Collection Highlights-History

In the sparkling realm of figure skating, where grace meets athleticism, one dress holds the memories of a remarkable career’s grand finale. This chartreuse figure skating dress was worn by Sonya Klopfer Dunfield in her final competitive performance at the 1952 Oslo Olympics, where she placed fourth.

As the spotlight covered the ice, Dunfield’s elegant movements dazzled spectators, leaving a lasting mark on the sport. Yet, this performance marked not just the culmination of her competitive journey but also the beginning of a new chapter in her storied career.

Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Dunfield found her next calling as a figure skating coach. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Orleans, Ontario, and the snow-capped peaks of Sun Valley, she imparted her wisdom and passion to generations of aspiring skaters. In recognition of her exceptional talents, Dunfield was honored with induction into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009, a testament to her enduring impact on the sport. And in 2019, her legacy was honored locally with her induction into the Sun Valley Winter Sports Hall of Fame, cementing her place among the legends of the sport in one of its most iconic locales.

This dress serves as a reminder not only of Dunfield’s grace and skill on the ice but also of her remarkable journey from Olympic athlete to coaching luminary. Through her tireless dedication and boundless passion, she not only left an indelible mark on the sport of figure skating but also inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.

From the Sonya Dunfield Collection, 2006.25.01a, Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

A cherished memento from the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, this blue and red adorned banner bears a straightforward message: ‘Good Luck!! Sondra Van Ert Team USA.’ Though her 17th place finish in the parallel giant slalom may not have garnered the spotlight of gold, it symbolizes the culmination of years of unwavering determination. Van Ert’s experience in winter sports began on the slopes as a skilled skier—her talent evident in her impressive third place finish in the downhill race at the 1984 U.S. Championships. Yet, it was a fateful visit to Sun Valley in 1990 that altered the trajectory of her career.

Inspired by the exhilarating sight of fellow winter sports enthusiasts flying down Baldy’s slopes on snowboards, Van Ert embarked on a new chapter, transitioning from skis to snowboard with characteristic gusto. Her natural athleticism and fearless spirit quickly propelled her to the upper echelons of snowboarding, culminating in her representation of Team USA on the grand stage of the Winter Olympics.

Beyond the medals and accolades, Van Ert’s journey embodies the essence of resilience and reinvention. Following the conclusion of her competitive career, she embarked on a new adventure, planting roots in the idyllic Wood River Valley with her family.

Here, amidst the majestic peaks and pristine slopes she once conquered, Van Ert found a new calling as the owner of Baldy Sports store in Hailey, where she continued to inspire and empower the next generation of snow sports enthusiasts.

As one looks upon this simple yet thoughtful banner, they are reminded not only of Van Ert’s Olympic legacy but also the enduring spirit of courage, passion, and perseverance that defines her remarkable journey from the slopes to success.

From the Sondra Van Ert Collection, 2005.07.19, Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

Step back in time to the exhilarating era of the Roaring Twenties with our latest museum collection highlight, a historic relic from the period between 1908 and 1920. This Federal Telephone produced in Buffalo, New York is an exquisite piece that not only showcases the technological marvels of its time but also resonates with the essence of the The Community Library’s Winter Read of The Great Gatsby and the pursuit of the American Dream.

The Roaring Twenties, famously captured in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel, The Great Gatsby, was a time of extravagant parties, jazz music, and an unyielding belief in the American Dream. The telephone, akin to the popular Kellogg Grabaphone of its time, becomes a symbol of connectivity—a bridge between aspirations and achievements. In the dazzling world of Gatsby, where opulence and ambition intertwined, communication devices like these marked an age where dreams seemed within arm’s reach.

As one admires the intricate design and craftsmanship of this Federal Telephone, they are transported to an era where technological advancements mirrored the societal shifts. The telephone, with its elegant yet functional form, not only facilitated communication but became a status symbol, reflecting the prosperity and progress that epitomized the Jazz Age.

In the context of The Great Gatsby, this telephone serves as a tangible link to the extravagant parties at Gatsby’s mansion, where conversations sparkled as much as the champagne. It whispers tales of clandestine calls, secret rendezvous, and the pursuit of an elusive American Dream that often felt just out of grasp.

As you explore this artifact, imagine the voices that once echoed through its receiver—the dreams, aspirations, and stories that resonated in a time of unprecedented change. The Federal Telephone stands as a testament to an era when the American Dream beckoned with promises of success, wealth, and a brighter future.

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, 2021.01.63.

Embark on a sartorial journey to the 1920s with this men’s wool flat cap from the Italian brand Conte of Florence. Though this brand emerged in the 1950s, the cream-colored cap pays homage to the timeless fashion of the Roaring Twenties, where style and sophistication were synonymous with the pursuit of the American Dream.

As the epitome of Jazz Age fashion, the flat cap adorned the heads of men who aspired to capture the essence of an era marked by societal shifts and cultural dynamism. Conte of Florence encapsulates this spirit by producing a mid-century creation that pays homage to the style of the 1920s.

Crafted from luxurious cream-colored wool, this flat cap becomes a symbol of understated elegance—a fashion statement that transcends decades. The embroidered Conte of Florence logo, a capital “C” adorned with a fleur-de-lis, adds a touch of refinement to an accessory that once graced the heads of men navigating the dazzling world depicted in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby.

(More on The Community Library’s Winter Read of The Great Gatsby here.)

In the Gatsby era, fashion wasn’t merely about clothing; it was a language, a means of expressing one’s aspirations and identity. With its distinct silhouette, the flat cap mirrored the transition from traditional to modern, echoing the sentiments of a generation that sought to redefine itself.

This Conte of Florence flat cap invites one to envision an age where gentlemen’s fashion conveyed a sense of sophistication and confidence. In the opulent parties of Gatsby’s mansion, this flat cap would have seamlessly complemented the tailored suits, capturing the essence of an era where style was a passport to the American Dream.

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, 2017.05.56b.

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.