The Crossing: Chapter 8
On Dec. 14, 1961, a Union Pacific train headed from Chicago to Denver struck a school bus at a railroad crossing five miles outside Greeley, killing 20 children. It was the worst highway accident in Colorado history.
In Chapter 8 of The Crossing, Kevin Vaughan writes of the investigation into the crash and bus driver Duane Harms:
Harms recounted every detail, but he wavered on one question: Did you stop at the crossing before driving onto the tracks?"I always stop at that crossing," Harms said. "That's why I think I did this morning."
They went over it again and again.
"I'm quite sure I stopped, but I wouldn't swear to it because I just don't remember that well," he said. "I always stop."
I read with interest that alot of folks blame the Union Pacific, a railroad CANNOT be blamed entirely for a collision at a crossing. THE RAILROAD OWNS THE TRACK and it is THEIR property that cars pass over at a crossing, I had very close neibours that lost their daughter in that accident, I never heard them blame the U.P. or anyone for what happand. Unfortunatly, they blamed themselves, as the girl was not feeling well and wanted to stay home. at any rate, with the need to be on time somtimes people take short cuts, do it fast but try to be careful, is the byword of alot of businesses including the school district that mr harms worked for. personaly speaking i find it hard to miss a bright yellow engine with like cars on it, with a bright headlight and a blowing horn, do i blame anyone, no, it happand, its over and people have moved on. my cudos to the Rocky mtn news and the Greeley Tribune, for doing this story in the first place, I know of people that didint even know this happand and its nice to revisit history every now and then, regardless of the pain it digs up.
Posted by Kyle Redman on February 1, 2007 04:57 AMI am Alice Larson's oldest daughter and I have been reading the series as avidly as everyone else. I grew up with knowledge of the accident and had some details, but mostly from my mom, who did not remember the accident. She could only tell my sisters and I what she had been told, which was sketchy. Hearing stories as a child is one thing, but to read the personal accounts now, as an adult with children of my own, is quite different. I am now able to better understand the sorrow that my grandparents, aunts and mom went through. I cry when I read the stories and think of the pain they endured then and still occasionally do now, I'm sure. I am eternally grateful to Jim Brantner for being able to put aside his grief for his children in order to help save my mom's life that day. I think nowadays we need more caring, honest people like all the families in this series. Our world would be a much different place if everyone would behave with the decency and love for one another as the residents of Greeley did that winter. Greeley experienced the tragedy, not just individual families, and this is an important part of our history. To those of you who don't see the relevance or who think it's a waste of ink, I say don't read it. Greeley may be bigger in size now, but family histories and our sense of community run deep here. I think it is time for the whole story to be told so the children and grandchildren of those involved can better understand what happened and have some questions answered.
Posted by Kynda Wolfrum on January 31, 2007 10:33 PMThe book titled "Children of the Storm: The True Story of the Pleasant Hill School Bus Tragedy" by Ariana Harner & Clark Secrest was published by Fulcrum Pub. in Golden , CO. in March 2001. It is still available for purchase for $12.95. The ISBN# 1555912753
Posted by on January 31, 2007 09:48 PMAs your series has unfolded, I've no doubt been both intriqued and sadden by the results of Dec. 14, 1961. I remember like yesterday, coming home from school and the look on my mother's face. She had an extremely difficult time telling us what had happened that morning. We had just seen my great aunt, uncle and our cousins the previous summer in Arvada, roller skated in our basement and had a good time together. They were an extremely strong family and it became more apparent after the accident. My older brother and I got the opportunity to spend summers on the farm w/ the Larsons. Some of my favorite memories growing up are of those times. As we've aged we've not seen enough of one another. I'm blessed to be related to Juanita, Art, Nancy, Linda and Alice as well as Steve. Losing a child would be the hardest thing one could imagine. Your article has been well done and the story needed to be told. I have had questions answered and can now feel that I have a grasp somewhat of that day. Thank you. George
Posted by George on January 31, 2007 05:40 PMNancy Larsen....I talked to Jim last night and he said to tell you "hi" and that he sends all his love to your Mom and Dad. He misses being home in Colo.and all the old friends and neighbors. He said to tell all the old neighbors he wishes he could be here to . He's doing better but can't travel anymore. He thinks of all of you fondly . And remembers all the good times out there.
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 31, 2007 05:38 PMJuanita Larson is an inspiration. All of you are.
To the courageous families, I would like to say THANK YOU for sharing. It must be incredibly difficult .
I was 7 at the time and living on the Western Slope. Our colorful history has always fascinated me, yet I had not ever read any account of this terrible event, and my mother has no recollection of it.
I am glad to have this piece with your personal accounts. What a shame it would have been to let this go until no one close to the accident was left and your stories were left to speculation.
I wonder how many people would know about the Towner bus tragedy of 1931 if a book had not been written, Children of the Storm: The True Story of the Pleasant Hill School Bus Tragedy, by Ariana Harner and Clark Secrest. I read this book some years ago and was left wondering what happened to the families, how did they manage to cope, where are they now? Are there any survivors, friends, witnesses left who wish they could talk to one another?
I believe your part in this is of dire importance, and your descendents will be extremely glad to have it. Really.
Bless you.
Posted by Colonative Carolyn on January 31, 2007 05:17 PMI'm so impressed with "The Crossing"! I don't take any newspaper, but when I learned about this compelling story, I just had to read it. I buy one everyday, even when it's a chore to go get and I've not been disappointed. I've enjoyed reading & viewing the website also.
I was unaware of this tragic accident but I agree with most that it was just that....an accident.
Looking forward to the rest of the series.
Sue
Posted by Sue Gauden on January 31, 2007 05:07 PMAs I said the other night my dad and I was on the other crossing to the east and I had rolled down the window to scrape the mirrior. The sun was bright at that moment and it was hanging low in the ski. It was hard to see the train because the light looked like part of the sun. The train did not whistle at that crossing even though a big truck was approaching the track. We stopped because we could hear the clickety,clack of the train wheels on the track. We stopped and looked to see if the bus had stopped. I will stake my life that it came to a complete stop. Have you ever been on a bus with small childern? They laugh, talk loud and sometimes cry.
We need to remember so we can try not to have it repeated.
I am a Denver native and was living in Englewood at the time of the accident. I was a housewife with four small children. I have to admit that I do not remember this accident at all.
I appreciate the Rocky Mountain News doing the story. I also appreciate that it is covering the series so well. I've read every installment and watched the videos with great interest.
It is sad that this had to happen. Sad for everyone including the bus driver. When a tragedy strikes like this, so many people are affected. As the story continues, I hope more is mentioned about the lives of the survivors and families touched by the accident.
Dottie
Posted by Dottie on January 31, 2007 02:54 PMDear Quit
I've lived in Colorado for 43 years but never heard about this story 'til now. So forgive me for pondering the facts, it's new to me.
