historical society & museum

chronicle VOLUME XXXI NO. 1 JACKSON’S HOLE, WYOMING SPRING 2011 Celebrating Milestone Anniversaries in 2011 by Liz Jacobson

Jackson Hole Rodeo ~ 100 Years put on a show that rivaled the “Daddy of calf roping, barrel racing, and the two Them All” at Cheyenne Frontier Days.2 most popular crowd pleasers, mutton Although Wilson, Wyoming, and dude The rodeo was held on the grounds busting and barrel racing. For the first ranches in Jackson Hole may have hosted in the center of town until the mid- time they will be having three rodeos a the first rodeos in the area, the first official thirties. The town of Jackson later week. Philip says most of the attendees rodeo grounds were donated to the Town purchased the twenty-five acre tract on are tourists, a quarter of whom are of Jackson in 1911 by Belle Flanders, which the rodeo grounds are presently foreigners. Contestants hail mostly from sister of Charles Wort. This forty-acre located. Grandstands and racetrack were Wyoming and Idaho, with a number of parcel was located in the middle of town built1, and the rodeo grounds were called local residents participating. (today you would describe it as south Frontier Park. It is becoming more difficult to find from Broadway to contestants because less people live on the Center for the ranches, and high school rodeos compete Arts and west to the with increasingly more school sports. Elks Lodge). It was To inspire new rodeo participants, the on these grounds that Jackson Hole Rodeo holds rodeo school the “Jackson’s Hole every two weeks for people age four and Frontier Rodeo” up. Philip has no doubt the sport of rodeo was held annually will continue, and remain a vital part of during the first three the heritage of Jackson Hole. days of September.1 Based upon the date Exum Mountain Guides ~ 80th the rodeo grounds were donated, the “Eighty years ago a lanky eighteen- Jackson Hole Rodeo year old from the farmland of Idaho is celebrating its Jackson’s Hole Frontier Rodeo 1958.1175.001 parted ways high on the Grand Teton 100th anniversary with the group he was helping guide. this year. Frontier Days fell into difficulties just Wearing oversized football cleats, he Two Jackson residents, Bob Crisp and after World War I because one of the scrambled alone across a wide broad Howard Henrie, were top rodeo hands in partners, T. Lloyd, had gone to Alaska, gully of loose talus to obtain a broad, those days, and remember the Frontier the war took most of the young cowboys, sloping ledge bounded above and below as “one of the best.” Four early Jackson and the partners were getting involved in by vertical rock walls that tapered to other interests. The partners persuaded nothing near its eastern edge. Creeping the newly-formed American Legion gingerly to the edge of the abyss, the to take on the business of running the athletic teenager finally jumped, barely rodeo. The Legionairs ran the show for clearing the gap and finding purchase on about ten years, and were happy when a large boulder sitting on the opposite they would break even. After the extra side. From there he soloed upwards, work became overwhelming, they hired a without protection, scrambling through rodeo company to take care of running chimneys and balancing up blank slabs the show.2 of perfect granite until he reunited with A number of gentlemen have owned his party on the summit. and operated the Jackson Hole Rodeo Thus began a most remarkable story Original Jackson Hole Rodeo site, through the years including Walt about a man, a mountain, and a guide c. 1920s 2008.0046.108 Callahan, Bill Saunders, Hal Johnson, service that would set new standards in settlers turned the rodeo into a business Bob McConaughy (who was the first to guiding and teaching excellence while where it had formerly been casual get- bring in bull riding), Russ Moses, and leading some fifty thousand odd climbers togethers with race meets and bucking currently, Philip Wilson. to the summit of the Grand Teton over the contests to which settlers brought Philip says the centennial Jackson course of eighty years. It is the story of their own livestock. Jack Eynon, Roy Hole Rodeo will feature the usual events many exceptional men and women, all of VanVleck, Pierce Cuningham and T. Lloyd this summer—bull riding, bronc riding, continued on Page 4 Page 2 - Spring 2011 JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM CHRONICLE ISSN: 1544-3884

