ABSTRACT
The cooperation with Bremer created a perception in Flemington that it was losing an important feature of the community: the high school sports program. The Bremerites' perception of who controls the school influences their perception of how their other institutions are controlled and their community identity is maintained. The values that Bremerites hold to be the most important in their lives—hard work, honesty, maintaining a tradition—are exemplified by athletics in the community. The ritual traditions in Bremer reinforcing the community identity include sports. Traditionally, the role of women in education has been in the realm of teaching, socializing children, and working with auxiliary clubs. The locals feel resentment toward "Westsiders," who are "city folks" and don't understand the problems facing small rural schools. Fifteen teachers teach the 180 students in the long, flat building of the Bremer School. The strong focus on athletics is another way the educators in Bremer reinforce the values of hard work.
