Among the artifacts on display in Tracks & Traces: Reconstructing Chinese History in Southern Idaho is a ceramic liquor bottle, a remnant of the global trade networks that connected China to the United States in the early 20th century. Produced in the 1930s by the renowned Chinese distillery Wing Lee Wai, this bottle once held Ng Ka Pi—a potent variety of baijiu (“white spirit”) infused with the medicinal herb Wu Jia Pi. The distillery Wing Lee Wai, which translates to “eternal fortune … [Read more...] about Chinese Liquor Bottle
The Challenger Inn
Kristine Bretall, Wood River Museum Community Engagement Manager Here, we look back on an old image of kids on skis approaching the Challenger Inn from the pond near the Sun Valley Opera House in about 1955. The shot was taken for publicity purposes by the Union Pacific Railroad, which owned Sun Valley Resort at the time. From the start of the resort in December 1936, Union Pacific’s goal was to get travelers to arrive by train and stay at the resort for all their needs. The Sun Valley … [Read more...] about The Challenger Inn
Gloria Batís and Club Rio
Mary Tyson, Director of the Center for Regional History Club Rio, where this photo was taken, was known for great Basque meals served by chef Gloria Batís. It was also frequented as a place to drink, to gamble, and for Basques to board for a night or two. Gloria and her husband, Pete Batís, started the club in 1941, and lived in the back. It was in a central location on the north side of Sun Valley Rd. just behind where Enoteca is now. Gloria served traditional fare in the Rio such as … [Read more...] about Gloria Batís and Club Rio
Sun Valley Ski School Instructor Jacket
As ski season takes off, we’re highlighting a unique piece from the Wood River Museum of History & Culture’s collection: a Sun Valley Ski School Instructor jacket, likely dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s. This navy blue jacket is adorned with striking yellow, orange, and red stripes that stretch from wrist to shoulder, each stripe about an inch wide. A patch proudly displaying “Sun Valley Instructor” is stitched onto the front left side, and the interior tag reads “Sport Alm; Made … [Read more...] about Sun Valley Ski School Instructor Jacket
Sun Valley Ski School Instructor Jacket
As ski season takes off, we’re highlighting a unique piece from the Wood River Museum of History & Culture’s collection: a Sun Valley Ski School Instructor jacket, likely dating from the late 1960s to early 1970s. This navy blue jacket is adorned with striking yellow, orange, and red stripes that stretch from wrist to shoulder, each stripe about an inch wide. A patch proudly displaying “Sun Valley Instructor” is stitched onto the front left side, and the interior tag reads “Sport Alm; Made … [Read more...] about Sun Valley Ski School Instructor Jacket
The Reidy Memorial Cross-Country Race
In March 1972 the first annual Reidy Memorial Cross-Country Race set off. But in comparison to the very competitive and professional racing Sun Valley is known for, the Reidy Memorial was anything but. Skiers of all skill levels and ages were invited to race, dress up, and have a good time. The race was started by Barbara and Jamie Reidy in memory of Lynn Reidy, who tragically passed away in an accident at twenty-five years old. Barbara, Lynn’s mother, and Jamie, Lynn’s sister, decided that … [Read more...] about The Reidy Memorial Cross-Country Race