Staff and Board of the Organizational News Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum Grand Opening of New Museum Exhibition Playing Hard—Labor and Leisure in Jackson Hole Staff Anticipation is building for not only isolation, geography, and economy, and Lokey Lytjen the grand opening of the new Museum how these practical adaptations evolved Executive Director at 225 N. Cache Street on Memorial into recreational pursuits. It answers Mindy Barnett Day weekend, but for the unveiling of the questions “what forms of recreation Office Manager the premiere exhibition Playing Hard— are still present today, and have they Jean Hansen Labor and Leisure in Jackson Hole. changed?” Museum Manager Staff has worked diligently planning, Through images, words, and objects, Tom Hickey researching, cleaning collection items, the exhibition features the stories of the Director of Development selecting photographs, writing text, and people of Jackson Hole both historically Liz Jacobson preparing the space for the exhibition and contemporarily. It will help visitors Development Associate, since last October. understand what makes Jackson Hole a Newsletter Editor The goals of the exhibition are to place of unique beauty and power, and Karen Reinhart inspire, educate, and entertain. It will encourage them to explore the many Curator of Education and show how Jackson Hole residents face recreational opportunities outside of the Outreach and adapt to harsh extremes of climate, Museum. Shannon Sullivan Assistant Curator of Collections attended as many as he could. Stan believed our history is a very Board of Directors important part of our community, and we need to make sure we Jim Luebbers document and annotate personal President accounts. He was interested in Chris Tice history, particularly the rich history Vice President of Jackson Hole, and felt blessed to Jacques Dubois have the good fortune of knowing a Treasurer lot of the old-timers. His most recent Marion Buchenroth contribution to preserving history John and Phyllis Cardis was his organization of the 100th Kathi Davis Stan Klassen at the Anniversary Celebration at First Earle Dornan 2010 Slim Lawrence Barbecue Baptist Church, held March 10 – 13, Rod Everett 2011. He was a member and musician Matt Montagne Our board member and friend, there for over forty years. Jackie Fernald Montgomery Stan Klassen, passed away on Friday, Stan was willing to help the Jackson Jim Rooks March 11, 2011. He joined the board Hole Historical Society and Museum Rudy Sanford of directors in January 2009, and in whatever role he was needed. His Chris Sandvig immediately became very involved. family has requested that we establish Stan Trachtenberg He was chairman of the membership a memorial fund at the Jackson Hole Matt Turner committee, and under his leadership Historical Society and Museum in his membership has continued to honor. His presence and support will Mission Statement increase. He was very supportive of be greatly missed by the staff, board, our programs, and assisted with and members and his friends. Preserving and sharing the heritage of Jackson Hole. Welcome First Time New Members and Jackson Historical Society Business Partners and Museum (Mid-December to Mid-March): “Our History—Grand and Alive” P. O. Box 1005 • Vicki Arundale • Tom and Becky Jordan Jackson, Wyoming 83001 • Nancy and Doug Ayers • Frank and Merrie Ann King (307) 733-9605, Fax: (307) 739-9019 • Dave Barrett • Elizabeth Kingwill e-mail:[email protected] • Ray Bishop • Mike and Jackie Lance www.jacksonholehistory.org • Justine Bruteig • Lawhorn Green CPA Group, Inc. • Anna Mary Bush • Si Matthies • Marion and Armand Cadol • Abigail Moore • Vance Carruth • Anita Nilsson • Terry Chambers • Susan Patla • Dakota Cole • Al and Julie Renneisen • Phil Coosaia • Rocky and Larrie Rockwell • Sara Van Genderen and Andrew • Venna Sparks Cornish • Leine Stikkel • Bob Emrick • Nancy Stodola • Anders and Betsy Engle • Teton Heritage Builders • Martha Feagin • Joyce Tice • Laurie Fukawa • Peter and Adrienne Ward Visit us on Facebook at • Robert and Zaidee Fuller • Brad Watsabaugh Museum of Jackson Hole • Eddie Garcia • Justin Watsabaugh and become a friend today! • Tom and Halina Hickey • Carol Wauters • Sue Hogan • Laurel Wicks • Talitha Horn • Juli Winthers ISSN: 1544-3884 JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM CHRONICLE Page 3 - Spring 2011 New Board Members Come From Diverse Backgrounds