Those of you who HAVE lived with this tragedy for 45 years (and God bless all of you) have long ago resolved in your own minds what happened Dec 14, 1961 and why.
You posted a long list of variables, any one of which would have prevented this accident if altered slightly. That is one of the things which interests me; how the unfortunate chain of events came together. I'm not "blaming" anyone, I'm simply pondering a few questions that came to my mind.
I share Mr. Gift's curiosity about the timing of the trains horn. Both of us wrote that had we been in the engineer's seat we would have blown it until the collision. Maybe the engineers did, I haven't seen their testimony nor the conclusions of the officials who questioned them.
At any rate, I agree with you that the story here is the faith and character of the people involved, and how admirably they've dealt with tragedy. I have tremendous admiration and respect for all of them.
BTW, I am NOT the litigious type. Far far far from it. Please spare me any further morally superior lectures.
Posted by Flynn on January 31, 2007 02:35 PMYou are doing an awsome story. I truly see this as a real life love story of a community. My brother died of Cancer over 50 years ago and he was just 17. My mother told me something that I have never forgotten and I would like to pass it on. If you talk of him and keep him in your heart, he will never truly be gone. These children are again remember by this generation and we send our love to them and their families. We are anxiously awaiting the next chapter. You have cought us up in something that most of us did not know. Accidents are called "ACCIDENTS" because most of the time it could have been prevented. We need to all be aware to teach our children to keep their eyes and ears open all the time while in a vehicle. Seconds can mean the differance between life and death, as this story reminds us.
Posted by on January 31, 2007 01:52 PMThank you for this series. I lived in Weld County at the time of the accident, and I don't think there were many people there, at that time, who didn't know at least one of the families involved. To me this series is about what happened, and how the families coped and how they are living today, as well as talking about the childen and making them "real" and not just statistics.
All these years later, I don't think it really matters whose fault it was, if indeed it was anyone's. There are many things, that if they had been different, the event might not have happened. The crossing could have been better designed so that oncoming trains could be seen better, for instance. To me, trying to place blame all thes years later, is not the purpose of this series.
Thanks again
. I was in 7th grade in East Denver at the time and remember this tragic event. This was the second disaster to occur in the area in 1961, the other being the United Airlines DC-8 crash at Stapleton in July, with a similiar loss of life.Another story at the time was the on going scandal in the Denver Police Department.
This is a great series,it illustrates how fragile and brief life can be. These children and their story deserve to be remembered.
. I was in 7th grade in East Denver at the time and remember this tragic event. This was the second disaster to occur in the area in 1961, the other being the United Airlines DC-8 crash at Stapleton in July, with a similiar loss of life.Another story at the time was the on going scandal in the Denver Police Department.
This is a great series,it illustrates how fragile and brief life can be. These children and their story deserve to be remembered.
This whole story has been horrifing. But everyday I look forward to reading the next chapter. It is interesting to learn about people and how they lived and or have survived. After I read the chapter I read the discussion. I am impressed by the forgiving nature of the people and families of Greeley and surrounding areas.
I see that there are some former school bus drivers and I am sure many current ones who have cried as I have. As a former school bus driver (in Central California) I had to deal with driving in the fog (so thick, you could see less than 100 feet). Stopping at railroad crossings, with a load of children, in the fog was the scariest. When the heaters, defrosters, radio, bus engine and the students are talking, you can't hear sirens so I could imagine not hearing a train's whistle. The laws for bus driving have changed alot over the years and we can always wonder what if? But this driver did not set out to intentionally harm these students. And he walked away with his life, can you imagine how that has affected the rest of his life?
Mr. Gift:
Isn't any accident "entirely preventable carelessness?" If I slip on the ice and break a hip...maybe I should have taken a different route where there wasn't ice; I certainly didn't walk on the ice to break my hip - it was an accident. You want to place blame with the bus driver? I suggest you read the posts I referred to you. One second difference....who is to blame....the blame, if there is any, can be placed in many different areas that caused the circumstances of that day. Maybe the train shouldn't have delayed taking on all the Christmas mail that day....maybe people should have mailed their Christmas items earlier or later so the train wouldn't have been delayed...maybe the bus driver should or should not have waited for children that were late...maybe there should have been a crossing arm and lights that someone neglected to realize should have been there...if the train engineer was so late, maybe he should have been going 79 1/2 mph...just stop and think of all the things that attributed to the timing of the bus being one second too late getting across the tracks, or needing to have been delayed 15 seconds so the train would have obviously been at the crossing before it got there. The same types of questions can be asked of the train. It's very easy to judge in hindsight. Too bad you weren't the bus driver then...as you would have gotten out. With the time to turn off the engine, which was part of the regulations then, and get off and then return and start the engine, you probably would have needed to see the train a mile away. I lived near the accident and it would be extremely difficult to have done what you suggest and see the train and then cross ahead of it. Again, please stop trying to place blame. Do paramedic drivers with passengers stop at uncontrolled railroad crossings and get out? I don't think so...even on bad weather days. How about the emergency vehicles that are involved in wrecks...accidents or "preventable carelessness?" Obviously, many times in those accidents, other drivers didn't hear the sirens...or the emergency vehicle didn't pause long enough to assure a safe passage. Anyway, it does no good to try and find fault as it was investigated at the time. As the saying goes....if "ifs" and "buts" were candy and nuts, it would be Christmas everyday.
Dear Quit,
You make good points. This is a tribute to those kind, strong, wonderful people.
Years ago I drove a school bus. I know the distractions/disruptions.
But as a paramedic driver instructor, this was not an accident.
It was entirely preventable carelessness. (An accident is something unforeseeable which may occur too quickly in which to correctly react.)
I would have gotten out and looked. I can't understand why the driver did not. Also, how did he not hear a locomotive horn? Even with children yelling, with the door open he should have heard the horn. (If noisy, I would have told the children we are not crossing until they are quiet.) Did the engineer blow too early? I just cannot understand how this horrible collision was allowed to happen. This strengthens my resolve to expend the extra effort and take time to be careful.
Rocky Mtn News. You have captured the hearts on this one! How could anyone not take this story as a love story. My heart goes out to all those who were effected by this tragidty, then and now. My Brother died of Cancer almost 60 yrs ago. He was 17. My mother said something to me that I think is approprate to these families. "As long as you talk about him and carry him in your heart, he is never truly gone." These children will live on. Thank you for a story that has captured Colorado. You have done an awsome job. It would be great for more inspirational stories. Keep up the great work. Connie
Posted by on January 31, 2007 09:53 AMTo quit pointing guilt it was an accident. AMEN!!!!!!!! I could not have expressed it better. Thank you.
