Any one who knows George and June Crenshaw considers them a legend in the Angus breed and Kansas agriculture. What might come as a pleasant surprise is that this farm couple recently celebrated 65 years of marriage, something they number among their biggest accomplishments.
The home, barns and farm shop at Shamrock Farms, Zeandale, are covered with purple ribbons, tall trophies, wall plaques and photos of Angus cattle. These items serve as proof the Crenshaw family earned the right to be called Angus legends, after all George exhibited not one, not two but three Grand Champion steers in 1942.
As children, George and June lived eight miles from each other in Harper County and dated for three years until they were allowed to marry in 1945. Since their wedding vows, the couple had six children and raised 135 registered Angus cows in the Flint Hills.
What follows are photos depicting the long and storied life of George and June Crenshaw, taken on a beautiful spring day this reporter was grateful to have and won’t soon forget.
Reason to Celebrate
George and June Crenshaw celebrated 65 years of marriage Feb. 7, 2010 with a reception at Zeandale Christian Church. June, a piano, organ, saxophone and accordion player, provided music for family, friends and churchgoers. At age 85, she says it's essential to put a little "pep" into each song.
Growing Up Angus
Raised with Angus cattle on a farm near Attica, George was always fond of the breed. World War II changed his post-high school plans so he attended Kansas State University as the purebred herdsman. He later worked at Black Post Angus, Olathe, before building Shamrock Farms in the Flint Hills.
Making Headlines
The cover of The Denver Post on Jan. 12, 1942 was littered with war headlines and a photo of a Kansas 4-H boy, George Crenshaw, who exhibited the very first Angus steer to be Grand Champion overall breeds in the open division at the National Western Stock Show.
Bad Land, Fine Pasture
Go north on Wabaunsee Road from Interstate-70 and you'll be immersed in the scenic Flint Hills. George says he turned "terrible" pieces of land into fine pastures for his Angus cow herd, which comprised of approximately 1,000 acres and 135 cows.
Familiar Name
For more than 50 years, the Crenshaws raised a family and a living thanks to their Angus cow herd. The farm and K-State signs green visitors upon entrance. Every Angus breeder recognizes Shamrock farms thanks to the Kelly green spot color and the shape of a three-leaf clover on signage.
A Bit of Humor
For a laugh, the Crenshaws hung a four-leaf clover "café" sign at one corner of a road near their farm. The sign hung for years, marking a spot where travelers can sit a spell, bring their own coffee and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Flint Hill pasture.
Visitor's Message
June Crenshaw reads a note from a passer-by left in an Army box and tied to a table at the Shamrock Café. Visitors are asked to take a Shamrock Farms promotional item and in return, can marvel at the viewscape and leave behind fun and interesting notes for the Crenshaws.
Winner's Table
Shamrock Farms supports the Angus show cattle business and each year, gives a hand-crafted Singer sewing table to Grand Champion Bull at the Kansas Angus Futurity. June removes the antique Damascus, Minnesota or Queen sewing machines then refinishes the wooden top, making an end table for a lucky Angus winner.
Fond Memories
June's sister, Wilda, and brother-in-law, Ray Brock, liked to attend Angus sales with the Crenshaws. A photo was taken of Ray (left) and George at a sale and Ray's daughter, Amy Jones, hand-painted the picture for the Crenshaws. This became a cherished item when Jones, 51, died of cancer soon afterwards.