Ron Galloway captured a significant piece of Star Valley’s history when he wrote and published “The Making of a Star Stud — A History of the Lumber Industry in Afton, Wyoming in 2024.”

I considered his work priceless as that business was a key part of the Star Valley local economy for so many years.

The Afton based business  came at a time when the Bridger-Teton and regional forests were managed from a multiple use approach. That approach ultimately provided a better managed, forest for so many reasons and was a key to a healthy rural economy.

As reported in the December 3, 2025 edition of the Star Valley Independent, “The Star Valley Historical Society submitted ’The Making of a Star Stud’ by Ron Galloway to the Wyoming State Historical Society for consideration in the organization’s annual awards program.

“The book, a history of the lumber industry in Afton, brought home a first place honor from the state.

“Galloway’s research and publication was honored as part of the Star Valley Historical Society’s annual dinner Nov. 20.

“It’s a great book, it tells the history of the lumber industry that was prevalent for so many years,” Star Valley Historical Society President Ron Anderson said. “It brought in a lot of good jobs and lasted a long time. It’s a well done history.”

Galloway captured, in written word and photos, an important part our history. At the same time he credited those who worked at the mill with this simply statement that SVI  highlighted in the original feature — “It was an amazing piece of workmanship and it was the people that made it happen.”  Thank You Ronald W. Galloway for your work and your contribution to Star Valley.