A Teton County Symbol for Localism

a low digit plate in their own possession or that of their family. Smits says her office has vaults that contain written wills that include the designation of an individual’s plate number to someone else after they pass on.

“Low license plate numbers are beloved,” Smits says.

When plate designs get renewed every eight years, those who own a plate numbering above 10,000 will receive an updated number anywhere from 10,000 and up.

To put it more simply, if you were here from the start, you’ve got a plate to prove it.

continued on pg. 48

CATERING & WEDDINGS | PRIVATE CHEF

JACKSON HOLE, WY

Descendants of Jackson’s historic families; the Meads, Gills, Lockharts, Van Vlecks and Wastabaughs possess some of the lowestnumbered plates around the valley.

Due to the fact that Jackson’s first families, the old ranching community and the original ski bums of the valley flaunt those low-numbered plates, it has become a symbolic token of “true” local identity.

That being said, you don’t have to hop in a time machine and become an early homesteader to get your hands on a low plate number.

The Teton County Administration Office says that as long as a plate is expired or the buyer has permission from the owner, it can be gifted to another resident. The transaction is not a complicated process; you just need a slip of paper signed by a license plate benefactor and boom, local status is granted. Today, license plate numbers have reached the mid-40,000s with the most recently issued plates in the 45,000s. Teton County’s University of Wyoming plates are separate from the counting system used on regular cars, SUVs and sedans. Trucks are also on a separate count.

Teton County plates also serve as an indicator of just how much the valley has grown in the last 30 years.

From 1990 to 2021, Jackson’s population nearly doubled. According to U.S. Census data, the valley grew from around 5,000 residents to nearly 11,000. While Census data aims for accuracy, those numbers likely do not include the thousands of seasonal workers that flow in and out of town throughout the winter and summer months. Regardless, Teton County’s plates reflect the significant population growth that has taken place in recent decades. More plates were issued from 2010 to 2022 than in all the previous years combined. Needless to say, the county’s vehicle registration records are one of the clearest indicators of population growth in Jackson Hole that first began in the latter half of the 20th century.

As insignificant as a license plate number may be in most other places, the 22 plates are representative of the changing demographic landscape of modern-day Jackson Hole.

Today, Jackson is a melting pot of old ranchers and business owners, remote workers seeking an improved work-life balance, seasonal ski bums in search of powder, raft guides, adrenaline junkies and just about everything in between. In the 21st century, Jackson has been subject to a lot of change. But in the end, the large majority of residents are here for the same reason—a love for this place and for its people.

The Spirited Steamboat: Wyoming’s Bucking Horse Lives on Forever

The bucking horse on Wyoming’s license plates transcends mere decoration, representing a powerful connection to the state’s rich history and the courageous and resilient men and women who shaped it.

Steamboat, also referred to as “The Horse That Couldn’t Be Ridden,” was a legendary bucking horse who gained fame in the early 1900s. He was notorious for his incredible agility, raw power, and unyielding temperament. He became the star of rodeos as cowboys and riders from far and wide sought to conquer Steamboat, but few succeeded in staying atop his furious bucking for more than a few seconds. Despite countless attempts to tame him, Steamboat’s wild spirit remained unbroken, earning him a place in history as one of the most renowned bucking horses of all time.

In 1936, recognizing the enduring legacy of Steamboat and the significance he held for the state, Wyoming adopted his image for its license plates. Today, the iconic bucking horse, captured in mid-air, adorns the license plates of Wyoming. It serves as a proud symbol of Wyoming’s independent and tenacious spirit, evoking images of the untamed frontier and the resilient cowboys who called it home.

When you walk in the door at Shervin’s a friendly face is always there to welcome you. Whether you need new tires or experience an unforeseen car problem, the folks at Shervin’s are there to give you peace of mind and get you back on the road.

Q: How many cars get work done at Shervin’s each year?

A: About 10,000 vehicles pass through our bays. Shervin’s has the best crew for all your repair needs, and it shows — the community voted Shervin’s “Best Mechanic/Shop Garage.”

Q: For visitors with car trouble, why is Shervin’s the best option?

A: We’ve got tires for your car, truck, SUV, camper, trailer or ATV. We carry a full range of Bridgestone and Firestone tires, known for their quality and durability. When winter arrives, we can get your snow tires installed quickly to keep you safe in snowy conditions. When spring returns, we’ll get your regular tires back on and get you back on the road. We offer a complete range of tire services including tire repair, tire rotation, tire balancing and front-end alignments.

Q: What is the history of Shervin’s in Jackson Hole?

