August 23, 2023 – Cody, WY – Summing up the attractions in Cody, WY in one day would include a multitude of buffalo skin coats, a plethora of bison skulls, and the fact Wild Bill Cody was an impressive entrepreneur for the ages.
Cody was a master entertainer, builder of hotels, band organizer, city builder, carnival barker, clever negotiator, and remarkable visionary… to say the least.
Cody’s Irma Hotel is one of the regal centerpieces of the small community of 10,000.
When Cody built the hotel, he said to his wife Julia Cody Goodman, in March 1902, “I’m going to build a beautiful little hotel in Cody. I’m going to have the finest furniture. I’m going to run it on the European plan right up to date and regular tourist-hotel prices will be so high that the toughs and bums can’t hang around.”
The Irma Hotel, built for about $80,000, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was designed by Alfred Willdermanwoods a Lincoln, Nebraska church architect.
Certain exterior walls are made of river rock and locally quarried sandstone from Beck Lake just south of town.
The fireplace is an established assemblage of rock orders, minerals, and fossils from the Big Horn Basin.
The Irma’s famous cherrywood bar dated for the period of construction is one of the most photographed features in all of Cody.
The original part of the hotel was built for Buffalo Bill in 1902.
Noteworthy nuggets in Cody, WY
-Probably the most unique sign in Cody is for Cassie’s Bar Lounge. It feels very Route 66 with its vintage shape, saucy imagery, and random parrot.
-Secured my traditional state license plate from Rachelle at Mc Cue Auto Specialists.
– The Cody Rodeo is country western magic from the woman carrying an American flag on a white horse during the National Anthem, to the cowboys trying to eke out an 8-second ride, to the fiery bulls looking as fierce as they do on TV. The Cody Rodeo made it happen.
“Have I not commanded you? … Be strong and courageous. … Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9
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The 2023 Amazing Ride for Alzheimer’s is raises money every year for music programming for seniors at Cedar Community, a 501c3, so all donations are tax-deductible.
Donate via the secure website through Cedar Community. Donations should be marked “Amazing Ride 2023.” Click HERE to make a secure online donation.
Checks may be made payable to “Cedar Community Foundation” with “Judy Bike Ride” in the memo line and mailed to 113 Cedar Ridge Dr., West Bend, WI 53095
Be sure to include the Federal Tax ID Number for the Foundation: 39-1249432
You may also find a downloadable donation form HERE.
Cedar Community is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, and donations are tax-deductible.