Posted by juli on January 31, 2007 09:29 AMThe Crossing has truely caputured my attention. A wonderful tribute to those who persihed, their families and all who were affected by this tragedy. An unthinkable accident long ago and the impact one brief moment had on so many. As I read the words about these ordinary people that were thrown into a terrific event it takes me back to a time when people seemed to possess strength, courage, character, love of God, family and neighbors in which sadly to say that so many of us are missing today.
This is a wonderful awarding winning piece and cudos to the team that has brought this story to our attention and to the famalies who have endured their losses.
Posted by Linda on January 31, 2007 09:14 AMWONDERFULLY written account of a terrible tragedy. I hope you win an award for such tremendous writing.
Posted by Jane Baker on January 31, 2007 07:39 AMI agree with 1/30 9:38 posting. The families that lived through this tragedy as well as people like them all over rural America at that time were the salt of the earth that understood life's hearthaches and the importance of family and God.
Take a look around at America today, it is filled with self-rightous, jaded, hateful people that only care about themselves and their opinions. It's no wonder we are a country sliding down the path of self-destruction. One saving grace is that there are still people out there like the Brantner's, Ford's, and Larson's, they can be found where they were in 1961, in rural America! They still grow our food and raise our livestock. They still believe in God and family. They still know the value of life.
For those that think this story is about a traffic accident, open your eyes! It is about how people survive the worst possible event imaginable, losing a child, or in the case of many of these families, more than one child. It is about how people heal in their own way and move on but never forgetting. It is about making people think how short life is and how a chain of events can change life forever. It is a glimpse into 20 souls who never got to experience what many of us take for granted.
If more stories like this are written maybe there is hope.
Posted by Marc on January 31, 2007 07:19 AMIn 1961 I was 11 years old and in class with Bob Branter who rode with his older brothers that fatefull day. Through the years when I think of the accident, which I have fairly often, he is the one that comes to mind. He was so young to suffer such loss - I hope he has had a good life.
I think this story is wonderful and a tribute to all of those lost that should never be forgotten and also to those that survived and have found a way to go on.
Thank you so much for this story to remember all of them.
Robert Gift and Flynn:
Stop the fingerpointing and conjecture and refer to the post by "jm" on1/26/07 at 4:08p and 4:42p. This story is not about who is at fault...you don't understand the gist of this story. Ultimately, read the "posts" about the strengths of the families and their belief in God's Will. I get the feelings that you are both of the character that would be litigous and trying to sue and collect for damages. You have to understand that people that live the agrarian (agricultural) lifestyle understand life and death so much more than the urban society. Most of us in the agricultural world are strongly devout and evidence of our beliefs in God....we may question the circumstances and reason, but we entrust our faith, lives, and circumstances to Him. Raisng livestock and pets that live and die everyday, with or without reason, are part of our lives; it's our appreciation of the lives and deaths of humans. In today's society there would have been volumes of litigation with multi-millions of dollars demanded for this tragedy - which is my speculation - but the families you read about hear are beyond that....they have a stronger religion and faith in God and Their Savior. You can't fault them, nor condemn them for their actions...I see that they are so much stronger than the society of today...they didn't sue others, they question the actions but generally don't find fault...they accept their destiny as part of God's Will...and they have gained so much strength from it. They question, doubt, but realize that there is destiny in God's Master Plan. It isn't for you or I to question their Faith. I know I believe with them in God's love. Please...step back and realize that the questions you have asked were asked many-fold at the time of the investigations...and for reasons I hope that will be disclosed with this story, you will have your answers. I suggest that you understand that driving a bus with 36 children, a heater and defroster blaring, are overwhelming enough to din the blast of a train horn...if not, you need to ride a school bus as I had to do; unfortunately the technology of today would diminish the noises and distractions of the bus at that time. There is testimonial stories from survivors that they didn't hear it either. Your input is appreciated, but realize that this isn't a story of fault, but one of tragedy, life changes, history, and healing.
In 1961, I was a 10 year old 4th grader in Leadville. My dad read the stroy of this accident in the Rocky Mountain News. My mother commented that she was so glad my brothers and I did not have to ride a school bus.
In 1974, having just graduated from UNC, I began my first job at the Greeley Tribune, then a locally owned paper, very focused on meeting the needs of the people who lived in the communities in northern Colorado. Most of the employees at the Tribune had worked there for years, having worked together closely in good and bad times and often spoke of stories that had made a personal impact.
Even after the passage of (then) 13 years, this accident and its impact were still often a topic of discussion. It was a if no one at the Tribune could forget the pain in the details. They talked with reverence of the memory of the children who died, respect for the survivors and the families. It was as if the memories provided a compassionate guide for them as they dealt with stories they were covering even then. I don't know if the families involved in this tragedy were aware of the long lasting and far reaching impact it had.
My father, Claude Hutchinson, and Joe Brantner were childhood friends and remained very close friends throughout their lives. My father married Bethel and Joe married Katherine a few years after, each beginning their famiies.
I fondly remember our many visits to the Brantner farm as a child when we would drive up from Denver. I was two years older than Kathy and she and I were playmates..
When the very tragic school bus accident happened it certainly shook my family also.The loss of Kathy and Mark was devastating. My mother took me with her to Joe and Katherines for a few days to help out in any way we could. Paul who was just a toddler kept calling me Kathy, which was heartbreaking to me. He was too young to comprehend what was happening.
When Johnny and Jimmy were in the car accident less than two months later, we came again to help out. The loss of Johnny was another big shock and Jimmy's condition was critical. If I remember correctly, Jimmy was in a coma for around 20 days.
Following this story has brought tears to my eyes several times and brought back so many memories of that time when I was 11. It tore my family up knowing what the Brantner family was having to endure.
The wonderful words that I have read here about Joe Brantner are so true. He was a very good and decent man, as was my father. That is one reason their friendship was so solid. Joe and Katherines' faith has always been strong and helped to lead them through these very difficult times. Katherine is also a quite a remarkable woman.
Mary, it pleases me to be able to read all that you have contributed to this. I talked with your Mom last weekend and I know reliving this is not easy on her.
When I was in Greeley after Joe had passed on, Katherine took me to the cemetary where Joe and her three children are buried and we prayed together
Nancy....I'll forward the message to Jim's wife Cindy . My loveable big brother with the heart of gold is very ill. He has had open heart surgery and keeps having strokes . They now live in Oklahoma. He has been in so many serious accidents where he's had serious head injuries that it's just taken it's toll . He's still the lovable , sweet , happy person though. It will make him happy that people still remember him . He's like daddy, would give everything to someone who needs it . The first one there to help and the last one to leave.
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 30, 2007 04:04 PMI read the articile about my parents and it is so moving. I lived with them and know that life has not been the same sence all the children were gone.
Mary tell your mom hi and give her my love. I have worked on my faith in God to be as strong as theirs have been throughout their lives. Not many people remember that you lost one more child two months later in a car accident and Jimmy hurt so bad. Tell Jimmy I miss him.