A: Shervin’s has a reputation of 53 years in the making. Shervin’s Tire and Auto Care has been serving Jackson residents since 1969. It’s a fixture of the community, and the team at Shervin’s is dedicated to treating all customers like family. Whether you need a new set of tires, a tune-up or just some snacks for a road trip, Shervin’s has you covered.

Mountain Character and Alpine Living encapsulate this special town’s unique and cherished aspects. These categories celebrate the outstanding professionals who have made a lasting impact in their respective fields, from accomplished lawyers to dedicated real estate agents who help clients find their dream homes in this idyllic setting.

Consignment/ Resale Store

Browse N Buy

JHGTC.com

Headwall Sports

HeadwallSports.com

Habitat for Humanity ReStore

TetonHabitat.org/Restore

Gift Shop

MADE

MadeJacksonHole.com

Belle Cose

BelleCose.com

New West KnifeWorks & MTN MAN Toy Shop

NewWestKnifeWorks.com

Eco-Friendly Business

Vertical Harvest Farms

Florist - Shop

Lily & Co

LilyandCompany.com

Blue Spruce Cleaners

JH Flower Boutique

JHFlowerBoutique.com

Jackson Hole EcoTour Adventures

VerticalHarvestFarms.com BlueSpruceCleaners.com JHEcoTourAdventures.com

Hotel

The Cloudveil, Autograph Collection tinyurl.com/nsvjny68

Teton Cabins

TetonCabins.com

The Wort Hotel

WortHotel.com

Briar Rose

BriarRoseFlowers.com

Interior Design

Mountain Dandy tinyurl.com/366246jn BelleCose.com

Belle Cose | At Home

Snake River Interiors

SnakeRiverInteriors.com

Interior Designer

Alexandra Nye

NYEDesigne.com

Emily Janak

EmilyJanak.com

Elisa Chambers

TwentyTwoHome.com

Locally Owned Store

Creekside Market

CreeksideJacksonHole.com

MADE

MadeJacksonHole.com

Ace Hardware

AceHardware.com

Jewelry Store

Jackson Hole Jewelry Co.

JacksonHoleJewelry.com

JC Jewelers

JCJewelers.com

MADE

MadeJacksonHole.com

Pet Store

Local Apparel Brand Lawyer

Kevin Gregory

Stio

Dick Stout

Stio.com Give-r.com

Elisabeth M. W. Trefonas

LGRLegal.com DefazioLaw.com TrefonasLaw.com

Mechanic Shop

Shervin’s Auto and Tire Care

ShervinsAutoCare.com

Roy’s Auto

Roys-Auto-Repair.Edan.IO

Rabbit Row Repair

RabbitRowRepair.com

Give’r Ride Force

Ride-Force.com

Nonprofit

Animal Adoption Center

AnimalAdoptionCenter.org

Teton County Search and Rescue

TetonCountySAR.org

Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding

JHTR.org

Teton Tails Pet Place Plus

TetonTails.com

PetPlacePlus.com

Each spring, recreationists can enjoy a portion of Grand Teton National Park’s inner road on wheels or on foot without the presence of motor vehicles. Photo by Nick Sulzer.

These Best of Jackson Hole winners recognize the exemplary individuals and businesses that have garnered the trust and appreciation of the Jackson Hole community. Prepare to discover the best of the best, as we pay tribute to those who have truly elevated the standard of services in this remarkable Valley.

Money Management Firm

First Republic Bank

Property Management Co.

Outpost

Veterinary Clinic

Jackson Animal Hospital

Bank of Jackson Hole Trust & Wealth Partners

Raymond James

FirstRepublic.com BankofJacksonHole.com RaymondJames.com

Teacher

Jeff Stines

Abode Jackson Hole

Mountain Property Management

OutpostJH.com AbodeJacksonHole.com JacksonHoleProperties.net

Real Estate Agent

Meredith Landino

VCA Spring Creek Animal Hospital

JacksonAnimalHospital.com VCAHospitals.com/Spring-Creek

Fish Creek Veterinary Clinic FishCreekVet.com

Wedding Venue

Diamond Cross Ranch

Dan Wales

Collin Binko

Teton County School District Teton Science Schools Teton Music School

Brett McPeak

Mary Beth Hansen

(307)690-8028 (307)690-4335 (307)413-0231

Grand Teton National Park

DiamondCrossRanch.com NPS.gov/GRTE/index.htm

Chapel of the Sacred Heart tinyurl.com/yw6asz73

Radio Station

KHOL KMTN

891KHOL.org

KMTN.live

KJAX KJAX.live