of a “quick” hunting and fishing trip. niece Angel Rebecca is named after her Earle Dornan One hundred and five years later and our grandmother who died before she was Earle is honored to serve as a member family is still here! The Van Vleck brothers born. My great grandfather was an avid of the board of directors for the Jackson founded the Jackson Mercantile and sold big game hunter and fly fisherman and Hole Historical Society and Museum. everything imaginable out of their store as my beautiful wife Ruth Moran will “I will endeavor to support and advise on the Town Square. Roy built a log cabin attest, I don’t miss many days in the field in whatever capacity best assists the and barn at 135 East Broadway and sent chasing trout and elk. Most of my closest organization”. His father, Bob Dornan, word back to Michigan for his childhood friends are also fifth generation Jackson served as a past board member for the sweetheart, Genevieve Lawton, to become Hole natives and we often laugh at the Jackson Hole Historical Society and his wife. Genevieve immersed herself in idea that our ancestors were friends Museum, and is currently a member of the Jackson community and was elected long before we met one another. We also the Advisory Council to the board. to the first all-women’s Town Council. marvel at the fact that our children will Earle is a fourth generation Jackson Roy and Genevieve also established a grow up together to form a strong sixth Hole native, born and raised in Jackson homestead on the shores of Jackson Lake. generation of “locals”! Hole. He attended Jackson Hole High They also had two daughters, Stella and Suffice it to say that I do not feel School and then the University of Jean, who after Genevieve’s untimely serving on the Jackson Hole Historical Wyoming graduating with degrees in death shared a close bond with their Society and Museum board is an option, Accounting and Law, and subsequently father. In an effort to keep his daughters but rather an inherited obligation. As the University of Denver obtaining a nearby, Roy sold Stella and Jean each a far as my board membership, I am Masters degree in Law. town lot that bordered his own property specifically committed to membership for one dollar! and fundraising, modernization via digital Jean Van Vleck was my cherished and web-based technology, expanded grandmother and a true “Wyoming partnerships with Teton County schools, Woman.” Jean became Wyoming’s and the creation of historical bus tours. first ever Girl Scout, attended Stevens Jim is a professional educator who is College for Women and the University currently the Assistant Principal at the of Colorado, and spend her life entwined Jackson Hole High School. in the Jackson community. I grew up listening to Gramma Jean’s stories of the “Old West,” including tales about her Chris Sandvig pet badgers, the Kelly flood, skiing, and Chris Sandvig joined the board in the adventures of growing up in Jackson February, and has always enjoyed history. Earle practiced law in Phoenix, Hole in the 1930s. While at college, Jean He feels that history broadens your life, Arizona until his return to the valley met and married Robert Stewart. After and helps you understand who you are in in 2006. He is currently the Vice Bob’s service in WWII as a Naval Officer, society. The history museum is a crucible President—General Counsel and Spur the couple for preserving information about Jackson Ranch Cabin Manager for Dornans in returned to Hole for all of us, and leaves an important Moose, Wyoming. J a c k s o n , legacy for future generations. Earle enjoys swimming, hiking, biking where Bob Originally from the Midwest, Chris and, of course, skiing in this great place established graduated from the University of North it is a privilege to call home. He is an avid the Jackson Dakota with a degree in business and supporter of documenting the dynamic I n s u r a n c e finance. While waiting to be accepted changes that have occurred in Jackson Agency and served as Justice of the Hole and supporting the presentation Peace. Bob and Jean had three kids, and preservation of this history for the including my Uncles, Richard “Dick” incredible diversity of people that visit and Robert Jr., and my extraordinary and are mesmerized once they catch a mother Rebecca “Becky” Stewart. Much glimpse of the Tetons. like the strong, intelligent, and caring women in her family, Becky Stewart lived a life dedicated to this valley and the people in it. While at college, Becky met and married Jim Rooks, who became a well-respected teacher and businessman, a victorious wrestling and football coach, and longtime member of the Teton #1 Board of Education. Becky and Jim to the Thunderbird School of Global Rooks had four children, including my Management in Glendale, Arizona for sister Michelle and brothers Mikel and graduate studies, he traveled with friends Rob. Tragically, our parents both died to Gardiner, Montana where he fell in love within six months of one another after with the west. He spent his time hunting, Can you identify this new