Wyoming Trivia (Renamed) (Green River, Lander, Pinedale: nicest, mayor, climate)

[Froggie Legs]

Originally Posted by jdavid93225

The American Dream Drive-in in Powell, used to be known as the Vali Drive-in, and prior to that, Paul's Drive-in, I believe. It was built in 1949, and opened on May 6 of that year. It was later sold in 1967, again sometime around 1975, and once more in 2004, when it was remodeled and renamed to it's current name, American Dream.

Wyoming drive-in still thriving | Deseret News (Salt Lake City) Newspaper | Find Articles at BNET

even more info than I had. your turn Jdavid! Anyone on the board been to that drive in?

[jkb826]

I went there several times while I was attending college in Powell. I sure miss the Skyline here in Sheridan. Had many a good times there growing up.

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by Froggie Legs

even more info than I had. your turn Jdavid! Anyone on the board been to that drive in?

I haven't been there, or even to Powell, for that matter. It's one of the few parts of the state I have yet to visit. I may have to go to the movies when I get there, since it's now the last drive-in still in operation in Wyoming. Chris LeDoux had a song about that very subject. I didn't find it on Youtube, unfortunately.
I did find this link to an audio version, though:

http://s0.ilike.com/play#Chris+LeDou...e6f8c90d6f3b1e


Anyway, here's the next question (below in bold type):


Passive solar energy system is the result of the combined effect of glazing, thermal mass, insulation, weatherized structure, and optimal angle to the sun.

What structure in Wyoming utilizes the following five concepts in it's construction, and what is the structure's purpose?

1. South-oriented, triple-thick polycarbonate glazing: It is triple thick which allows for two insulating air spaces. Dead air space insulates and slows the cooling of the structure as well as helps to keep it cooler in summer. The glazing faces south at an optimal 45° angle. It is strong and is resistant to both hail and fire.

2. Thermal Mass: This mass gives off heat because the night/day difference in temperature is great enough to cause the warmer heat from it to radiate into the cooler structure. In summer the mass helps to keep the structure cooler because it is shaded most of the day.

3. Insulation: Both the east and west walls as well as the north roof are heavily insulated. The perimeter of the foundation exterior is also insulated into the earth with a two-inch sheet of Styrofoam along the outside of the concrete foundation to a depth of two feet. This insulates the ground inside the structure from the cold ground outside during winter.

4. A weatherized structure: All windows, doors, fans and vents are well weather-stripped to prevent leaks and cold drafts.

5. An optimal angle to the sun: During the summer, the sun is higher in the sky and the thermal mass towards the rear of the structure is in shadow which helps keep the structure cool. During the winter, the sun is lower in the sky. It shines directly onto the thermal mass, causing it to collect heat that is later released as the structure cools.

I'm sure there are quite a few structures that have some or most of these features, and there may be more than one structure that has all of them, but I'm thinking of one in particular.

[jody_wy]

sounds like the rest stops

[Claim Jumper]

a greenhouse?

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by jody_wy

sounds like the rest stops

That's not the answer I'm looking for.

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by Claim Jumper

a greenhouse?

Well, you're partly correct. I am looking for one particular greenhouse in Wyoming.

Hint: State Capitol.

[CptnRn]

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, uses passive solar heating. This is an impressive demonstration project given that it is located in one of the harshest climates in the US.

Passive Solar Heating- Heating is one of the more expensive components in any temperate greenhouse but the Cheyenne Botanic Gardens conservatory is heated for free. The conservatory is 100% solar heated and is one of the region's largest demonstrations of passive solar energy. The word “passive” comes from the fact that there are no moving parts involved in keeping the greenhouse warm. However fans are used to keep the greenhouse cool. The passive solar heat provides 100% of the heat to three separate 28' x 45' greenhouse sections. The rest of the 6,800 square foot building also receives a substantial amount of heat generated from the solar greenhouses and receives back-up heat with a gas forced air system.

The Cheyenne Botanic Gardens began as a vision in 1977 to build a non-profit, solar heated greenhouse that would allow senior, youth and handicapped volunteers to grow plants and vegetables year-round. This vision became reality with the Cheyenne Community Solar Greenhouse, housed in a structure located east of Cheyenne. It was built through the efforts of many caring staff and community volunteers. It was funded through low-income assistance programs under Community Action of Laramie County. This structure was one of the world’s first 100% large-scale solar heated greenhouses.

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: (http://www.botanic.org/Garden_Map.asp - broken link)

[jdavid93225]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens, uses passive solar heating. This is an impressive demonstration project given that it is located in one of the harshest climates in the US.





Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: (http://www.botanic.org/Garden_Map.asp - broken link)

That's the one. Your turn.
It's a neat place to visit if you've never been, or even if you have!

Here's the site I found the information on:

Cheyenne Botanic Gardens: (http://www.botanic.org/Passive_Solar_Heating.asp - broken link)

[ElkHunter]

A little off topic but I wanted to say this. I've traveled a LOT through the US and our rest areas are above and beyond any in the Country. It just don't get better then Wyoming.