From book entitled Shadows of the Past - 50th Anniversary of the GCHS Class of 1937 - edited by Amy R. Crane - printed in 1987 by the Miles City Star.
Amy Buffington Crane - by Amy B. Crane
On September 21, 1918, I first looked out of a window in Tacoma, Washington. My folks had gone there to let my dad recuperate from a nervous breakdown. Other than a few remaining cattle, the thieves had cleaned out the Tumbling T's which my dad ran for a man by the name of Hudson.
I lost my oldest sister, Ruth, six weeks before I was born. She choked on the red skin of a peanut. I lost my only brother, Wilbur, in November, 1942. As children our favorite pastime was playing with stick horses. Occasionally the old Kalamazoo cook stove made an ideal site for branding when no one was watching. My sisters, Helen and Marie, and I were very close. Helen was killed in an auto accident in December, 1987.
My first year of school found me at the North Star School. I was there when Casey Jones built it. The Fred Baugotz's residence became my home away from home during the school months.
From there I went to school in Jordan where I stayed until I finished high school, with the exception of my eighth grade. I stayed with an aunt and uncle. The teacher was fabulous. We relived the Civil War many times. Only through her efforts and direction was I able to start my freshman year six weeks late.
For three years I worked on NYA in the Farm Security Administration Office. It later became known as the Farm Home Administration. This was the height of the Depression. Going on to college seemed impossible.
During the late summer of 1939 my folks moved to Edgar, Montana. Their place on Hell Creek was partially covered by the Fort Peck Lake. Only the acreage that was touched by water was bought by the government. The old home site is just above the Hell Creek Resort where Reid Coulee and Hell Creek converge.
After their move I went on to Eastern Montana College known then as Eastern Montana State Normal School. My dreams were accomplished by a personal loan and work. While there I received a 1st in an independent study of Montana history. Thanks to some interesting ancestors! The course was given by Dr. Abbott, who gave our graduation address. I also won an agate ring on my rock box and 1st in psychological testing.
At the end of 2 years I found myself with a diploma. Spring Creek School at Brusett, Montana, was my first teaching experience.
In October of 1943 Alex Crane and I were married. To this union 3 children, Catherine, Marilyn, and Robert were born. Alex was accidently killed with a tractor on November 13, 1965. The fall of 1966 saw son Robert and me heading for Forsyth, Montana.
I taught 24 1/2 years all together, 7 1/2 of which was in Garfield County. In Forsyth, I taught primary grades and special education for 17 years.
In 1983 I retired. For the most part I am in Forsyth. We still own our ranch in the Brusett area. I enjoy going there when I can.
Some highlights of my life include a trip to India and Afghanistan while Marilyn was in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. From Kabul (Afghanistan) I flew 165 miles to see Marilyn. When the plane landed, I was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the native children. While in India I went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I also got to visit with the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Her father, Nehru, gave Catherine a silver pitcher in a literary contest years before.
In 1973 I was chosen Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Later, I appeared in Who's Who in Child Development and the World Who's Who of Women.
In 1983 I went with Bob on his State Farm Million Dollar trip to Munich, Germany. I've been to Alaska twice. Then last winter I accompanied a friend to Thailand. Her son and daughter-in-law worked in the U.S. Embassy there at that time.
Marilyn teaches Learning Disabilities in Anchorage. Catherine teaches in the Middle School here in Forsyth. She is qualified to be either a principal or a superintendent. Bob is a State Farm Agent in Hardin, Montana.
***
Those who knew Amy would characterize her as a kind woman who never said a bad thing about anyone. She loved children and was an exemplary educator.
Her teaching career was lengthy:
Spring Creek School – Garfield County – 1942-1943
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – 1957-1960
Brusett School (Butte Creek) – Garfield Co.- 1960-1961
Jordan Elem. School (8th gr) – Garfield Co. – 1961-1962
Four Corners School – Garfield Co. – 1962-1963
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 1963-1965
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 3 weeks fall of 1965
Amy then enrolled at Eastern Montana College in Billings to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She lacked 20 credits and one quarter would complete those. (State law was requiring a degree for a teacher to be certified in the state by this time.)
