Ellie Norman

This Gorham silver punch bowl set brings one into the opulent world of the Roaring Twenties. Founded in 1831, Gorham has long been synonymous with quality silverware, and this set, with its monogrammed bowl and cups bearing the initials “JBMC,” captures the spirit of an age marked by lavish parties and celebrations.

In the world depicted by F. Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby, silverware became an integral part of the extravagant parties that defined the lives of the elite. The clinking of silver cups echoed through Gatsby’s mansion, symbolizing the pursuit of prosperity and the attainment of the American Dream.

The superb craftsmanship of Gorham silver reflects the commitment to excellence that characterized the Gatsby era. This punch bowl set becomes a vessel of history, carrying stories of jubilant celebrations, whispered secrets, and the shared dreams of those who reveled in the prosperity of the time.

As one marvels at the gleaming silver, envision the scenes of Gatsby’s soirées—the clinking of Gorham cups, the glimmering ladle, and the shared moments that defined an era. The Gorham silver punch bowl set invites you to immerse yourself in the lavishness of the Roaring Twenties, where the pursuit of prosperity and the American Dream unfolded in the gleam of finely crafted silverware.

You can see this artifact, and many others, in The Community Library’s current foyer exhibit of the Roaring 20s, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and The Great Gatsby. More on the Library’s foyer exhibits here.

Wood River Museum of History and Culture, 2022.01.166.

This cushion from 1971 is colorfully embroidered with the names of then staff members from the local Sun Valley restaurant Konditorei.

The embroidered cushion in the Wood River Museum’s collection is a vibrant testament to Sun Valley’s culinary heritage as it unravels the history of Konditorei, a beloved restaurant that first opened its doors in the mid-1960s. Crafted with care, this cushion captures the dedication of the restaurant’s staff in 1971, each name stitched into the fabric telling a story of camaraderie.

Konditorei, founded by Austrian baker Fred Pendl, quickly became a cornerstone of Sun Valley’s dining scene. Known for its delectable pastries and inviting atmosphere, the restaurant established itself as a welcoming community meeting place. This embroidered cushion, dating back to 1971, serves as a tactile link to a time when Konditorei was not just a place to savor culinary delights but a space where friendships flourished and memories were woven into the fabric of its existence.

With its kaleidoscope of colors, this cushion is adorned with the names of the dedicated staff members who contributed their talents to Konditorei in the early ’70s. Each embroidered name is a thread in the rich tapestry of the restaurant’s history, symbolizing the collaborative effort and shared commitment that made the restaurant a cherished destination.

The Wood River Museum of History and Culture takes pride in preserving not just artifacts, but also the stories and memories they carry. This cushion is a living tribute to the individuals who contributed to Sun Valley’s culinary landscape, and it stands as a testament to the power of shared experiences and the enduring bonds forged within the walls of a beloved restaurant.

From the Judy Grisby Collection (2013.05), Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Embark on a unique journey through history with the Sitzski—an innovative contraption that offers riders a comfortable, seated glide down the slopes while symbolizing the inventive spirit of alpine exploration.

Buckle up, snow enthusiasts! Tucked away in our museum’s collection is a piece that not only defies convention but also represents a unique chapter in the history of alpine innovation—the Sitzski. Donated in 2001 by Mary Hite, this unconventional contraption is more than just a ski; it’s an ode to the thrill of the slopes and the adventurousness of those who seek to experience them in an entirely new way.

At first glance, the Sitzski appears as a sleek, elongated leather seat perched atop a single black ski, connected to a set of handlebars. But this isn’t your average ski setup. Look closer, and you’ll notice a separate mini-ski beneath the handlebars, a hint at the creative design that allows riders to navigate the slopes while comfortably seated.

Imagine gliding down the slopes, wind in your face, with the freedom to relish the panoramic views as you sit snugly on your Sitzski. It’s not just a mode of transport; it’s an experience that challenges traditional notions of skiing and opens up the snow-covered landscape to a new way of exploration.

The Sitzski is more than a quirky creation; it’s a testament to the spirit of innovation that defines ski culture. The early 2000s marked a moment when enthusiasts were experimenting with ways to make skiing more accessible and enjoyable for a broader audience. With its ergonomic design, the Sitzski invited both novices and seasoned skiers to redefine their relationship with the mountain.

The Wood River Museum of History and Culture is delighted to preserve not just the conventional but also the inventive side of skiing history. The Sitzski, with its unorthodox approach to slope exploration, stands as a symbol of the creativity and adaptability that characterize the ski culture in our mountainous region.

From the Alpine Skis Collection (2001.42), Wood River Museum of History and Culture.