board member? almost fifteen collective years of fighting fishing, guiding, and exploring the area, cancer. including Jackson Hole. Jim Rooks While I was asked to write an Following graduate school, his career My name is James Rooks and I am autobiographical piece, the fact is that in banking took him to Portland for seven honored to introduce myself as a new my family is the story of my life. My love years, and then Chicago for twenty-three Jackson Hole Historical Society and of Jackson Hole is deeply rooted in my years. After leaving banking, he traveled Museum board member. My desire to love of family and heritage. My family’s with his two daughters Erica and Cailin, serve on the board is based on my family’s connection with the history and culture and enjoyed numerous hunting and extensive history with Jackson Hole. of Jackson Hole defines who we are today. fishing trips with friends. But retirement My great grandfather Roy Van Vleck My great aunt’s name was Stella and my was not for him, and he sought out and his brother Frank migrated to precious four-year-old daughter’s name is something fun to do or something to do Jackson from Lawton, Michigan in 1906. Stella. My one-year-old son James Henry, in a fun place. He made connections with While en route to Oregon, the brothers is named after his grandfather who died Jackson State Bank where he was offered detoured to Jackson Hole for the purpose before he was born. My five-year-old continued on Page 4 Page 4 - Spring 2011 JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM CHRONICLE ISSN: 1544-3884 continued from New Board Members Page 3 when he first climbed the ridge that “guide service” became a school of a position. Chris moved to Jackson and would later take on his moniker, and in mountaineering. Clients would not only has been with the company, now Wells those days it was Paul who was rapidly need to learn solid climbing skills, but Fargo, for seven years. acquiring notoriety as a guide and also true mountaineering skills such as He married Louisa Myrin in October. anchoring and belaying. It was good old They enjoy hunting, fishing, cross- American ingenuity at work, and soon country and downhill skiing, hiking, and they were leading groups, sometimes traveling. He loves spending time with as many as six clients per guide, up the his daughters as well as Louisa’s children Grand using the so-called caterpillar and grandchildren. system which they developed of clients Chris has been a board member belaying clients. Thus the Exum School or volunteer for other historical of American Mountaineering was born. organizations. He has met some very The combination of a largely nice people through these connections, unexplored mountain range, a and his involvement contributes to his freewheeling wild-west culture, and the understanding of the people and area magnetic personalities of Paul and Glenn where he lives. He looks forward to attracted some of the top mountaineers working with the board on developing of the day to climb in the Tetons and our message and pursuing our mission. sign on as guides, forging a tradition of excellence based on mountaineering experience that continues to this day. continued from Exum Mountain Guides Page 1 Hours could be spent detailing who has them supremely talented mountaineers, guided for Exum over the past eighty who chose to spend the better part of years and listing their accomplishments, as well as describing everywhere in the their summers teaching novice climbers Paul Petzoldt, c. late 1920s 2003.0050.052 how to climb, how to handle ropes and world Exum Guides have left tracks and how to belay, as well as guiding them talented alpine climber. Indeed, it was pioneered climbs. on ascents of the Grand Teton, where Paul who suggested Glenn take a look In acknowledgement of the thousands the clients applied their newly acquired at the big ledge splitting the dramatic of clients who have ascended the Grand skills. southwest face of the Grand and see if Teton with Exum over the past eighty The man who helped start it all and he could negotiate the gap to gain the years, a number of accomplishments who made the daring leap that long-ago ridge. Most likely, he did not expect are worth mentioning. One woman summer day was Glenn Exum. Glenn was Glenn to actually pull it off, for Paul was climbed the Grand in bare feet, two black a dapper, yarn-spinning musician, often a driven climber and more than a little Labrador retrievers have been brought likened to Errol Flynn. He grew up on a competitive. If he had calculated that to the summit, clients have climbed the farm in Eastern Idaho, but the allure of the