The 1960s was an era of counterculture, rejecting the conservative norms and the social conformity of the earlier decade. From the anti-war movement, civil rights movement, to second wave feminism, the 1960s left a mark in the history of the United States. The psychedelic movement that occurred during the 1960s influenced music, art, literature, and even fashion of the decade.
As one of the Archival Assistants arranging and describing Special Collections and Archives’ large collection of menus, I come across menus that date from the late 1800s to early 2000s from all over the world. One particular menu I stumbled upon dates from around the late 1960s, with intricate artwork that caught my attention immediately.
Trident Menu, approximately 1975, UNLV University Libraries Menu Collection, MS-00436
This menu is from the Trident in Sausalito, California. Purchased by the Kingston Trio, a band who contributed to the American revival of the folk genre, this musical entertainment venue and natural foods restaurant was noted for its psychedelic murals and as a gathering place for like-minded locals and celebrities. Notable patrons included Janis Joplin, Jerry Garcia, Clint Eastwood and Joan Baez. Woody Allen filmed a scene in the restaurant for a scene in the movie Play it Again Sam. Robin Williams bussed tables in this restaurant during the summers of 1974, 1975, and 1976.
Trident Menu, approximately 1975, UNLV University Libraries Menu Collection, MS-00436
The hand drawn psychedelic style of the menu caught my eye the moment I saw it in one of the boxes I was processing.
The very detailed descriptions of the food served in the establishment are surrounded by ornate artwork. It reminds me of the psychedelic rock posters made by artists Victor Moscoso and Bonnie MacLean. The outer part of the menu is filled with small writings such as “Help us maintain...love yourself.”
The menu has a variety of art styles, including cut-out style photographs and hand drawn artwork. The psychedelic art style is prominent in how some of the lines on the drawings are artfully skewed, replicating a sense of a dazed state and lightheadedness at first glance.
Trident Menu, approximately 1975, UNLV University Libraries Menu Collection, MS-00436
Working at Special Collections and Archives is a unique experience. Menus from different eras and places show the evolution of design styles, artworks, typography, and the variety of cuisines and prices of food, and have expanded my knowledge of different food cultures around the world.
The menu project was supported by funds from Mark and Marianne Haley and the UNLV University Libraries Advisory Board.