Alice has four beautiful daughters with many grandchildern. She is the best mother and grandmother I believe that with her brush with death so early in life she knows how quick you can loose a loved one. I don't know if you have asked her about her writtings she has to most moving poems and stories. Her childern and grandchildern receive a poem or story every year.
To Amy,
Your idea of congregating at the sight of the accident after this story is finished in the paper is a wonderful one.
Pick a date & time and post it here. Those of us that want to participate will be there.
I think it is the very least we could all do out of respect for those families involved. I think it would be a wonderful jesture and peace of mind to these families to see that we all feel for them and their grief even 45 years later. We have not forgotten them or their lost loved ones.
Deb Thompson
Posted by Deb Thompson on January 30, 2007 02:41 PMDaryl , Diana , Randy...I had lunch with mom today and told her of the comment page of the story . She remembers all of you kids very well.She hopes you find your answers to the questions that have been in your hearts . She has been in touch with many of the other parents . They are still a close group and are helping each other through this.It's harder for some though . The families of the kids are a truely amazing group of people . We have always had great friendship , caring and love from the community out there . Felicia , I went to school with your aunt Becky from kindergarten on through high school. I remember Randy as in collage age . And Daryl , we had those picnics every July . Dad would pick sweet corn from our field , and we would have all the neighbors , and family come for them . I can still remember the horse shoe contests they would have .
Mom had good memeries today of you kids. And that helps her to . She remembers alot from those days . She sends her love to your families and hopes to see you soon.
Considering the injuries Alice Larson suffered 45 years ago, she looks great!
Diana, does Alice have a family of her own? I have been living in California for a long time, so I have lost touch with the community except for family members.
I would like to make some snippet comments of my own, furthering Lil Purvis' statement regarding the people of the Auburn community. Your observation and conclusion about the people of Auburn is correct. Those people lived their faith - their religion. At least, the ones I knew. Regardless of any one's personal faults, they were/are church-going people. And; regardless of their various religious beliefs, they all have one common doctrine - Christ, the Messiah. They all try to love their neighbor as themselves. If everyone in the world practiced this very one doctrine, this entire world could live in peace. If the sinister people who made ridiculing statements days before here-within, could understand, learn and put-to-practice this one virtue, there would be no need for the news-papers to report about ANY insidious and intentional tragedies in Iraq or anywhere else in the world.
As a side snippet... I really feel compelled to voice my opinion about Joe Brantner. I think Joe Brantner's action to leave his dead children lay and consider the lives of others that moment in time during the tragedy, was pure heroism. I'm quite sure that God Almighty took notice of it. What lays within a person's heart is always shown during times of pressure - whether good or bad. Henceforth, we all now have clearly witnessed the heart of Joe Brantner. And; please don't misunderstand me, the Brantner children were/are just as precious and valuable as like all of the other children were/are. Joe Brantner understood and knew that.
My mother's parents; Jake and Dorothy Altergott (of Windsor) who are no longer with us, use to tell me stories. My grandfather Jake told me that during the depression, just about every time the train would stop on the railroad down the road from where they lived, a handful of men would jump off looking for work. They could not put all the men to work on their farm because there were just too many men, but they told the men who came knocking - looking for work - that the wood-pile needed to be moved. Grandfather told me that moving the wood-pile gave each of those men some self-dignity. After they moved the wood-pile, my family would serve them a hot meal. That wood-pile sure made it's way around the yard. But, that didn't matter as long as my family felt like they could help everyone they could who came knocking - who was in need.
My grandfather Ruben (Alles) told me that the German prisoners of war (WW2) were brought to the farm everyday to work. They worked all day for food. My family treated them well and fed them hot meals everyday. Grandpa Ruben said that these men were grateful. And; after the war, most of the German prisoners didn't want to leave.
The people of Auburn didn't start learning how to love their neighbor after the tragedy in December 1961, but because of their character, belief and faith pre-existed BEFORE the tragedy, they were able to survive it and move on to experience more blessings and joyful times afterward. They had/have the fortitude to count their blessings regardless of their loss. And, I am not attempting to write that they didn't experience a great deal of loss and grief after the tragedy because many didn't readily express their grief to others. They did grieve. But, one does not grieve in the absence of love. That is an oxymoron. They grieved greatly BECAUSE they loved. However; the love for others never ended, so this was their empowerment to move forward.
If anyone of you readers have not read the book titled; THE POWER OF POSITIVE THINKING, I highly recommend it. The author is: Norman Vincent Peale.
Best wishes to all.
Posted by Felicia (Alles) Trecek on January 30, 2007 01:25 PMI am from Houston, Texas... we have two sons attending college at Colorado State University so we like reading the news in norhern Colorado. I came acoss The Crossing- an important historical story. It is indeed Pulitzer prize worthy with it's poetic and haunting verse.
The videos are heartwrenching at times but they also are uplifting. The people of Auburn were the soul of America- these were families united in tragedy but who survived due to their love of community, their oneness with the land and their profound love of family. The lost children, the survivors and their families are the spirits of the West. I do agree that a celebration of life and a permanent memorial marker needs to be placed in memory of the children. I hope to hear one day that this memorial event has happened and I look forward to reading each chapter of this excellent documentary. Lil Purvis
I was beginning my senior year in Sterling,Colorado when this happened. It was very close to us as we shared lifestyles, school contacts, heck, we used to go to Greeley to run around and have fun & the Greeley kids would come to Sterling to do the same. Of course we had our inter-school rivalries but still we had many firiends in the area. I met Duane Harms and many others later on, I was in the rodeo scene for a while as were many others from the area. I am amazed that so many have managed to go on with their lives and not let the trauma of that day destrory their lives as it would have many others. They are a strong bunch of people and suffered more that one day than many of us will see or have seen in a lifetime. Kudoes to RMN for delivering this series!
Posted by Larry on January 30, 2007 10:56 AMOn December 14th, 1961, I was the morning announcer on KFKA in Greeley. We were the first of the media to learn of the accident about 20 minutes after it occurred. I immediately alerted others at the station and our staff dispersed to various locations to report. Mobile equipment did not exist in those days, so reports came by telephones.
I also informed Associated Press and United Press International and became a feed for those news sources throughout the day.
For the next 17 hours, I helped report updates and was the voice on 40 or more stations and for many newspapers from coast to coast. Other members of our staff responded to as many other media.
I had actually forgotten about the accident until the series in the News. The first day, I cried for two hours as the events came sharply back to my mind.
This series also reconnected me with a radio colleague that I have not seen in 40 years. His son was born that day and he was torn between the need to be with his wife and baby and the need to cover the accident. As Farm Director for the station, he knew many of these families.
I anxiously look forward to reading about the participants in this tragedy and how it has shaped their lives.
