Seattle’s first underground newspaper, “Helix,” was published in March 1967. Inspired by similar papers in New York City, San Francisco, and Berkeley, the paper published some 125 issues before folding in June 1970. Led by Paul Dorpat (b. 1938) and Walt Crowley (1947-2007), the large and eclectic staff covered underground politics, drug culture, bulletins from the Liberation News Service, and rock music reviews, particularly rock festivals in the Pacific Northwest. Mr. Crowley and Mr. Dorpat later went on to be two of the three founders of HistoryLink, along with Marie McCaffrey.
The cover of the issue of the Helix pictured here was created by Walt Crowley and was intended to also serve as a poster for the Sky River Rock Festival and Lighter Than Air Fair. The lineup for 1968 festival included bands such as the Grateful Dead and Santana. The event was held over Labor Day weekend, and was attended by approximately 4,000-5,000 young people. Though the event was ticketed, many people showed up without tickets and sneaked in. The proceeds of the benefit concerts were donated to the Mexican American Federation of Washington, the Foundation for American Indian Rights, and the Central Area Peace and Improvement Cooperative.
Caption information source: "Helix, Seattle's first underground newspaper, debuts on March 23, 1967," by Walt Crowley, HistoryLink.org Essay 1990. Caption information source: https://pauldorpat.com/page/4/?s=helix Caption information source: http://skyriverlives.com/page1a.php
Physical Description: 1 newspaper (24 p.) : color ; 11.5 x 17.5 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant. Metadata updated as part of a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services administered by the Library Services and Technology Act, through the Washington State Library, a division of the Office of the Secretary of State.
