This hand-painted helmet, donated by extreme skier Kent Kreitler, is a remarkable blend of athletic gear and personal expression. Kreitler, a pioneer of big mountain skiing, made his name by pushing the boundaries of the sport in ways few had before. Born in Kansas City, MO and raised in Sun Valley, Kreitler honed his skills in the challenging terrain of the Sawtooth Mountains, and Ketchum became a home base for his lifelong passion for skiing. His influence is deeply felt in the world of … [Read more...] about Kent Kreitler’s Custom Painted Helmet
Collection Highlights-History
The Rare Book Case
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 … [Read more...] about The Rare Book Case
Greg Randolph Olympics Scrapbook
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. This album, assembled by … [Read more...] about Greg Randolph Olympics Scrapbook
Breyer Horse
This Breyer model of the mare Brentina evokes the lesser known equestrian history of Olympic achievements in Sun Valley—an understated but impressive legacy. The triumphant shades of blue, red, and yellow characterize the bold branding of the well-preserved packaging, and the chestnut Hanoverian model horse is frozen mid-trot against a rich, yellow-gold vignette in the box’s interior. This limited edition model is owned by Adrienne Lyle, a local to Ketchum and accomplished dressage … [Read more...] about Breyer Horse
The Great Sun Valley Game Book
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 … [Read more...] about The Great Sun Valley Game Book
Ceramic Insulator from the Cold Springs Power Line
The Wood River Museum of History & Culture is proud to showcase this ceramic insulator from the original power poles that once stretched from Cold Springs up to The Roundhouse on Baldy Mountain. This seemingly modest object is a fascinating piece of our local history, representing a significant era in the development of rural electrification and infrastructure in the mid-20th century. Ceramic insulators like this one began to replace their glass predecessors post-1950, reflecting … [Read more...] about Ceramic Insulator from the Cold Springs Power Line
