Liam Guthrie

The Rare Book Case

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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.

Leatherbound book with gold embossing, cover reads "Idaho The Gem of the Mountains"

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.

Pulling Into Station

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Finian Ayliffe, Wood River Museum of History & Culture Intern

Sun Valley Resort’s Western Welcome crowd at Ketchum Railway Depot. Jeanne Lane Moritz Collection, Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History (F 00220)

From the onset of 90-degree weather, to the influx of tourists following the Fourth of July, it’s clear that summer has come to the Wood River Valley in full force. This time, like many times of year in the valley, is dominated by the unrelenting economic force of tourism. Looking back at this photograph, taken around the early 1940s at the Ketchum railway depot, it’s clear that the more things change, the more they stay the same.  

The transition of the valley from a small mining outpost to a booming resort town can be attributed entirely to this railway’s construction. Completed in 1884, the Union Pacific Railroad initially built the Wood River branch to capitalize on the large quantities of ore being mined in the valley. During the first half of the 20th century, the railway shipped in sheep, shipped out galena ore, and brought the American populace to W. Averell Harriman’s all western “Sun Valley” resort for the first time.  

For over 80 years, the railway was a symbol of tourism, progress, and seasonal boom in the valley. Today, however, only hints of its existence remain. In 1976, the last passenger train pulled into Ketchum, and in 1987 the tracks were removed. The space they occupied is taken now by the bike path running up the valley. 

Though the original catalyst for Sun Valley’s success has long vanished, our valley is flourishing more than ever. Something about seeing that summer rush throughout the ages makes me think that our town’s spirit and character have not yet fled us. That even with a new coat of paint, we still have that old school Sun Valley charm. 

Note this story was originally published in July of 2024 in the Idaho Mountain Express.

Greg Randolph Olympics Scrapbook

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This large blue scrapbook, filled to the brim with news clippings, magazine articles, and product endorsements, documents Greg Randolph’s cycling career and his participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Randolph, a native of McCall, Idaho, quickly rose to prominence after starting his cycling career in 1993, and was ultimately selected to the 1996 Olympic team to support Lance Armstrong in the road race. Randolph would ultimately place 74th in the race.

Greg Randolph poses with bike frame for GT Bicycles

This album, assembled by his mother Nancy, includes a wide array of items including photographs, sponsored advertisements, letters to and from his family, academic achievements, and memorabilia such as racing bibs, Olympic tickets, and a miniature Team USA flag. A highlight of the album are the articles detailing his selection to the U.S. Olympic team. One article title reads, “McCall bike racer off to Atlanta Games: Selection to American team catches Randolph by surprise.” Though certainly on the up and up, Randolph’s selection was a surprise to most, including himself.

Another highlight of the scrapbook are the numerous product endorsements Randolph partook in following his Olympic participation. Pulled from the high-octane cycling magazines of the nineties, the bright, bold colors and dynamic poses of these advertisements are certainly a glimpse into the cycling scene of the time.

Greg Randolph has lived in the Wood River Valley since 2003. Photos, articles, and items from the scrapbook appear in the new foyer exhibit at The Community Library, Summer Games | Local Heroes, running through Labor Day 2024.

Greg Randolph Olympics Scrapbook

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This large blue scrapbook, filled to the brim with news clippings, magazine articles, and product endorsements, documents Greg Randolph’s cycling career and his participation in the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. Randolph, a native of McCall, Idaho, quickly rose to prominence after starting his cycling career in 1993, and was ultimately selected to the 1996 Olympic team to support Lance Armstrong in the road race. Randolph would ultimately place 74th in the race.

Greg Randolph poses with bike frame for GT Bicycles

This album, assembled by his mother Nancy, includes a wide array of items including photographs, sponsored advertisements, letters to and from his family, academic achievements, and memorabilia such as racing bibs, Olympic tickets, and a miniature Team USA flag. A highlight of the album are the articles detailing his selection to the U.S. Olympic team. One article title reads, “McCall bike racer off to Atlanta Games: Selection to American team catches Randolph by surprise.” Though certainly on the up and up, Randolph’s selection was a surprise to most, including himself.

Another highlight of the scrapbook are the numerous product endorsements Randolph partook in following his Olympic participation. Pulled from the high-octane cycling magazines of the nineties, the bright, bold colors and dynamic poses of these advertisements are certainly a glimpse into the cycling scene of the time.

