share? Did you live in Idaho during this time period? If so, feel free to share your photos and stories in the comments!
Boyd Norton/National Archives at College Park/Wikimedia Commons
Robert Rynerson/Flickr
Barbara Ann Spengler/Flickr
Senor Velasco/Flickr
ID-L-0015, WaterArchives.org/Roberts/Flickr
At the time of the dam’s collapse, the reservoir was approximately 270 feet deep and completely drained in under six hours. The collapse of the Teton Dam resulted in 11 deaths. Thousands of livestock were also killed, and total damage estimates of the flood were more than $2 billion. The dam was never rebuilt.
ID-L-0031, WaterArchives.org/Roundy/Flickr
ID-L-0084, WaterArchives.org/Flickr
And, if you want to check out even more vintage photos of Idaho, take a look at these 10 photos that show what life was like living in Idaho in the early 1900s. You can also check out what living in Idaho was like in the 1960s by viewing these nine historic photos.
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