"Rear View" from Regional History

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.

By Brigid Miller, Museum Community Engagement Manager

In the US, the month of March is celebrated as Women’s History Month, and International Women’s Day is recognized on the 8^th of March this year. The Wood River Valley has been shaped by incredible women past and present, and in this feature, I wanted to highlight a group of women from our collection.

Also occurring in March is the start of baseball season, from the MLB to little leagues across the country. Pictured here is the Ketchum women’s baseball team in front of the Dollarhide House in 1910. The women in the photograph are believed to be Frances Wilson, Delia Rogers (or Olive Clark), Annie Lombardina, Kate Lombardina Bonning, Chic Reid, and Roxie Rummel Hansen. Although the women are holding a football, based on their uniforms and another photo from our collection in which they are holding baseball bats, this group can be identified as a women’s baseball team.

As highlighted by the movie “A League of Their Own,” during WWII the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was started since a majority of men were away at war. This professional league operated from 1943-1954 and was built off decades of women’s teams and leagues across the US. Women, like those pictured here, had been playing baseball since the 1800s. Women’s colleges, like Vassar College in New York, were known for organizing baseball teams as early as 1866.

While we do not know much about the Ketchum women’s baseball team in 1910, it is clear that they were a part of a larger movement of women playing the sport. As we celebrate women throughout history this month, as well as the start of baseball season, it is fun to think about the inspiring and impactful women in the Wood River Valley area.

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

By Ellie Norman, Wood River Museum Collections Specialist

Within the pages of the Center for Regional History’s historic photograph collection, a captivating snapshot from 1950s Sun Valley comes to life. This photograph from c. 1958 captures a spirited moment as couples twirl and sway to the lively tunes of The Ram Trio, a beloved local band that left a lasting mark on the entertainment scene during that era.

Comprising the musical talents of Charles Macak, Larry LaPrise, and Tafit Baker, The Ram Trio found their rhythm as the house band at the renowned Ram Bar. This establishment, nestled in the heart of Sun Valley, became a cherished haven for the après-ski crowd seeking an exciting blend of live music and social mingling.

The photograph captures the essence of a bygone era, showcasing the joyous energy emanating from the dance floor. The revelry is palpable as The Ram Trio, led by Larry LaPrise, enchants the audience with their melodies. Years before this photograph was taken, LaPrise left an indelible mark on musical history by crafting the novelty song-and-dance number “Hokey Pokey” in 1949. 

In a 1992 interview with the Times-News in Twin Falls, LaPrise shared insights into the origins of this iconic tune. “The Hokey Pokey is like a square dance, really,” he remarked. “You turn around. You shake it all about. Everyone is in a circle, and it gets them all involved.”

The photograph not only captures a moment of carefree joy but also serves as a visual time capsule, transporting us back to an era when The Ram Trio’s music echoed through the halls of the Ram Bar, creating memories that endure through the ages. As one looks upon this enchanting image, they are reminded of the timeless allure of music and dance, transcending generations and connecting us to the vibrant history of Sun Valley.

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

Mary Tyson, Director of the Jeanne Rodger Lane Center for Regional History

In the late 1800s, Idaho was home to a substantial Chinese community, drawn by the allure of gold and opportunities in railroad construction. While the written history of mining companies and early prospectors is well-documented in the Wood River Valley, details about the Chinese community remain scarce because anti-Chinese sentiment eventually drove them out. A poignant glimpse into this history comes from this photo of an abandoned log building bearing a sign for Major Hong King Wash House—a modest shed that once housed a laundry business.

This tangible link to the past is especially moving, shedding light on the Chinese residents of Ketchum and Major Hong King’s business. The laundry’s unassuming structure contrasts with grander narratives of the silver mining era, offering concrete evidence of a community history largely missing historical records.

A court case from 1897 adds another layer to Major Hong King’s story, involving a dispute with Quong Que Hing over money owed for work and a potato trade. This court case shows that Major Hong King grew potatoes as well. Idaho’s early Chinese immigrants played a role in potato farming—a legacy the state is renowned for today.

As we approach the Lunar New Year on January 22, marking the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac, the Wood River Valley commemorates its rich history. Take a moment to look at the public art piece, Prosperity Mountain by Gemma Daggatt, installed last October on Walnut and Main St. in Hailey. It pays tribute to the Chinese community that once flourished here.

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