Greg Randolph has lived in the Wood River Valley since 2003. Photos, articles, and items from the scrapbook appear in the new foyer exhibit at The Community Library, Summer Games | Local Heroes, running through Labor Day 2024.

A Quintessential Rodeo Moment

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Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist

A cowboy in a rodeo ground ropes a calf.
Wood River Journal Photo Morgue, Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History (F15005174)

A captivating photo from the Center for Regional History’s Historic Photograph Collection showcases a quintessential moment from the 1976 Sun Valley Rodeo, featuring an unidentified cowboy expertly roping a calf. This snapshot, dated July 4th, 1976, serves as a vivid reminder of the rich rodeo traditions that are deeply rooted in Hailey, Idaho.

Rodeo has long been a proud tradition in the West, and Hailey’s connection to this heritage is epitomized by the annual Sawtooth Rangers’ Fourth of July Rodeo. Since its inception in 1947, this rodeo has become a cornerstone event, drawing spectators and competitors alike to celebrate the cowboy spirit. The Sawtooth Rangers Riding Club, the event’s organizers, have maintained a commitment to preserving and promoting the values of horsemanship and community that are integral to rodeo culture.

The 1976 rodeo, commemorated in the photograph, was particularly significant, coinciding with the United States Bicentennial celebrations. This year marked 200 years of American independence, and the rodeo added a vibrant, local touch to the nationwide festivities. The image of the cowboy in action against the backdrop of enthusiastic spectators seated on bleachers encapsulates the excitement and skill that define rodeo performances.

Each year, the Days of the Old West Rodeo, as it is now known, continues to thrive, showcasing a variety of events from bull riding to barrel racing. The Hailey Rodeo Grounds, which received a substantial upgrade in 2011 with a state-of-the-art arena, provide a perfect setting for these high-energy competitions. The rodeo not only offers thrilling entertainment but also fosters a sense of community, drawing locals and visitors together to celebrate Independence Day with traditional flair.

The Sawtooth Rangers’ rodeo has evolved over the decades, integrating modern amenities while staying true to its roots. Events like the mutton bustin’ for younger participants and the crowning of the rodeo queen add layers of tradition and community involvement that enrich the overall experience. The rodeo’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend the past with the present, honoring the heritage of the West while providing contemporary entertainment.

As we look at the photograph from 1976, we are reminded of the enduring legacy of rodeo in Hailey. The cowboy’s moment of triumph, frozen in time, reflects a tradition that has been cherished for generations and continues to be a highlight of Fourth of July celebrations in the Wood River Valley.

Note this story was originally published in June of 2024 in the Idaho Mountain Express.

The Great Sun Valley Game Book

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Cover of the Sun Valley Game Book, depicting various buildings and Bald Mountain

Jam-packed with inside jokes and local references, “The Great Sun Valley Game Book” is a fantastic glimpse into the culture of Sun Valley and Ketchum in 1981. Featuring games, illustrations, parody songs, and quotes from novelty t-shirts, few items give such a personal perspective into the atmosphere of Sun Valley at the time. As the book’s creators, Sue Parr and Nicki Lee Foster, write in its introduction, “More than just a place, the valley is a way of life and once you’ve come under the spell of its mystique, you’ll never be quite the same again.”

The game board for The Great Sun Valley Game

The most prominent section of the game book, appropriately titled “The Great Sun Valley Game”, features a Monopoly-esque game comprised of notable locations across Ketchum and Sun Valley. Bald Mountain prominently takes up the center of the game board, much like its real-life counterpart towers over the skyline of the valley. The game’s instructions, board, and pieces for cutout make up 32 of the book’s 48 pages.

Other games in the book include “What Was It?”, which challenges the player to recognize the many names under which historic Ketchum buildings have been known, and “Saturday Night Survival”, in which players navigate a Chutes-and-Ladders-like board representing the escapades, victories, and pitfalls of a Saturday night out on the town.

All in all, “The Great Sun Valley Game Book” serves as a love letter to the many social establishments around Ketchum and Sun Valley, and the scenes and people that inhabited each of them.

Created by Sue Parr and Nicki Lee Foster, E 1013, Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History

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