Notes from Toyland: 100 years of Toys and Games in Montana

In the 1970s

The 1970s have been called the decade of environmentalism. During the decade the federal government created laws to protect air quality, water quality, and natural wilderness areas. In Montana, environmentalism coincided with a shift in the economy from mining to tourism. Tourists came to Montana to enjoy its many National and State parks, as well as its general natural beauty, so saving the environment wasn't just about making the world better, it was a key economic policy. Montanans felt strongly enough about the value of the environment to highlight it in the new 1972 state constitution, writing that all Montanans had the right to a "clean and healthful environment." Alongside the growing interest in conserving the environment, the 1970s also saw the continuation of the fight for Native American rights. The Salish and Kootenai Culture Committees were formed during the decade, and in 1974 Blackfeet Community College became the first Tribe-run college in the state. After decades of fighting, the American Indian Religious Freedom Act of 1978 finally made it legal for Native Americans to practice their own religions.

Star Wars, which came out in 1977, defined the end of the decade for children -- and adults! -- across the country. The film re-defined science fiction, and became one of the most successful movies in history. Alongside the film came toy lines and other accessories, letting kids play out the epic for themselves. The 1970s also felt to some like real life science fiction, as video games took off. The first home console, the Magnavox Odyssey, was released in 1972 and although it took Americans a little while to fully accept the new technology, by the end of the decade video game consoles were a staple of household entertainment. Even before Star Wars, children of the 1970s wanted branded toys more than ever. Montanans were no exception, with children asking for Barbies, movie and TV show character dolls, and Easy Bake Ovens.

Here's a look at the kinds of things that Montana's children played with and asked for during this decade:
 


 

Cooking in the playroom: The Easy-Bake Oven

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