Amy's husband, Alex, was killed in November. The teacher at the Pine Grove School took ill with rheumatic fever and could not finish the year. Catherine, Amy's daughter, finished the term at Squaw Creek. Amy finished the year at Pine Grove, 2 miles from her home. The Pine Grove School was moved between the two terms she taught it.
Initially the school was located across the coulee to the south of the Crane buildings. In the mid to late 1960s it was moved to the top of the Liapple hill where it stands today. It has always been located on the Alex Crane place.
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – January to May 1966
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 3 – Rosebud County – 1966-1967
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 1 – Rosebud County – 1967-1970
Forsyth Elementary – Spec Ed – Rosebud County – 1970-1981
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 2 – Rosebud County – 1981-1983
Following passage of Civil Rights Legislation by the US Congress, the rights of severely handicapped and developmentally delayed students to a free and appropriate education were established and Amy was delegated the task of establishing and teaching the special ed program for the Forsyth Elementary District. The results she had with some of her students were nothing short of astounding.
Amy Buffington Crane - by Amy B. Crane
On September 21, 1918, I first looked out of a window in Tacoma, Washington. My folks had gone there to let my dad recuperate from a nervous breakdown. Other than a few remaining cattle, the thieves had cleaned out the Tumbling T's which my dad ran for a man by the name of Hudson.
I lost my oldest sister, Ruth, six weeks before I was born. She choked on the red skin of a peanut. I lost my only brother, Wilbur, in November, 1942. As children our favorite pastime was playing with stick horses. Occasionally the old Kalamazoo cook stove made an ideal site for branding when no one was watching. My sisters, Helen and Marie, and I were very close. Helen was killed in an auto accident in December, 1987.
My first year of school found me at the North Star School. I was there when Casey Jones built it. The Fred Baugotz's residence became my home away from home during the school months.
From there I went to school in Jordan where I stayed until I finished high school, with the exception of my eighth grade. I stayed with an aunt and uncle. The teacher was fabulous. We relived the Civil War many times. Only through her efforts and direction was I able to start my freshman year six weeks late.
For three years I worked on NYA in the Farm Security Administration Office. It later became known as the Farm Home Administration. This was the height of the Depression. Going on to college seemed impossible.
During the late summer of 1939 my folks moved to Edgar, Montana. Their place on Hell Creek was partially covered by the Fort Peck Lake. Only the acreage that was touched by water was bought by the government. The old home site is just above the Hell Creek Resort where Reid Coulee and Hell Creek converge.
After their move I went on to Eastern Montana College known then as Eastern Montana State Normal School. My dreams were accomplished by a personal loan and work. While there I received a 1st in an independent study of Montana history. Thanks to some interesting ancestors! The course was given by Dr. Abbott, who gave our graduation address. I also won an agate ring on my rock box and 1st in psychological testing.
At the end of 2 years I found myself with a diploma. Spring Creek School at Brusett, Montana, was my first teaching experience.
In October of 1943 Alex Crane and I were married. To this union 3 children, Catherine, Marilyn, and Robert were born. Alex was accidently killed with a tractor on November 13, 1965. The fall of 1966 saw son Robert and me heading for Forsyth, Montana.
I taught 24 1/2 years all together, 7 1/2 of which was in Garfield County. In Forsyth, I taught primary grades and special education for 17 years.
In 1983 I retired. For the most part I am in Forsyth. We still own our ranch in the Brusett area. I enjoy going there when I can.
Some highlights of my life include a trip to India and Afghanistan while Marilyn was in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. From Kabul (Afghanistan) I flew 165 miles to see Marilyn. When the plane landed, I was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the native children. While in India I went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I also got to visit with the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Her father, Nehru, gave Catherine a silver pitcher in a literary contest years before.
In 1973 I was chosen Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Later, I appeared in Who's Who in Child Development and the World Who's Who of Women.
In 1983 I went with Bob on his State Farm Million Dollar trip to Munich, Germany. I've been to Alaska twice. Then last winter I accompanied a friend to Thailand. Her son and daughter-in-law worked in the U.S. Embassy there at that time.
Marilyn teaches Learning Disabilities in Anchorage. Catherine teaches in the Middle School here in Forsyth. She is qualified to be either a principal or a superintendent. Bob is a State Farm Agent in Hardin, Montana.
