Wallace, Idaho’s Rick Shaffer offers a unique perspective
Like the famous mining town he calls home, Rick Shaffer is inviting, quirky and unapologetically proud of his community. So much so that he’s the self-appointed “prime minister of hospitality and goodwill” of Historic Wallace, Idaho – the small town bold enough to claim the title of “Center of the Universe.” Boasting a 100-plus-year run as the world’s largest silver producer, Wallace and residents like Rick welcome visitors to experience the area’s unique perspective.
Rick’s background in hospitality brought him to Wallace via New York City to manage properties including The Wallace Inn and Stardust Motel. Encouraged by Wallace’s colorful history and culture – including mining wars, gambling and brothels – Rick decided to stay permanently and is nearing three decades as a Wallace resident.
Inspired to “do whatever it takes to keep Historic Wallace in the public eye,” the idea of the prime minister was born.
“My creating this now-universal self-appointment was sewn in the knowledge that any entity that wishes to remain famous or known has to be unique. Historic Wallace is about fun and creating memories. I take it upon myself that whomever I come into contact with leaves Historic Wallace with all of this and more,” Rick said.
Rick Shaffer is the self-appointed “prime minister of hospitality and goodwill” of Historic Wallace, Idaho – which boasts the title “Center of the Universe.” Photo Courtesy Idaho Tourism
For more information on Idaho, visit VisitIdaho.org.