Larry Sears
6264 S. Grant Street
Centennial, CO 80121
(720) 524-0440
This article had me hooked from the beginning. When I started reading the Crossing, memories came back to me. I was only 4 at the time but I remember my Mom and Dad talking about the accident. We lived in Windsor. I don't remember any details, but I remember the sadness expressed by Mom and Dad. I think this story is a reminder of how precious each life is, and how we should love people now!
Posted by David on January 30, 2007 10:13 AMIt was so good to read the interview with the Larsons today. I emailed Alice to say that one of my fondest memories of them was of a trip they took my sister and me on with their girls. I don't know how they put up with us, feet hanging out the back of the station wagon, waving at strangers,etc. All those teenage girls in a car!!
The description of Linda bringing the cows home made me smile. That is exactly how I would have pictured her, plus her confidence in Steve's ability to bring the car home.
And your description of the Larsons--Juanita and Art-- is accurate. I never saw anything but complete joy in their children. How lucky the girls were.
Mr. and Mrs. Larson, Nancy, Linda, Alice--I'm so sorry that this is the first time I've been able to learn much about Steve. We knew you lost him, but we, too, were afraid to bring up sadness by talking about it. He should be remembered. Thank you so much for sharing the memories. I'm sorry I never met him.
I know that ideas about healing were different in those days. We all do the best we can with our families, and I am honored to have lived next to your family and to know you.
Posted by Diana on January 30, 2007 08:01 AMThe stories and photos are Pulitzer-worthy. They're not about trains or school buses, or who's to blame. They're about living life by the minute. And being able to laugh out loud, as you look back ... as Jaunita Larson does today. If you want to know what life's about, ask her.
Posted by Dick Dedrick on January 30, 2007 07:59 AMI have to say that this is an intense series. I got hooked as soon as I read the first chapter. I drove a school bus for several years and the thought of this story makes my hair stand on end. I was only 9 at the time of the accident, not living in the immediate area, but I remember my mom talking about it. I think she spoke of it because her own children rode a school bus.
I want to thank all who have given of themselves to work on this series. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Amy, it would be an honor to be able to go to the location and give my respects to all involved.
May God Bless each of you.
I have to say that this is an intense series. I got hooked as soon as I read the first chapter. I drove a school bus for several years and the thought of this story makes my hair stand on end. I was only 9 at the time of the accident, not living in the immediate area, but I remember my mom talking about it. I think she spoke of it because her own children rode a school bus.
I want to thank all who have given of themselves to work on this series. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Amy, it would be an honor to be able to go to the location and give my respects to all involved.
May God Bless each of you.
I have to say that this is an intense series. I got hooked as soon as I read the first chapter. I drove a school bus for several years and the thought of this story makes my hair stand on end. I was only 9 at the time of the accident, not living in the immediate area, but I remember my mom talking about it. I think she spoke of it because her own children rode a school bus.
I want to thank all who have given of themselves to work on this series. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Amy, it would be an honor to be able to go to the location and give my respects to all involved.
May God Bless each of you.
Dear Flynn,
I hope the engineer did more than just two "toots". (Perhaps that was his understated description of what he did.) [I would have blasted all the way to impact.]
I presume (hope) that the enginner blew the proper --.- (long, long, short, long) blasts required upon approach to grade crossings.
Usually they even exaggerate the blasts when approaching non signalled grade crossings when vehicles or pedestrians are present.
They know how long it takes to traverse from one point to another.
They also know every grade crossing.
So I doubt their attention was diverted elsewhere but to the crossing.
But I wonder how the bus driver missed hearing the train horn.
Did the engineer blow too early?
That would be unforgivable, especially when you see a bus.
I was in my fathers truck on the crossing just down the track. If I had not rolled down the window of the truck my father Art Larson and I would have been hit by the train. My whole life has been spent with that grief. My sister and I were not to talk about the wreck or our brother. Mom said it would harm Alice in her healing. So it never was said, thank you for writing the story. It will be healing for all of us who have been left behind. For better or worse the event of Dec 14 1961 formed who I am today.
Posted by Nancy Larson-Slater-Walker on January 29, 2007 09:32 PMDGS: I don't remember how long after the accident that the bus was moved, but my dad took me to a fenced in lot where the bus pieces were taken that I assumed was CSHP (State Patrol), or a fenced lot of a truck dealership..........my recollection is fuzzy about that. The lot was fenced because you could not get close to the bus and I remember the hanging pieces of metal jutting out toward the back where the train plowed through.
Then my memories shift to the funeral at St. Paul's Congregational Church and how sad the whole holiday season was that year with all the loss and heartache.
This series certainly has captivated me like many others - It has given me a better understanding of all the little pieces that could have or did fall into place to result in this tragedy. I think the series is well done, as well as the brief videos.
Posted by Randy on January 29, 2007 09:25 PMTo Mary and all the other family survivors and friends. I can only imagine how horrible it is to relive these memories - I can only hope that through your sharing, other lives will be saved and maybe, just maybe, people will realize that "tomorrow is promised to no one" and that we must love eachother while we have the chance. While in Old Town Arvada this weekend, the train went by and I got chills like never before. I never knew about this accident, but I know that I will never forget it, or forget the brave people who shared their stories and the reverant way it was shared by such great writers. I hope that all these videos and stories are store on DVD so that after this story is told, it can be shared with future generations. Thank you again, and I am so sorry for your loss.
Posted by Heidi on January 29, 2007 08:54 PMMy mothers cousin was Bobby Smock, my mother is Wanda Myers, her aunt was Dorothy, Bobby's mom. This series has drawn me in, my mother has talked about it my whole life but to read it in a moment to moment setting has just amazed me. I wonder if people with remember and greive after 45 years after Columbine. I hope as this series goes on I will see something from my mothers family and their perspective as after my great grandmothers death our family fell apart. I want to thank the writer of this series as you have brought alot to life for me and my mother who was only 10 at the time of the accident. Thank you.
Cathi Clark in Wray Colorado, for the family I was Cathi Henry.
I did take Mary Brantner's advice on emailing Kevin. In my mind, this series has touched me so much that I just felt that I wanted to go there when the series ended to have a moment of silence and reflect. I know citizens of Colorado stood together that day and we will still stand for our own 45 years later. My email address is Amysuesq@aol.com if anyone would like to join in the plan.
Posted by Amy on January 29, 2007 08:16 PMRandy, I had three cousins on that bus, I was 9 at the time. You said you saw that bus at the CSHP but yet I remmeber behind my school was a bus with books and shoes in the back of it.I know it wasn't the bus because of the damage I have seen. I ran home to tell my Mom about it and then of coarse she set me down and told me what happened. It is driving me crazy, I just keep wondering where all that stuff came from and why it was behind our school. It was an elementary school on 5th st.This is just part of that day I can't clear up in my mind.
Posted by dgs on January 29, 2007 07:58 PMMy family and I moved into a house across the road from the Ford's and across the field from the Larson's. This was after the accident and after the track crossing was adjusted to a more reasonable angle.
