RESULTS       

            Data analysis resulted in three major themes common to the data types: history, outdoor recreation and the economy.

The Glenrock Independent flag depicts oil derricks, cattle, sheep and a factory with mountains in the background. Inset are two drawings of a fisherman and a hunter. All of the depictions are representative of the community�s history, economy, scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities.

            The flag was created as a woodcut by former owner N.O. Reed. In an interview, his daughter, Jana Tyler, who still works for the Independent, said the flag was introduced to readers in 1945, but that her father never wrote an article explaining the design. She said he wanted the flag to be �reflective� of the community and he was interested in history. The flag changed under new owners, but when Tyler took over the paper, she revived her father's design.

            Matt Adelman, the Independent�s owner, said he has no plans to eliminate the ornamentation from the newspaper�s flag because it is �part of the local history and you don�t mess with the history of Glenrock.�

            As does the Independent�s flag, the Guernsey Gazette flag also depicts cattle, but more prominent is a covered wagon traveling a rutted road. In the background are cliffs. The flag is representative of not only the community�s ranching-based economy, but of its history. The logo in the flag reads �Hub of the Oregon Trail,� a moniker that local promoters dubbed the town.

            �I know that Guernsey has been considered �the hub of the Oregon Trail� for many years.  That is likely a tourism tag that someone came up with but it�s been around a long time.  The town uses the wagon wheel in their logo but I think that was an adaptation that came about in the �80s or �90s,� said editor Vicki Hood.  

            Photos of the communities depict scenes reflective of the flags. A Google search for Glenrock, Wyoming, photos turned up shots of the nearby power plant, historic and recent hunting and fishing photos, scenics of the Laramie Mountain range and Box Elder Creek, rodeo competition, energy production, big-game wildlife such as elk and antelope, and livestock

            A Google search for Guernsey, Wyoming, photos found many photos of wagon train ruts at the nearby state park and Register Cliff, where pioneers wrote their names in the soft rock. Wagon wheels were also found in a photo of a motel. Livestock was found in one photo of a ranch for sale.

In some ways, it�s interesting what was left out of the newspaper flags. Many photos for Guernsey were of a nearby dam and military training base. Many photos for Glenrock showed local railroad operations.

Local history seemed to be the recurring theme through interviews, photos and the flags. Both Glenrock and Guernsey were located along the Oregon Trail and both communities have cliffs and rocks nearby where pioneers etched their names. The ranching industry is another important part of the history of the areas, as are the mining and energy industries.

Outdoor recreation was another common theme. Both communities are located along the North Platte River, which offers fishing and boating on the river itself and two reservoirs. In addition, Guernsey is the site of a state park. Hunting is also popular in both areas.

Economic themes revolved around a coal-fired power plant, ranching, the railroad and energy development at Glenrock, and ranching, the railroad and energy at Guernsey.

DISCUSSION