The early 1970s marked a pivotal transformation for Austin, Texas, establishing its identity as the world’s “Live Music Capital.” The city became a unique melting pot where hippies, rednecks, and college students coalesced around a new genre of music: the “Cosmic Cowboy” sound.
This period was characterized by a strong counterculture movement, political activism driven by the University of Texas campus, and a laid-back, inclusive atmosphere that celebrated creativity and individuality. This cultural boom, centered on music and liberal politics, set the foundation for Austin’s reputation as a progressive oasis in Texas, forever linking the city with the phrase: “Keep Austin Weird.”
These fascinating photos, taken by duckswim2, show various scenes from the University of Texas neighborhood and other corners of Austin in 1972.
Guadalupe Street, Austin, Texas, 1972
Artist selling her work at the 23rd Street Market, Austin, Texas, 1972
Knife-throwing, known to connoisseurs as one of the “impalement arts,” has been a sideshow staple since the late 19th century. Usually, however, the thrower is a man, and the target a woman. (Often, the two are married.) This gender dynamic is so encoded that “target girl” is abbreviated as “TG” on the credits of YouTube clips of acts like the Great Throwdini. The Gallaghers’ act, with child TGs and a parent thrower, was highly unusual.
In this 1950 newsreel, the knife-thrower Louella Gallagher throws knives at her daughters Connie Ann, 5, and Colleena Sue, 2.5 yrs old, in Austin, Texas, backyard, as a crowd of children looks on. There’s a stark contrast between the suburban setting (mom in a dress, cropped grass, girls in playsuits) and the dangerous display.