At the time, I never really knew what made that farm available to us, and I was miffed to be torn from a perfectly suitable house on the Godfrey Bottom west of the Auburn area with a great pasture backing up to the Platte and all the childhood space I could want, to a strange, different house without trees or rivers.
But as luck would have it, the house across the field from our new house had a girl the same age as me. And sometimes that is all a kid needs to know. Of course I found out that Alice had been in an accident and was even slightly jealous of the terrific scar on her side and the fact that she had spent time in a hospital. I also knew that she lost her little brother, but somehow my 12 year old mind didn't really wrap itself around such a tragedy nor was it forced to. And so, instead, I spent some great summers doing what young girls do, talking on the phone for hours about nothing, spending the night at each other's houses, planning hayrides, shopping at the JC Penneys for matching dresses (what nerds we were), and sneaking off on double-dates.
The first images I recall seeing of the accident are the ones I'm seeing now. For me the years afterwards aren't colored in sepia tones and they don't come with a meloncholy sound-track, instead I remember Alice, singing Beatle tunes together, and basking in colorful summer days with family all around us.
I, in no way, want to diminish the deep hurt and pain that the loss of those young children created. But I do want to thank my second parents, Art and Juanita, for allowing us the pleasures of youth, and Alice for her dear, dear friendship. Poor and small though our houses may have been - and I'm not so sure they were - there was always room for me with my overnight bag at the Larsons.
My love to you,
Gayle
Amy, I agree and count me in. I was born in 1962 and as I mentioned earlier my parents lived in Brighton at the time but grew up and worked the fields in Gilcrest, Ft. Lupton, LaSalle etc. Both my parents remember this tragedy and are still touched by it. They now live in Texas and my dad & mom have been reading the Rocky Mtn. News on line everyday since and are too moved by this story and memory. I would like to take part in a memeorial service or further more......Yes, use all resources and info. to find out how we and or others can help to have a permanent memorial set in place to Remember all lost and all NEVER TO BE FORGOTTON! Rose pardo2003@msn.com Mary, Randy, Alles family and Ford Family, all families who have shared and who will continue to share this story, Thank You and God bless.
Posted by Rose on January 29, 2007 06:46 PMI have just learned about this whole devestating crash and i feel for all the families i cant inmagine all those kids dying at that age that would be like me dying right now. I went to the road where this happend today and saw the refth. I am willing to make a big deal out of this whole thing cause i feel more people need to know what happend on that day!
p.s it was no ones fault it was an acedent and we all make them!
Mckenzee Diekman ,13
I have lived in CO all my life, that the time of the accident I was almost 4. My parents told me about it later on in life and if I remember right my grandfather was at the site. When I started school we started at Delta then were moved to East Memorial School.
After reading the first few days I have now found the answers to some long time questions of mine. One was why was did the school have the name East Memorial now it makes since.
I used to deliver the Greeley Tribune out east of LaSalle and would cross the tracks on CR 43 I always had a strainge feeling in that area, now I know why.
My heart goes out to all the familys and friends, I know a few of the familys as did my dad, he was a horse shoer and traveled out in that area alot.
I also think a memorial at the site is a good idea, may the children NEVER be forgotten. If there is anything I can do to help with this let me know. farmsweetie1958@yahoo.com
Mary,
I remember your family well, Your Dad & Bobby would bale our hay most of the time, we had a couple of summer picnics at your parents place. Many memories,, I think I was at Greeley Central in 68-69, I think you were on the bus in the afternoon.
I remember Diana, Deeny, The Geisicks, Bindells, we lived in front of Larsons for years.
I was on the church bus that Loretta Ford talked about today, and in Chapter 5, remember Bruce, and Glenn.
God bless,
Daryl Neukirch
As a native I was only seven at the time . What an awsome story. It is captivating and insightful. What ever happened to engineer Sommers and his fireman? They had to almost be first on scene! I hope we get to see some more survivors. It really helps to be able to put a face with a name.
Posted by Richard on January 29, 2007 02:33 PMBetter yet Amy get Mr. Vaughan and the paper to help you out on this . The press can be a powerful tool . And these guys seem driven enough by this story to do something . Email him with your ideas. Can't hurt and maybe you can organize something nice for the families .
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 29, 2007 01:48 PMAmy your idea is a noble one. But the spot is still owned by the rail road . It's in their right of way area . You would need to check with them and make sure they did not mind . And you would probly also need to check with the county because where rail road right of way ends the county road begins. There was talk back on the 40 th. anniversery as to getting a marker put there . But I don't think they where given permission to . Maybe if enough of you joined in you could get one done.
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 29, 2007 01:42 PMI was only seven in 1961 and don't remeber this tragedy. I have been so moved and so appreciative of this piece. I want to thank the families for their willingness to share their stories. Its not often that we have the opportunity to look back on a local tragedy such as this and hear how those involved are doing now, and what they went through on that December day in 1961. I look forward to opening the paper every morning and reading the next chapter.
Posted by Kay Wall on January 29, 2007 12:48 PMI understand there is a wreath laid at the spot where it happened. When this series ends, perhaps those of us following the story, could meet out there to lay some flowers and have a moment of silence. This happened before I was born, but I would still like to pay my respects. The series ends in March so perhaps we can use that timeframe to go visit the site and reflect. If anyone is interested in this idea, lt me know.
Thank you!
Dear Mr. Gift
My point was that the engineers should have blown the horn more than the standard two toots when they realized the bus was starting over the tracks unaware of the train.
I mentioned a "map" because of the fact that the train was late, trying to make up for lost time, and the engineers might have been calculating time / distance from their position to Denver. The point being, there are many little things that could have distracted the engineers for a few seconds.
Felicia is right road 43....I have not been out there for a few years so I had forgotten the number . She still has family out there . For those of you that do make the trip out there , there is a wreath close to the spot. Every christmas someone puts one there in memory for the kids. Even though Dad retired in "78" , we still stayed close to all the people out there. Most have retired and some are passed from us . And there are a few who had kids or grand kids who wanted to try farming .
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 29, 2007 10:57 AMI lived mostly in the midwest in college and farm towns. Even though Greeley is the biggest town i have lived in for the last 30 years it seems the smallest. This is not a negative just that i am trying to understand a community that i will be a part of until i die. I don't expect to move from Greeley.
It is that Greeley and the area is so close knit that i find most interesting. I know people here whose families have lived on the same peice of land for over 100 years. I grew up in the suburbs and we moved every 2 years. My mom grew up in a town in Pennsylvania where her family has lived since 1789. Since i have never experienced this i find it compelling to say the least.
Thanks for the welcome.