***
Those who knew Amy would characterize her as a kind woman who never said a bad thing about anyone. She loved children and was an exemplary educator.
Her teaching career was lengthy:
Spring Creek School – Garfield County – 1942-1943
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – 1957-1960
Brusett School (Butte Creek) – Garfield Co.- 1960-1961
Jordan Elem. School (8th gr) – Garfield Co. – 1961-1962
Four Corners School – Garfield Co. – 1962-1963
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 1963-1965
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 3 weeks fall of 1965
Amy then enrolled at Eastern Montana College in Billings to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She lacked 20 credits and one quarter would complete those. (State law was requiring a degree for a teacher to be certified in the state by this time.)
Amy's husband, Alex, was killed in November. The teacher at the Pine Grove School took ill with rheumatic fever and could not finish the year. Catherine, Amy's daughter, finished the term at Squaw Creek. Amy finished the year at Pine Grove, 2 miles from her home. The Pine Grove School was moved between the two terms she taught it.
Initially the school was located across the coulee to the south of the Crane buildings. In the mid to late 1960s it was moved to the top of the Liapple hill where it stands today. It has always been located on the Alex Crane place.
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – January to May 1966
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 3 – Rosebud County – 1966-1967
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 1 – Rosebud County – 1967-1970
Forsyth Elementary – Spec Ed – Rosebud County – 1970-1981
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 2 – Rosebud County – 1981-1983
Following passage of Civil Rights Legislation by the US Congress, the rights of severely handicapped and developmentally delayed students to a free and appropriate education were established and Amy was delegated the task of establishing and teaching the special ed program for the Forsyth Elementary District. The results she had with some of her students were nothing short of astounding.
From book entitled Shadows of the Past - 50th Anniversary of the GCHS Class of 1937 - edited by Amy R. Crane - printed in 1987 by the Miles City Star.
Amy Buffington Crane - by Amy B. Crane
On September 21, 1918, I first looked out of a window in Tacoma, Washington. My folks had gone there to let my dad recuperate from a nervous breakdown. Other than a few remaining cattle, the thieves had cleaned out the Tumbling T's which my dad ran for a man by the name of Hudson.
I lost my oldest sister, Ruth, six weeks before I was born. She choked on the red skin of a peanut. I lost my only brother, Wilbur, in November, 1942. As children our favorite pastime was playing with stick horses. Occasionally the old Kalamazoo cook stove made an ideal site for branding when no one was watching. My sisters, Helen and Marie, and I were very close. Helen was killed in an auto accident in December, 1987.
My first year of school found me at the North Star School. I was there when Casey Jones built it. The Fred Baugotz's residence became my home away from home during the school months.
From there I went to school in Jordan where I stayed until I finished high school, with the exception of my eighth grade. I stayed with an aunt and uncle. The teacher was fabulous. We relived the Civil War many times. Only through her efforts and direction was I able to start my freshman year six weeks late.
For three years I worked on NYA in the Farm Security Administration Office. It later became known as the Farm Home Administration. This was the height of the Depression. Going on to college seemed impossible.
During the late summer of 1939 my folks moved to Edgar, Montana. Their place on Hell Creek was partially covered by the Fort Peck Lake. Only the acreage that was touched by water was bought by the government. The old home site is just above the Hell Creek Resort where Reid Coulee and Hell Creek converge.
After their move I went on to Eastern Montana College known then as Eastern Montana State Normal School. My dreams were accomplished by a personal loan and work. While there I received a 1st in an independent study of Montana history. Thanks to some interesting ancestors! The course was given by Dr. Abbott, who gave our graduation address. I also won an agate ring on my rock box and 1st in psychological testing.
At the end of 2 years I found myself with a diploma. Spring Creek School at Brusett, Montana, was my first teaching experience.
In October of 1943 Alex Crane and I were married. To this union 3 children, Catherine, Marilyn, and Robert were born. Alex was accidently killed with a tractor on November 13, 1965. The fall of 1966 saw son Robert and me heading for Forsyth, Montana.
I taught 24 1/2 years all together, 7 1/2 of which was in Garfield County. In Forsyth, I taught primary grades and special education for 17 years.
