Tom, New York, 1969. No. 30: Packing Up A Life In Five Days

Since 1969 I have been telling friends that the only lottery that I have ever won was the 1969 draft lottery.  I remember being in the den of my dorm (I was the Housefellow) watching TV with all the other residents. Just men at the time and most all...

Ron, Illinois, 1969. No. 95: The Built-Up Heel

I attended the University of Wisconsin, Madison, during the years 1969 – 1971 after completing my first two years of college near my home at the UW Sheboygan Center Campus. I feel privileged to have attended the UW during that unique and memorable time in...

Robert, Wisconsin, 1969. No. 9: Local Board Rules

I grew up and went to undergrad school (BS, 68) in Kansas where as far as my local draft board was concerned your only choices were: join the weekend warriors (National Guard), go to college for 4 years – with a C average – and then submit to the draft,...

Michael, New Jersey, 1969. No. 354: Late for the Lottery

I was a grad student in Chemistry and our laboratory planned to listen to the radio as the numbers were read.  (I was 1-A and slated to go….) I got stuck in traffic on Park Ave. and arrived late after the lottery had started–the numbers were already...

Dan, Indiana, 1969. No. 22: Smoking Stogies

I was a junior at the University of Wisconsin and lived with 5 other guys in a dumpy house on Orchard Street.  We gathered in our living room that evening to watch the lottery.  I "won" when my number was drawn at 22.  I was relieved in a way...

Ridgley, Wisconsin, 1969. No. 45: Sole Surviving Son

I sure remember the night of the lottery.  My friends and I gathered at the KK (the old one on State) to watch the proceedings. I was number 45 (August 2), a very low number.  Quite the party ensued that evening.  In those days, all males...