Posted by earl on January 29, 2007 10:38 AMTo Earl who said the he moved to Greeley in "95" and finds it interesting and hard to understand. I'm curious where you lived before. I have heard people say this of the entire Denver area. That people in Denver are different. That's always puzzled me. I've lived here all my life and from this article and many others showing the life of Coloradoans if there's one thing I've learned is that we are a close knit community no matter how large we grow (and heaven knows we've grown). The fact that there are still so many in the area that survived this terrible accident, and so many more that remember where they were at the time tells me that natives to Colorado tend to remain natives and we continue to pull together through the hard times and the good. I welcome Earl and all those who are new to this beautiful state that we have called home for so long. I hope that you have as many happy colorful years here as I have. I also hope that all of you take to heart a little bit of what it means to live in Colorado from this touching series.
Posted by laura on January 29, 2007 10:20 AMI would like to correct Mary on the roads she mentioned to get to the site of the accident. Go east out of LaSalle on road 50 to Road 43, not Road 41 as she said. Turn left on 43.
Posted by on January 29, 2007 08:19 AMToday's video took my breath away. The strength shown by Mrs. Ford and her sons was amazing. My heart goes out to them. My heart goes out to all of them.
Posted by Amy on January 29, 2007 07:49 AMDear Flynn,
It is likely that the engineer DID blow the proper --.- grade crossing whistle blasts.
I have ridden in passenger train locomotives and they always watch when approaching crossings, especially ones without signals. They also watch at places where people illegally cross, and at bridges where there may be trespassers.
My earlier post questioned if the engineer blew too early, so that the last long blast concluded too far away before they arrived at the crossing. Even if so, I assume the two extra "toots" would have filled in that gap.
I don't know why they would be looking at maps. They go where the track takes them.
I'm told there was good visibility far down the straight track.
The bus driver (WE ALL) should expected a train at ANY TIME from EITHER direction.
As one of the surviving victims of this tragedy I must compliment Kevin on his outstanding writing, and thoughtful presentation of this story. When Kevin first contacted me last fall, I wasn't sure I wanted to open old wounds, but felt that it was a story worth telling.
Mary, my heart goes out to YOU. My first thoughts were of your Mother and Father, and the hardships they have endured. I know how hard this must be on your mom, and I know that she is thankful that you are there for her. That morning, your dad put me in his car, and I rode along as those seriously injured were rushed to the hospital. I will always remember that drive, and the courage of your dad that morning.
You never really had a chance to know Mark, Kathy and John. All you know of them lies in old photographs, and the memories of those around you.
Thank you, Mary, for standing strong and supporting this series.
Posted by Randy Geisick on January 28, 2007 09:28 PMI am following this series with great interest. Although I grew up in an adjoining state, it was a similar rural area. I feel empathy with all the victims of this tragedy, being in the same age group as the kids in that bus. I look at the pictures of those children and see myself and my own young schoolmates of years ago. The young faces, the "hairdos" and the clothing styles -- that was my life too, long ago.
I watch the "seconds from disaster" program on TV, which made me think about the chain of events which led to this tragic accident. Of course, Mr. Harms is ultimately responsible, but to heap all blame on him is unfair, I think.
First, why didn't the engineers blow the whistle more than "a few short toots", if they were watching the bus from when it was approaching the crossing until collision? They hoped the bus full of children would stop? I would have been blasting the horn continuously! IMO, the engineers weren't really looking down the tracks during those critical few seconds, and they came up with their version of the story as a "CYA".
Second, that too is understandable and all too human. How easy it would be for the engineers to NOT be watching the tracks ahead for just a few seconds, to be occupied with something else -- stirring cream into their coffee, looking at a map, etc. etc.
Third, Mr. Harms was not expecting a train at that time, since there never was before a train at that time, especially travelling at 79 MPH. He looked down the tracks habitually, but, not expecting to see anything, he didn't.
Fourth, since Harms thought all was well, he leisurely closed the door, put the bus in low gear, gently engaged the clutch and began the slow crawl across the tracks at part throttle, accelerating gently. I can imagine 15 seconds or so elapsing from when he looked down the tracks until collision. That gives a train travelling at 79 mph the chance to travel 1740 feet. That's nearly 600 yards. That's well over a quarter mile. Perhaps the train was obscured by telephone poles, being that far away.
Fifth, If the train's horn HAD been blasting, harms could have realized his mistake, floored it, and easily picked up the critical 63 inches.
Please don't blame humans for being only human.
May God bless all of you who've been affected by this tragedy.
Posted by Flynn on January 28, 2007 08:49 PMCORRECTION:
In my previous post, I typed the accident occurred December 1941. Sorry for the typo. I meant to type 1961. Sorry if I confused anyone.
Thank you for your reply, Tony! I'm anxiously awaiting the next piece of the series. I am subscribed to the paper on weekends but I read the online version everyday. I'd rather read this series online anyway so I may participate in the discussion.
I agree that 33 parts is the only way to get the magintude of the story across. When we think about how many lives were affected and still are to this day. I would read this story top to bottom even if it lasted a year. It is a well written series.
I wonder if this is the same piece of track that runs through Eastlake, Colorado? I know the old grain building in Eastlake used to load grain on trains to the Greeley area.
Posted by Amy on January 28, 2007 06:32 PMI have lived in Greeley since 1995. I find it one of the most interesting and hard to understand places i have ever lived in my 47 years. I first heard this story 9 or 10 years ago, probably on the anniversary of the accident in the Greeley Trib. But not until this series has it captured my attention. After reading the many comments I am sure it does create painful memories and for that i am sorry for the families. Does this story need to be told again? Maybe not but maybe it does in order to provide an understanding of how the everyday all of a sudden can explode into something that we can't understand whether its a personal tragedy or one that affects an entire community.
I drove out to the site this morning around 10am. A wreath hung on a fence post. I walked up to the tracks and looked east and then west and tried to imagine what had happened.
Posted by earl on January 28, 2007 05:59 PMThis post is to answer two previous questions posed by NIKKI on 01/28/07 @ 3:50 pm. The questions restated are: 1) WHERE IS AUBURN? 2) WHERE EXACTLY DID THE ACCIDENT OCCUR? WHAT IS THE EXACT LOCATION?
Firstly, where is Auburn?
Auburn is a community, not a town. Auburn is in the rural area of Greeley. The Auburn community received it's name from the Auburn sugar beat dump. There use to be sugar beet dumps along side the RR tracks in all the rural communities because that is where the farmers in the rural country use to take their sugar beets for shipment on the RR cars. The dumps had scales and elevators. And, each dump had a name. Why that particular dump in that area was named, Auburn, I don't know. But, that was the name of the sugar beet dump for the area where the bus accident occurred. I assume the names of the sugar beet dumps were identifying names for individual areas in the old days. At least, it was for this area where the bus/train wreck occurred. Because Auburn was the name of the sugar beet dump that was located east of road 45 and south of road 54, the name of the old local school that is located on the NE corner of roads 43 and 54 was also named Auburn. (My father and grandfather attended the old Auburn school. And, I lived the first 12 years of my life a 1/2 a mile from the old Auburn school.)
