ABSTRACT
Coal mining after World War I entered a period of change. Wyoming coal was no longer in as great a demand as it had been during World War I, and in the years between 1920 and 1930, coal miners and their families had to face the ups and downs of an unstable coal market. Only World War II would end almost two decades of economic depression. The coal town of Kemmerer had the reputation of being one of the largest distilleries in the state. Of course, other coal towns also manufactured their own home brew. Mine owners provided barracks for single miners to live in, but boarding houses with hot meals and laundry services proved to be more attractive. Two types of boarding houses were evident in coal camps. The first was a simple venture which provided food, clean clothes, and a bed in a spare room. The second type of boarding house was similar to a small hotel.
