An oft overlooked yet utterly fascinating shelf amidst the library’s stacks is the Rare Book Case in the Betty Olsen Carr Reading Room. Contained in this case is a variety of unique books, each with some interesting aspect to it. Some date back to the 19th century; others are signed by local celebrities. Some are rather hard to acquire; still more recount the earliest days of Idaho’s history.
One book in the case, representing many of these features all on its own, is An Illustrated History of the State of Idaho, published by the Lewis Publishing Company in 1899. This comprehensive book, 726 pages covering everything from Idaho’s geology to the history of all its prominent places, is an incredible insight into the early history of Idaho, written while its memory was still fresh. Additionally, this copy was owned by and signed by Henry F. Ensign, who served as a district court judge in Hailey for twelve years in the early 20th century. The book itself is also beautifully bound, with a leather binding and golden embossing on its cover and spine. The pages as well feature a golden trim. It truly is a work of art.
Other books featured in the Rare Book Case include:
- Fifteen Thousand Miles by Stage, a 1915 publication by Carrie Adell Strahorn, who spent decades traveling all over the American West by stagecoach and railroad.
- Picabo, Nothing to Hide, the autobiography of Olympic skier and medalist Picabo Street, signed by Picabo herself.
- The Sun Valley Ski Book, written by Sun Valley Ski School director Friedl Pfeifer in 1939. The Ski Book is full of pictures and captions demonstrating proper skiing technique and showing off Sun Valley’s fantastic slopes.
- Blood of the Albatross, a thriller written by local author Ridley Pearson, and signed by him with a message for Community Library founder Clara Spiegel.
- and many more!
Although the rare books may not be checked out, any visitor is welcome to take a look at the books in the library. Just ask a librarian to open the Rare Book Case for you, and you may read them in the Center for Regional History‘s Betty Olsen Carr Reading Room.
