Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Sun Valley Sally kidnapped on Main Street

Stoecklein Gallery glad to have cowgirl back

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By TERRY SMITH
Express Staff Writer

Sun Valley Sally disappeared Sunday night from in front of the Stoecklein Gallery on Main Street in Ketchum, but was found safe and sound a few blocks away the following day. Photo by David N. Seelig

After being kidnapped Sunday night, Sun Valley Sally likely won't be allowed to hang out in downtown Ketchum anymore.

She was found safe and sound the following afternoon, much to the relief of her owner, renowned Western photographer David Stoecklein. And true to her metal, Sun Valley Sally didn't even complain.

Sally is the nickname for the 6-foot, metal, painted cowgirl sign that's become sort of an icon in downtown Ketchum. For about the past year, she's greeted visitors at the door to the Stoecklein Gallery at 151 Main St.

She came up missing Monday morning, but didn't get very far and was found Monday afternoon on the porch of an office building a few blocks away on Second Street.

"I was very, very upset when it was gone," Stoecklein said. "I think the person or persons who took it probably thought it was funny, but it didn't turn out that way."

After nearly losing Sally, Stoecklein said her days on the street are over.

"We're going to keep her in now," he said. "I should have brought her in before."

Sun Valley Sally is more than just a pretty face. She's actually an advertising antique that Stoecklein believes came from Texas and was made in the 1930s. She's not cheap, either. Her estimated value is $10,000.

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Terry Smith: tsmith@mtexpress.com