Cody Culture Club
Topic: History of the Irma
In 1902, Buffalo Bill Cody built the Irma Hotel, which he named after his youngest daughter, Irma. Join Mike Darby, owner of the Irma Hotel, as he walks us through the history of this historic downtown gem.
William F. Cody helped found the town of Cody in 1895. He opened the Irma Hotel, which he called “just the swellest hotel that ever was.” Cody maintained two suites and an office for his personal use. When the Burlington Railroad completed a spur line into Cody, his plan was to have travelers stay on their way to Yellowstone National Park.
The Irma Hotel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places by the National Park Service in recognition of its contribution to the cultural foundations of America. It was designed by Alfred Wilderman Woods, a Lincoln, Nebraska, church architect. Certain exterior walls are made of river rock and quarried sandstone from Beck Lake on the south edge of Cody.
The fireplace is an assemblage of rock, ores, minerals, and fossils from the surrounding Big Horn Basin. The Irma’s famous Cherrywood bar dates to the period of construction and is one of the most photographed features in Cody. The original part of the hotel was built in 1902. The northwest addition was completed in 1929, and the southwest addition was added in 1976–1977.
The Cody Culture Club, founded by members of the community, joins with the Buffalo Bill Center of the West to celebrate the unique culture of Cody, Wyoming, by offering insightful programs inspired by the Center’s world-class collections.
Each program is from 5:30–7:30 p.m. and includes appetizers, a cash bar, and great conversation.
Date and Time
Thursday Mar 10, 2022
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM MST
Location
Irma Hotel
1192 Sheridan Avenue
Cody, WY