odds were good, one has to imagine Grand the hard way (via the North Face), the Grand Teton looming on the eastern that he would have gone over to explore have climbed the Grand exceptionally horizon soon pulled him off the farm and the ledge himself before suggesting the fast (eight hours), exceptionally slow into a vertical world of rock, snow and idea to Glenn. (five days), and have come together in ice. Little did he realize at the time the Paul had also grown up on a farm in matrimony on the summit. Very young magnitude of his discovery that day back Southern Idaho. In 1924, at the age of people climbed the Grand with Exum in 1931. For the route he pioneered would sixteen, he set out to climb the Grand in (age 9), old people climbed the Grand (age eventually become the main attraction a pair of cowboy boots. Well above tree 78) and folks whose lives changed after line, he was caught by a fast-moving and climbing the Grand. Exum Guides hope bitterly cold afternoon thunderstorm. you will join them as they celebrate four He barely survived the night and decided score years of guiding the Grand Teton, from that day on that he would not just and as they continue their exploration of climb peaks but practice and preach the vertical, whether it is a new route in the art of managing risk as he pursued the Tetons or a hidden peak in some far- summit after summit. He repeated off mountain range.”3 Glenn’s route the very day of Glenn’s climb, climbing down and around the Grand Teton Music Festival ~ 50th infamous gap as climbers still do today instead of leaping across. The precursor to the Grand Teton Music A few years later Paul and Glenn Festival (GTMF) was begun in 1962 by traveled to Europe to study how the Fine Arts Guild as part of the Jackson European guides operated on routes such Hole Fine Arts Festival; therefore, the as the Hornli Ridge of the Matterhorn. GTMF is celebrating its fiftieth season. They noticed that Chamonix guides only Performances were held at such venues as guided in one-on-one ratios with the the old Jackson Hole High School gym guide doing all the rope work, tugging on Cache Street, Jackson Lake Lodge, clients up difficult sections on the ascent and the lawn of St. John’s Episcopal and lowering them down vertical sections Church. The first several seasons included on the descent. In Paul and Glenn’s eyes, dance, film, and visual art as well as the clients enjoyed the climb less when music. Today the GTMF hosts around they lacked any sense of participation. 300 resident professional musicians from Glenn Exum, c. 1933 2003.0117.172 Paul and Glenn’s stroke of genius was America’s great orchestras and music of one of North America’s great alpine that clients were perfectly capable, school faculties every summer to perform adventures, an ascent of the 13,770’ with training, of taking on much of the weekly concerts of symphonic music, as Grand Teton in Northwestern Wyoming. responsibility of keeping themselves well as chamber music. And it would serve as the enticement safe on the mountain. Hence, clients According to Tracy Jacobson, the for thousands of novice mountaineers, could belay each other, manage the rope Executive Director of the GTMF, George possessing nothing more than “a strong and otherwise participate in the climb, Hufsmith, a composer and musician, was body and desire” to tackle an ascent of allowing for higher ratios, lowering costs the first conductor and music director of the strikingly beautiful peak. and providing a more satisfying experience the Fine Arts Guild. Another influential Glenn was assisting Paul Petzoldt and a feeling of accomplishment. The continued on Page 6 ISSN: 1544-3884 JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM CHRONICLE Page 5 - Spring 2011 New Director of Development Has High Goals loves baseball, and is a fourth generation in Driggs where they still live today. diehard Cubs fan? Actually it was to Halina ran her own preschool at home fulfill a six-month fundraising contract before working as a preschool teacher at with the non-profit Children Affected the Learning Academy of Teton Valley. by Aids Foundation. Tom missed the Luke is a sophomore at Regis University mountains, and the family moved back to in Denver, and Gina is a junior at Teton Jackson where daughter Gina was born. High School. With Tom on board at the They returned to Poland in 1993-94, and Jackson Hole Historical Society and Tom taught grade school at a private Museum setting a goal to raise $9.4 in American school. The family returned to three years for the capital campaign, it the valley in 1994, and purchased a house seems the Hickeys are here to stay.

