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
Collection Highlights-History
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
The Blaine County Fair Horse-Pull
This dramatic photo, taken at the Blaine County Fair in 1983, shows the incredible power of a team of horses competing in the horse-pull event. In this event, individual horses or teams compete to see which can drag the most weight over a pre-determined distance. The event has its roots in friendly competitions between farmers with their draft horses, but these days horses are trained specifically for the horse-pull event, and typically are not involved in regular farm work. Teams take turns … [Read more...] about The Blaine County Fair Horse-Pull
Kent Kreitler’s Custom Painted Helmet
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
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
