7th National Truck In 1979 Annual Dope Smokin’ Goat Ropin’ Beer Drinkin’ Virgin Hunt T-Shirts

The year was 1979. Bell bottoms were fading, disco was (thankfully) starting its death rattle, and the spirit of the open road still beckoned. The “7th National Truck In” event, whatever that entailed, was apparently a big deal. And judging by the apparel being offered, it was an event that embraced a particular, albeit perhaps questionable, brand of Americana. The t-shirts, a time capsule in fabric form, likely served as both a badge of honor and a conversation starter (or perhaps a conversation ender, depending on the company). One can only imagine the stories that could be spun from the participants of such an event. The image that likely came to mind was the smell of diesel fumes, the crackle of CB radios, and the camaraderie that comes with the long haul.

7th National Truck In 1979 Annual Dope Smokin’ Goat Ropin’ Beer Drinkin’ Virgin Hunt T-Shirts: best style for you

The graphic designs, if one could visualize them, were a tapestry of controversial imagery. “Dope Smokin’ Goat Ropin’” suggests a laid-back, rebellious energy. One can imagine the caricature of a trucker, perhaps sporting a handlebar mustache, lazily guiding a lasso at a bewildered goat, a haze of… well, you get the idea, floating in the air. Then, there’s “Beer Drinkin’,” a staple of any self-respecting gathering. This likely involved vast quantities of inexpensive domestic lagers. The “Virgin Hunt” part requires some considerable interpretation. It’s definitely the aspect of the design that is most likely to raise eyebrows in the modern day. The shirts almost certainly served as a flag of sorts, an declaration of personal beliefs that would be considered outdated by modern sensibilities.

The materials would have likely been simple. Soft cotton or a blend, offering comfort during long stretches in a cab. The printing, probably employing screen-printing techniques. The shirts were probably made to be durable, able to withstand the rigors of the road, the sun, and repeated washes (though how many washes before the graphic faded is up for debate). The font styles would likely have echoed the era – bold, blocky, and perhaps a little bit psychedelic. The colors – classic choices of the time: faded oranges, mustard yellows, and deep blues. It was the aesthetic of the time, raw and unrefined, reflective of the rough-and-tumble ethos of the culture.

The target audience was, of course, truck drivers and those that were associated with the trucking industry. The annual event would have attracted a particular demographic – people who saw themselves as independent, hard-working, and somewhat outside of the mainstream. These shirts were a way of communicating that identity, a visual shorthand. Beyond truckers, the shirts also may have attracted an audience who appreciated the counter-culture vibe. The events themselves were likely boisterous, with live music, contests, and plenty of chances to swap tall tales.