In 1983 I retired. For the most part I am in Forsyth. We still own our ranch in the Brusett area. I enjoy going there when I can.
Some highlights of my life include a trip to India and Afghanistan while Marilyn was in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. From Kabul (Afghanistan) I flew 165 miles to see Marilyn. When the plane landed, I was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the native children. While in India I went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I also got to visit with the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Her father, Nehru, gave Catherine a silver pitcher in a literary contest years before.
In 1973 I was chosen Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Later, I appeared in Who's Who in Child Development and the World Who's Who of Women.
In 1983 I went with Bob on his State Farm Million Dollar trip to Munich, Germany. I've been to Alaska twice. Then last winter I accompanied a friend to Thailand. Her son and daughter-in-law worked in the U.S. Embassy there at that time.
Marilyn teaches Learning Disabilities in Anchorage. Catherine teaches in the Middle School here in Forsyth. She is qualified to be either a principal or a superintendent. Bob is a State Farm Agent in Hardin, Montana.
***
Those who knew Amy would characterize her as a kind woman who never said a bad thing about anyone. She loved children and was an exemplary educator.
Her teaching career was lengthy:
Spring Creek School – Garfield County – 1942-1943
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – 1957-1960
Brusett School (Butte Creek) – Garfield Co.- 1960-1961
Jordan Elem. School (8th gr) – Garfield Co. – 1961-1962
Four Corners School – Garfield Co. – 1962-1963
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 1963-1965
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 3 weeks fall of 1965
Amy then enrolled at Eastern Montana College in Billings to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She lacked 20 credits and one quarter would complete those. (State law was requiring a degree for a teacher to be certified in the state by this time.)
Amy's husband, Alex, was killed in November. The teacher at the Pine Grove School took ill with rheumatic fever and could not finish the year. Catherine, Amy's daughter, finished the term at Squaw Creek. Amy finished the year at Pine Grove, 2 miles from her home. The Pine Grove School was moved between the two terms she taught it.
Initially the school was located across the coulee to the south of the Crane buildings. In the mid to late 1960s it was moved to the top of the Liapple hill where it stands today. It has always been located on the Alex Crane place.
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – January to May 1966
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 3 – Rosebud County – 1966-1967
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 1 – Rosebud County – 1967-1970
Forsyth Elementary – Spec Ed – Rosebud County – 1970-1981
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 2 – Rosebud County – 1981-1983
Following passage of Civil Rights Legislation by the US Congress, the rights of severely handicapped and developmentally delayed students to a free and appropriate education were established and Amy was delegated the task of establishing and teaching the special ed program for the Forsyth Elementary District. The results she had with some of her students were nothing short of astounding.
Amy Buffington Crane - by Amy B. Crane
On September 21, 1918, I first looked out of a window in Tacoma, Washington. My folks had gone there to let my dad recuperate from a nervous breakdown. Other than a few remaining cattle, the thieves had cleaned out the Tumbling T's which my dad ran for a man by the name of Hudson.
I lost my oldest sister, Ruth, six weeks before I was born. She choked on the red skin of a peanut. I lost my only brother, Wilbur, in November, 1942. As children our favorite pastime was playing with stick horses. Occasionally the old Kalamazoo cook stove made an ideal site for branding when no one was watching. My sisters, Helen and Marie, and I were very close. Helen was killed in an auto accident in December, 1987.
My first year of school found me at the North Star School. I was there when Casey Jones built it. The Fred Baugotz's residence became my home away from home during the school months.
From there I went to school in Jordan where I stayed until I finished high school, with the exception of my eighth grade. I stayed with an aunt and uncle. The teacher was fabulous. We relived the Civil War many times. Only through her efforts and direction was I able to start my freshman year six weeks late.
For three years I worked on NYA in the Farm Security Administration Office. It later became known as the Farm Home Administration. This was the height of the Depression. Going on to college seemed impossible.
During the late summer of 1939 my folks moved to Edgar, Montana. Their place on Hell Creek was partially covered by the Fort Peck Lake. Only the acreage that was touched by water was bought by the government. The old home site is just above the Hell Creek Resort where Reid Coulee and Hell Creek converge.
