R. Buford Christensen Oral History Interview

Oral history interview with R. Buford Christensen by Norma Vance. Topics include: Biographical information such as parents and date of birth; Being the youngest of twelve children; Celebrating his 80th Birthday and 50th wedding anniversary; His early life near Mammoth Reservoir while his father was superintendent; At a young age, herding sheep with his older brother; Traveling by horse and buggy; His parents speaking Danish together, but not learning much of the language himself; Living in Idaho for a few years while his father tried farming; Attending grade school in Idaho and Fairview; Childhood friends; Participating in fire drills at school; Watching the parade of soldiers leave for WWI; Braiding the Maypole; A Christmas tree in the intersection at the center of Fairview; Attending high school and playing in Mount Pleasant and Idaho; Being on the football team and in school plays as a junior and senior; His little mule named "Jenny"; Enjoying fishing; Visiting a sheep ranch; Being stuck in a wool sack and cutting himself out with a knife; The death of his mother when he was 13 years old; Moving back and forth between living with siblings in Idaho and Fairview; Graduating from high school in Rupert, Idaho and working for a sheep sheering ranch herding sheep, catching coyotes, mowing hay, trimming sheep for ram sales, driving a truck, and building cattle crossings.

The oral history interview with R. Buford Christensen, conducted by Norma Vance, details his upbringing in a large, hardworking family, his experiences with ranch life, school activities, and the challenges of moving between homes after the death of his mother. It reflects a childhood shaped by rural life, family bonds, and a strong work ethic.