Although Shakespeare Company (originally called William Shakespeare, Jr. Company) was founded in 1897, it wasn't until 1976 that they first released the introduction of the Ugly Stik rod.
Therefore, I would have to say that your rod with the 1976 dated time stamp is a quite accurate manufacture date. (Probably not what you were hoping to hear...?)
Additional information about their history, construction, and durability can be found by checking out our Ugly Stik fishing rod reviews.
I live in Oklahoma and have been fishing ever since I could walk. I've fished the Washita River all my life and have heard of big fish coming out of there,