Woodstock ‘69: The sad, true story of Max Yasgur

Farmer Max Yasgur was a lifelong resident of the area where Woodstock 69 was held in 1969. He owned 500 acres of land where he raised cows for his dairy. He agreed to lease part of his farm to the Woodstock promoters for the famed music festival. He thought 40,000 would show up. Half a million showed up! He never wavered in his opinion that the kids were mostly peaceful and he was glad he leased his farm. His fellow dairy farmers and local residents were not so happy. It ruined his life. This is the sad true story of the groovy farmer, Max Yasgur.

[@user-dn5bi4si5w]

The stress of being hated by the neighbors couldn't have helped.

[@RagtopHistorian]

No, in fact that I’m sure that is why he had to move. Very few people would do business with him in Sullivan County. So sad…

[@spikejonzelover420]

I feel like his name isn’t incredibly known which is sad considering he’s essentially responsible for one of the greatest concerts ever. Thank you for posting this !

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thanks, Britney! His story really touched my heart when I read it. He paid a very steep price for helping young people have a nice event. God bless him! Thanks so much for watching and your kind comment!

[@manoftheworld1000]

I have always honoured him and I will always honour him as a great human being❤. May he rest in peace!

[@whitetiger7462]

He was a wonderful man! ❤ I think he knew his neighbors were assholes & he did this for the kids. Meanwhile, all those neighbors made money!

[@giveitathink6749]

Well, perhaps. Nevertheless, Max is a legend.

[@gregflaten4859]

very good history story many probably only know of woodstock music festival never giving a thought to where it was actually held. Hopefully yasgur is at peace. good research on this.

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thanks, Greg! I hope he is at peace too!

[@JoshM23]

i wasn't alive when Woodstock happened (was born in Oct '78), but have really gotten into it courtesy of my dad. I'm finally going to visit the site for the 1st time ever in 3wks & needless to say I'm beyond excitied to walk those hallowed grounds soon. If it wasn't for Mr Yasgur, history might not have been made. RIP Max 🙏🪦

[@RagtopHistorian]

Josh, have a great time at Bethel Woods and the historic site of the festival! History was made there and it had to be amazing! I was only 6 when it happened, but I DO remember seeing it on the news! I knew then it was history! Again, enjoy your trip and thanks for watching my video and commenting!

[@maryg.249]

Oh how sad! The poor man. It must have been so stressful for him. Thank you for following up on the owner of the property where Woodstock happened. Have a lovely rest of your weekend. Mary

[@RagtopHistorian]

Thanks, Mary! His story made me sad too! You have a wonderful Labor Day tomorrow! Robyn

[@kenmusillo8667]

A statue should be erected of him mayb there is somewhere,May he rest well

[@theodorajackson6233]

It's really sad that he had passed away from a heart attack at 53 years old he was a kind hearted man he did what he to do for the young people it's really sad that his neighbors shunned him and send him death threats he had heart problems he was only 49 years and died at 53 years old in 1973 life is brutal but its the circle of life we all have to die one day

[@RagtopHistorian]

It really is very sad. He is one of the unsung heroes of his time. I want to keep Max Yasgur’s name in the history of Woodstock! Thanks so much for watching and your comment!

[@peeweereese7270]

I'll bet the "neighbors" weren't really friends of his even before the festival. Friends don't treat each other like that.

[@RagtopHistorian]

I don’t think they were friends either. I think they all did business together occasionally. Thanks so much for watching!

[@jameshunt5504]

How sad, he made enough money to live his last years in the Keys?!?!? Sounds like a sad place to be for a dairy farmer. Crazy.

[@RagtopHistorian]

He was shunned by his fellow farmers and almost forced to retire young. It’s a good thing he did retire young, he died at the young age of 53. Thanks for watching and commenting!

medical weed could not save him?