When Diane Peavey was just a child, her birthday dinner request was simple yet intriguing – lamb chops. Little did she know that this early fascination with lamb would set the stage for a remarkable journey that would lead her to become a sheep rancher, living amidst the scenic beauty of the Wood River Valley.
Diane’s life took an unexpected turn when she left her childhood home in Washington D.C. and ventured into the heart of ranching country. It was there that she crossed paths with a charming gentleman by the name of John Peavey, who happened to be a sheep farmer. What started as a chance meeting would ultimately blossom into a love story intertwined with the rustic charm of the western lifestyle.
Throughout her life, Diane Peavey had always been an avid reader, drawn to the enchanting narratives of western literature and tales of life’s grand adventures. One book, in particular, left an indelible mark on her – “Sweet Promised Land.” Little did she know that this literary encounter would go on to shape her life in unexpected ways.
“When I read ‘Sweet Promised Land,’ it changed my life,” Diane Peavey recalls. With a deep-rooted passion for literature and an ardent love for all things western, she harbored a dream of hosting a book club or reading group. This dream would eventually take shape in the form of a captivating event.
Diane Peavey is all set to lead a thought-provoking conversation centered around “Sweet Promised Land” by Dominique Laxalt. The book, available at the Hailey Public Library and The Community Library, serves as the focal point for this engaging discussion. Join her on Saturday, October 7, at Town Center West in Hailey, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. as she delves into the pages of this literary gem.
“Sweet Promised Land” chronicles the journey of Dominique Laxalt, a Basque immigrant and sheepherder. It weaves a narrative that takes him from the Sierra Nevada desert back to the French Pyrenees, with his son Robert documenting their extraordinary odyssey. Along the way, the book touches on the challenges and hardships that are an intrinsic part of their profession.
Peavey emphasizes the importance of reading the book before joining the conversation and attending the Trailing of the Sheep Festival itself. It not only enriches one’s understanding but also fosters a deeper connection with the festival’s mission.
The Trailing of the Sheep Festival is guided by a compelling mission: “To gather, celebrate, present, and preserve the history and cultures of sheepherding in Idaho and the West.” It’s a mission that resonates deeply with Diane Peavey.
“If it can help open people’s eyes and see the romance of western culture and the importance to keep it alive, that will make me so happy,” she affirms.
The traditions of sheepherding run deep in the Wood River Valley, where John Hailey, the namesake of Hailey, Idaho, is credited with introducing the first sheep in the late 1860s. According to the Blaine County Historical Museum, in 1918, the number of sheep in the region amounted to six times the population of people in Idaho during the same year.
With the decline of the mining industry, sheepherding became a vital means for families to sustain themselves. The rich tapestry of sheepherding traditions owes much to the Basque, Peruvian, and Scottish individuals who brought their expertise and heritage to the valley.
Yet, Diane Peavey acknowledges a sense of sadness as she reflects on the dwindling of sheepherding over the years. Through the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, she hopes to instill an awareness of the significance of sheep ranching and the broader agricultural ecosystem it supports.
Apart from their role in providing meat, sheep play a pivotal role in the wool industry. Wool, a highly durable fabric, outlasts cotton and offers crucial protection against cold weather by retaining heat and wicking moisture away from the skin.
“The traditions of making wool clothing and tapestries are handed down through generations and have a rich history, which we love to showcase in the festival,” says Peavey.
Diane Peavey’s journey from lamb chop-loving child to sheep rancher and advocate for preserving western culture is a testament to the profound impact that love and a deep connection to one’s surroundings can have. Her commitment to keeping the flame of tradition alive shines brightly through her endeavors, leaving an indelible mark on the Wood River Valley.
Image Source: Google