Tom Hickey started out the year 2011 as the Jackson Hole Historical Society and Membership Benefits Change Museum’s new Director of Development. He is well-qualified with over twenty At a recent committee meeting at the JHHSM, a difficult decision was made years experience in fundraising. Tom to decrease some of the benefits that members receive in order to weather these likes helping people, and his philosophy tough economic times and reallocate time and resources to opening our new in taking this position is to do it for kids year-round community history museum. All members will receive the quarterly and families—he can visualize them newsletter and free admission to regular programs. The admission to the going through the museum together. museum will now be discounted rather than free, and the discount on purchases He believes you can change the world in the Museum Shop will be 10% instead of 20%. We believe our members join through education and learning from primarily to support the organization and will understand this cutback. history. Five hundred and twenty-two members of the Jackson Hole Historical In 1996, when Tom was serving Society and Museum are the heart of our organization. More people are learning on the board of the Teton Youth and about the value of our mission thanks to our members. We want our membership Family Services (TYFS), he organized to grow and engage more and more people in supporting a new, year-round the annual golf tournament fundraiser. history museum for our community, and to increase our potential to achieve our He also envisioned the fundraising idea organizational goals. If you are not a member, will you become a part of our for Climb the King for the Jackson Hole vision? If you are a member, will you invite at least one person to join? Thank Community Counseling Center, and you for your support! climbed the King 157 times one summer. Taking his job seriously, he walked 500 miles for TYFS in six weeks with a baby Thank You to Retiring Board Members jogger “500 Miles for our Kids.” He became the Development Director for It is with deepest appreciation that and in helping the board of directors Teton Youth and Family Services in 2000, we say good-bye to three dedicated tackle pivotal decisions affecting the and during his three and a half years board members who all served two organization’s future. Among other in that position he headed up a capital terms: Berniece Turner, John Carney, contributions, they all helped make campaign that raised 1.6 million. and Shay James. Berniece joined the decisions regarding architecture and Other contract fundraising ventures board of directors in 2005, and served as exhibiton design for the new year- included the Hirschfield Center for Treasurer. John became a member of the round community history museum. Children and the Ordway School at board in 2006. Shay joined the board in Sincere thanks goes to Berniece, John, Red Top Meadows. He headed the 2006 and served as Secretary. Although Shay, and Pamela for their enthusiasm, capital campaign for the Jackson Hole she was not able to complete her full commitment and faithful service to the Community Counseling Center and raised term, we also thank Pamela Rankin for organization. 1.9 million. her participation on the board. These Tom’s interest in fundraising started at board members have all been invaluable an early age growing up in Minneapolis, in directing the affairs of the Jackson Minnesota. He always sold the most Hole Historical Society and Museum May Events raffle tickets in elementary school, Thursday, May 26, 2011 and delivered the most phone books to Open House for Members raise money for his baseball team. Tom Capital Campaign Enters 5:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. attended St. Thomas College in St. Paul Second Stage: Free admission, refreshments on a baseball scholarship, and majored in $9.4 Million To Go Friday, May 27, 2011 International Studies with an emphasis Museum Grand Opening in European History and German. He The Jackson Hole Historical Society 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. spent his senior year at the American and Museum is pleased and excited to Noon~Ribbon Cutting Ceremony University in Washington, DC, studying report that we have reached 38% of our Refreshments, door prizes, foreign policy. overall $15.2 million campaign goal, thus children’s activities, special Tom first came to Jackson Hole in 1987 ending Stage 1 of the Campaign. The guests, and free admission. after he graduated from college, and spent organization is now positioned to proceed the summer working at Jedediah’s and with Stage 2 of the Capital Campaign Saturday, May 28, 2011 at the Shady Lady Saloon as a bouncer. with goal of $9.4 million additional Old West Days Parade After his summer in Jackson, adventure funds. 