"Rear View" from Regional History

Finian Ayliffe, Wood River Museum of History & Culture Intern

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.

Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist

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.

Mary Tyson, Director of the Center for Regional History

A wolf sighting is truly exciting. Most of the time it’s from a long distance away. Our appreciation of their magnificence is often from close-up photos. Contemporary nature photographers are like hunters except with a camera. Predicting where the animal or bird will be and when takes great knowledge. And then, the sought after shot is captured with skill, a powerful lens, and some luck.

Well before the turn of the 20^th Century, a local mining assayer, Eugene Antz, took this photograph of a wolf. Unlike the far distance that today’s zoom lens would allow, Antz had to be quite close. He was able to get near to this wolf because, sadly, he was documenting a trapped animal. From the 1880s on, so many new settlers in the West were eradicating wolves by trapping them. By about 1950 there were very few in these mountains. The wolf was declared endangered in 1974 under the Endangered Species Act and reintroduction began in 1995 and 1996.

Antz had a photography studio business in Ketchum and in Bayhorse before that. Many of his photographs serve as documentation of what was happening in our region. It seems likely that he carried his camera and equipment with him either walking with mules or on horseback. For some of his prints, he used the wet colloidal technique.

To create the image, he had to bring along with him a portable darkroom in which he could immediately process and make a print.

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

Liam Guthrie, Regional History Librarian

As the weather warms and ski season comes to an end, I’m sure many can relate to this group of skiers, donned in short sleeves and straw hats, chasing the last of the spring snow high in the mountains.

This photo is from the personal scrapbook of Jerry Norling, a publicist and noted “popular young rogue” working for Sun Valley in the 1950s. The album features many photos from this particular trip up into the Boulder Mountains, taken by Norling along with his coworkers and friends in the Sun Valley publicity office. The group drove up into the Boulder Mountains in a Willys CJ-3B Jeep, a rugged four-wheel drive vehicle, along old mining-turned-Forest-Service roads, managing to get in some fishing in creeks along the way.

Upon arriving at Boulder Lake, the photos show the group making the best of the contrasting conditions of springtime in the Wood River Valley, performing a wide variety of activities such as skiing, fishing, paddling (on some very rudimentary rafts), sledding, and cooking over a campfire. These Sun Valley employees clearly knew how to find fun even during what is commonly thought of as the region’s off-season.

Norling would eventually leave Sun Valley around 1964, but he kept many photos from his time there in his photo album, including ski trips, picnics, costume parties, and bike rides. In 2000 he sent his photo album back to Sun Valley for a reunion so that “…it can be enjoyed by those who are still around from those Olden Golden days!”

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