After their move I went on to Eastern Montana College known then as Eastern Montana State Normal School. My dreams were accomplished by a personal loan and work. While there I received a 1st in an independent study of Montana history. Thanks to some interesting ancestors! The course was given by Dr. Abbott, who gave our graduation address. I also won an agate ring on my rock box and 1st in psychological testing.
At the end of 2 years I found myself with a diploma. Spring Creek School at Brusett, Montana, was my first teaching experience.
In October of 1943 Alex Crane and I were married. To this union 3 children, Catherine, Marilyn, and Robert were born. Alex was accidently killed with a tractor on November 13, 1965. The fall of 1966 saw son Robert and me heading for Forsyth, Montana.
I taught 24 1/2 years all together, 7 1/2 of which was in Garfield County. In Forsyth, I taught primary grades and special education for 17 years.
In 1983 I retired. For the most part I am in Forsyth. We still own our ranch in the Brusett area. I enjoy going there when I can.
Some highlights of my life include a trip to India and Afghanistan while Marilyn was in the Peace Corps in Afghanistan. From Kabul (Afghanistan) I flew 165 miles to see Marilyn. When the plane landed, I was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the native children. While in India I went to Agra to see the Taj Mahal. I also got to visit with the Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi. Her father, Nehru, gave Catherine a silver pitcher in a literary contest years before.
In 1973 I was chosen Outstanding Teacher of the Year. Later, I appeared in Who's Who in Child Development and the World Who's Who of Women.
In 1983 I went with Bob on his State Farm Million Dollar trip to Munich, Germany. I've been to Alaska twice. Then last winter I accompanied a friend to Thailand. Her son and daughter-in-law worked in the U.S. Embassy there at that time.
Marilyn teaches Learning Disabilities in Anchorage. Catherine teaches in the Middle School here in Forsyth. She is qualified to be either a principal or a superintendent. Bob is a State Farm Agent in Hardin, Montana.
***
Those who knew Amy would characterize her as a kind woman who never said a bad thing about anyone. She loved children and was an exemplary educator.
Her teaching career was lengthy:
Spring Creek School – Garfield County – 1942-1943
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – 1957-1960
Brusett School (Butte Creek) – Garfield Co.- 1960-1961
Jordan Elem. School (8th gr) – Garfield Co. – 1961-1962
Four Corners School – Garfield Co. – 1962-1963
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 1963-1965
Squaw Creek School – Garfield Co. – 3 weeks fall of 1965
Amy then enrolled at Eastern Montana College in Billings to complete her Bachelor's Degree in Education. She lacked 20 credits and one quarter would complete those. (State law was requiring a degree for a teacher to be certified in the state by this time.)
Amy's husband, Alex, was killed in November. The teacher at the Pine Grove School took ill with rheumatic fever and could not finish the year. Catherine, Amy's daughter, finished the term at Squaw Creek. Amy finished the year at Pine Grove, 2 miles from her home. The Pine Grove School was moved between the two terms she taught it.
Initially the school was located across the coulee to the south of the Crane buildings. In the mid to late 1960s it was moved to the top of the Liapple hill where it stands today. It has always been located on the Alex Crane place.
Pine Grove School – Garfield County – January to May 1966
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 3 – Rosebud County – 1966-1967
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 1 – Rosebud County – 1967-1970
Forsyth Elementary – Spec Ed – Rosebud County – 1970-1981
Forsyth Elementary – Grade 2 – Rosebud County – 1981-1983
Following passage of Civil Rights Legislation by the US Congress, the rights of severely handicapped and developmentally delayed students to a free and appropriate education were established and Amy was delegated the task of establishing and teaching the special ed program for the Forsyth Elementary District. The results she had with some of her students were nothing short of astounding.
Gravesite Details
Stone shared with husband, Charles Alexander Crane. Mother of Catherine, Marilyn and Robert A. Crane. Trained as a teacher.
Family Members
See more Crane or Buffington memorials in:
- Hearts at Peace Cemetery Crane or Buffington
- Brusett Crane or Buffington
- Garfield County Crane or Buffington
- Montana Crane or Buffington
- USA Crane or Buffington
- Find a Grave Crane or Buffington