10:00 a.m. called and he headed overseas. He taught As we open our doors to our new space, Watch for our entry. English in Poland for two years with we are fully cognizant that the majority a Polish American Service Exchange of our work is yet before us. Completing Tuesday, May 31, 2011 program. He met his wife Halina while the entire project is our #1 goal and to Walking Tours begin. he was in Poland, and within a year they achieve it we will need your support, Tuesdays and Thursdays during were married. trust and participation. The greatness the summer. One hour beginning at They moved to Minneapolis where of a museum is not what is contained 10:30 a.m. Meet at the center of the their son Luke was born, and then on to within, it is the people who walk through town square. Free. Chicago. Could the reason be because Tom the door – thank you! Page 6 - Spring 2011 JACKSON HOLE HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM CHRONICLE ISSN: 1544-3884 continued from Grand Teton Music Fest. Page 4 and although she was paid minimally, professional musicians visiting the valley, member of this core group who played devoted a huge amount of time to the as well as the Tune Up! program which an important role in bringing the arts GTMF. The Walk Festival Hall is named began in 2003. The Tune Up! Program to our community was Consuelo von after her family who were instrumental funds local musicians to work with school Gontard. The Fine Arts Guild played a in creating a large endowment for the music instructors to engage students in part of the festival well into the 1980s. festival. personalized instruction. The performances were initially held in Construction was begun on a new Eiji Oue succeeded Ling Tung as the old elementary school which they Festival Hall in 1972. After seven years Music Director, leading the Festival from called the “Festival Hall.” It was later of orchestral performances in a tent and 1997 until 2003. He conceived the idea torn down, necessitating a new location. chamber music in the Mangy Moose Saloon, of the popular Fourth of July “Music in Jacobson said the first season ticket Walk Festival Hall opened in 1974 with the Hole” when he first came on board. was purchased in 1963 by Cliff Hansen, Tung leading the fundraising push along In 2006, the internationally renowned former Governor of Wyoming and U.S. with McCollister and other supporters conductor Donald Runnicles became the Senator. such as Dick Moore, Felix Buchenroth, Music Director. Jacobson said popular early events and Francie Corbett. Architect Bob Jacobson says the planning for the were the “watermelon concerts.” Corbett, acoustical engineer Christopher 50th Anniversary began almost three Musicians would walk around town Jaffe, contractor John Bancroft, and job years ago. Musicians, board members, with watermelons on their heads to captain George Sutherland built Festival and donors are being interviewed for a attract people to the concerts. A couple Hall which is acclaimed for both its history that is being written. A book will of the musicians played fountain pen acoustics and design. For the first year be produced which will be sold. piccolos and led the group like pied after completion, folding chairs were used The 50th anniversary summer season pipers to the concert location. One time until the permanent seats were installed. July 2 through August 20, 2011 will when watermelons could not be found, The most successful fundraiser for commence with a celebratory gala cantaloupes were enjoyed instead. the GTMF has been the wine auction. performance and culminate in the world Ling Tung appeared as the guest It was the brainchild of Bill Weiss in premiere of a new work by Pulitzer Prize conductor in 1967, and soon after was 1995, and raises an average of $350,000 winning composer Jennifer Higdon. Her asked to lead the organization. He to $500,000. It currently rotates every work was commissioned by the Festival accepted, became the Music Director in other year between a large event of three and inspired by Grand Teton National 1968, changed the name to Grand Teton to four days and a smaller event lasting Park. The Jackson Hole Historical Music Festival, bought a concert tent, one day. Society and Museum and the Grand Teton and moved the festival to Teton Village. In 2007, a ten-month, $4.85 million Music Festival are currently working on He asked Paul McCollister, founder of renovation project was completed on collaborative ideas for their milestone the Jackson Hole Ski Corporation, if he Walk Festival Hall. The project included anniversary and the grand opening of had some land they could pitch a tent addition of interior and exterior the museum. soundproofing, as well as Other significant local milestone extensive functional and anniversaries this year include: aesthetic improvements. It was a complicated project, First Baptist Church ~ 100th and involved literally The Wort Hotel ~ 70th putting a shell around the Teton Mountaineering, Outdoor outside of the building Specialty Retailer ~ 40th in order to preserve the The Wort Hotel, Grand Re-Opening excellent acoustics inside after the 1980 Fire ~ 30th and to keep distracting Old West Days ~ 30th noises outside. The Festival not only Resources has a busy summer season 1Jackson Hole News, June 17, 1971. of concerts, and a series of “Rodeoing in Jackson Hole.” on. The answer was yes, and McCollister winter concerts, but a big part of their 2Jackson Hole Guide, January 25, went even one step farther and offered to mission is education and outreach. Their 1973. “Frontier Days Was An Early sell him land to build a concert hall for programs reach more than 12,000 young Jackson Rodeo.” one dollar. students, musicians, and adults each year. 3Exum Mountain Guides Margaretha Walk, Ling Tung’s wife at This includes a residency program in the 4Grand Teton Music Festival website the time, acted as the executive director schools which provides instruction from www.gtmf.org

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