Monday, May 13, 2013

STEAMBOAT


While serving in France, during WWI, George Ostrum (of Sheridan) created a design for use by the WYOMING NATIONAL GUARD.   Ostrum was a member of the 115th Cavalry Regiment, known as the "Bucking Bronco Regiment". 

In the 1930s, Wyoming Secretary of State, Lester Hunt chose that symbol to appear on the State's license plates.  Over the years there have been several variations, some with the cowboy wearing a hat and some with it in his hand.  Hunt secured copyright for the symbol in 1936, but turned it over to the State in 1942.

There is currently a cooperative licensing agreement between the State of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming to protect and control the use of the bucking horse and rider trademark.

Who was the model ? you ask.  One story says it is Steamboat being ridden by Jake Maring, while another credits Deadman being ridden by A.J. (Stub) Farlow.

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