{"product_id":"vintage-distressed-1960s-champion-east-tennessee-state-jacket-talon-zipper-usa-made","title":"Vintage Distressed 1960s Champion East Tennessee State Jacket - TALON Zipper - USA Made","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eVintage 1960s Champion collegiate jacket, made in the USA and officially branded for East Tennessee State University.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The jacket features a full-zip front closure with a contrasting vertical tape, secured by a brass TALON zipper. It's made of tightly woven cotton, typical of sportswear of the era, and features a screen-printed East Tenn. State University logo on the chest.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The condition shows signs of use and wear consistent with its age, confirming its authenticity and historical character.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e 📢STORY TIME📢\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cspan\u003eIn the 1960s, East Tennessee State University underwent one of the most significant transformations in its history. What had long been a regional teacher training college officially became a university in 1963. New degree programs in psychology, social work, and the sciences expanded its academic program, while enrollment grew from around 5,000 students at the beginning of the decade to nearly 7,000 by the mid-1960s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e The campus also changed face, reshaping the Johnson City hillside: new dormitories, a modern student union, an expansion of the library, and new academic buildings arose almost year after year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e Student culture also evolved. At the beginning of the decade, ETSU still practiced \"Rat Week,\" a traditional initiation rite for freshmen that included hazing and rigid hierarchies. In 1967, students and administration replaced it with School Spirit Week, shifting the focus to gatherings, shared events, and welcoming new freshmen rather than intimidation. At the same time, the university began to celebrate its Appalachian identity: in 1966, the Appalachian Folk Festival was born, bringing traditional mountain music, dance, and local crafts to campus.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Champion","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56794358808958,"sku":null,"price":170.0,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0948\/0283\/7886\/files\/049FF444-C35E-427D-8DF7-672851AA146F.jpg?v=1767962607","url":"https:\/\/gridgarments.com\/en-eufou\/products\/vintage-distressed-1960s-champion-east-tennessee-state-jacket-talon-zipper-usa-made","provider":"Grid Garments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}