In the 1960s and early 70s young people of America wanted change—to stop the Vietnam War, end the military draft and stop the uncontrolled destruction of our environment. They wanted equal rights for all and healthier ways to live. Earnest and courageous kindred spirits joined together to effect major social and political changes that we mostly take for granted today.

It was during this brief era when the sensibilities, expectations, and the American consciousness itself underwent profound transformation. Millions of young Americans rebelled against the rigid rules, materialism, harsh treatment and the unimaginative expectations their parents’ generation placed on them.  Above all, they wanted freedom and would do almost anything for it.

This book covers roughly the period from Kent State to Jimmy Carter—a time of tremendous upheaval due to oppressive politics, the military draft, the Vietnam War and Watergate, starring Richard Nixon. We still today live in the “law and order” America that Nixon worked so hard to create through his fusion of crime, race and fear, as described in Kevin Boyle’s award-winning book The Shattering: America in the 1960s.

Young people wanted to change the world. And change it they did.  They ended the military draft, stopped the Vietnam War, and brought a new consciousness into public discourse for peace, social equity, environmental protection, and for more cooperative, healthy ways to live.

This book tells the story of the Eggsnatchur Natural Foods Restaurant, the first organic vegetarian restaurant in Eugene, Oregon, back when vegetarians were considered weird and out-of-touch freaks. From 1971 to 1976 the Eggsnatchur served tasty, high quality food at low cost and fed disadvantaged or homeless people for no charge.

The workers became a family of idealists who served the community and worked for positive social change. Members networked with other alternative businesses in a spirit of trust as fellow pioneers working for a more equitable world. They took risks and together built a dynamic community that challenged the business norms and political powers of the day, even if it meant breaking the rules. And they had the time of their lives.

The story begins at Kansas State University in 1970 during the explosive and uncertain months after National Guard soldiers murdered four students at Kent State University. President Nixon came to town and everything changed.