Secondly, where exactly did the accident occur?
The accident occurred on rural road 52 at the RR crossing before the intersection of rural road 43. (Road 52 runs east and west, and road 43 runs north and south.) A few years after the accident (exact time/year, I don't know), part of road 52 was moved. I assume it was relocated because of the sharp angle it had to the railroad crossing. (The RR crossing was too dangerous.) If you query the roads on MAPQUEST.COM, you can see that there is now a jog in road 52. Road 52 primarily runs east and west, but now bends south-west along side of the RR tracks until it intersects with road 43. The bend parallels the railroad tracks and doesn't cross the tracks at all now. Road 52 (east of 43) now intersects with road 43 further south. You can turn on road 43 heading north (from road 52) where you then cross the RR tracks. Road 43 runs north and south and does not have a sharp angle to the RR tracks as like the old road 52 did where the bus crossed on December 1941. Now - for example; if you want to continue driving from the east heading west on road 52, you have to make a right turn on road 43 heading north, cross the RR tracks and then turn west back onto road 52.
Nikki...take road 50 east out of LaSalle .go about 2 miles east and turn left on road 41. 50 t-bones into 41 so you can't miss it . Go north another 2 or three miles until you reach road 52 . The train tracks are right there next to the road. Go east and you will see a small bend in the road. That is where the crossing used to be . You will see three farm houses about 150 ft way . The one on the left is where the Bindel family lived . The biggest house on the right is the old Brantner farm . We sold it in "78" .
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 28, 2007 05:13 PMI'm a weekend subscriber with the Post as my primary paper. That means I get the News on Saturday and the Post on Friday, Sunday and Monday. When I read the Saturday installment, I was instantly hooked.
This is a story of tragedy and healing in a small community and how events from 45 years ago affect people today. We have just seen the beginning. It will be interesting to see how tose tentacles will unwind over the next 28 segments. I expect that readers will be rewarded with their patience.
It is remarkable to see notes here by Mary Bratner and relatives of the Alles family. We know that those who were personally affected may find it difficult to relive this horrible experience and are so grateful that you are willing to share it with us here.
Now we need to recognize the insight of John Temple. This is the kind of writing that separates reporting from journalism. This kind of work takes a major commitment of the editor and staff to this project - Kevin Vaugh worked full time on this project. If you are hooked on this one, I would encourage readers unfamiliar with the works to read projects of similar scope - the first being the Pulitzer Prize-winning "Final salute" and the follow up "Wake for an Indian warrior". Works like these must make for long lists of applications from internships and journalism graduates.
Thanks.
Posted by Tony on January 28, 2007 03:50 PMWho would write a story and not even mention the excat loaction. what is the county road. where is Auburn, CO? I live in LaSalle and I have no idea where the location is. Why did you show presant day pictures of the location?
Posted by NIKKI on January 28, 2007 03:24 PMThis story had to be told...because if it causes just one bus driver to think twice about opening his door, looking both ways, listening carefully and being attentive to oncoming trains then it was worth the ink. May all who think it was a waste of "news print" imagine your son or daughter, grandson or granddaughter, nephew or neice, stepson or stepdaughter, being on that bus! God bless all the families and thank you RMN for publishing a long overdo story.
Does anyone know where the accident happened, the exact loacation present day?
Posted by Nikki on January 28, 2007 03:05 PMDoes anybody know if we will be reading anything about the passengers in the train at the time of the accident? I can imagine the sorrow they fell also.
Posted by Terry on January 28, 2007 02:26 PMAmy,
The Rocky Mountain News publishes Monday through Saturday. Under a JOA, The Rocky Mountain News publishes on Saturday (the Denver Post does not) while on Sunday the Post publishes (and the Rocky Mountain News does not).
Posted by Tony on January 28, 2007 02:23 PMWhy wouldn't you release the sixth chapter on Sunday?
Posted by on January 28, 2007 02:06 PMIn response to Mr. Harms the last information we in Greeley knew is he was living in California and didn't wish to discuss the incident. This was in the mid-90s when the Greeley Tribune did an article on the accident.
Forty-five years after the accident it is so easy to point fingers and volly platitudes about who's at fault. Except for the survivors none of us were there nor experienced the accident first hand. As for Mr. Harms, a jury acquitted him of involuntary manslaughter. That action by a jury of Weld County residents put a period on the blame game for many. The community wanted to move forward, heal and continue with their lives in peace.
I agree with with many of the families who said it was providence.
In the aftermath Weld County and the residents of the Auburn did the best they could to move forward with a positive attitude. They moved the road, removed the crossing and made the area indistinquishable from the surrounding farms. If you didn't know for sure where it happened you couldn't find it today based upon just photos and such. In short they put a period at the end of a very tragic sentence and moved forward.
Thank you to Mary and others that were victim to this tragedy or knew someone in this tragedy for participating in the discussion even though it is painful. I value your comments as we move through the series. Having someone so close to this tragedy answer our questions makes it more understandable as we try to comprehend the magnitude of this tragedy. As another poster said, thank you for letting us into your lives as you share this painful episode.
Does anyone know what days the series will run on? I didn't see a chapter today yet I cannot find a timeline on which days a new part will run.
Do not blame the train's speed.
Entirely bus driver's fault.
If train is slower, people complain about waiting a RXR crossings.
Also, longer trip for passengers.
50 or 80 mph likely would have same deaths and injuries.
Easy NOT to be on tracks when a train coming.
Did Engineer Sommers finish blasting horn too far away from the crossing? That he added "two short toots" indicates he sounded horn too early - to far away.
Still, driver should have done what was necessary to SEE any trains;
open window, open door and get out and look, etc.
Leonard...I have sent you an email with info. Any one else who knows my other brothers and sisters and leave notes here. I will make sure they get the message. My niece and brother Paul also check or read this story every day too. Thank you to all who show concern over Mom . And thanks to all for the love, care and sympathy we have been sent.
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 28, 2007 08:55 AMIt takes a special talent to take such a tragic event as this accident and write the story as you have done here. Factual, hearteflt, respectfull, sympathetic are just a few of the words that decribe this story and how you are presenting it to those of us that knew nothing of this tragic days events before now. Thank you for your wonderful journalism talents Kevin!!! After reading through some of the comments on this story I can't help wonder why some people would still prefer to focus their attentions and energy on the "Who should we blame" attitude. This story though very tragic for all involved, and probably hard to relive through this story, is still an eye opener for all of us. I have two small Grandchildren one of which will be starting school in a couple of years and no doubt both of those Granchildren will ride a school bus at some point. Instead of still focusing today on the " Who Should We Blame" maybe the better thing to do is focus on teaching our children and Grandchildren alike about safety in all forms of transportation. That's what I will do. This story should be a reference point for all of us....Wake up, take notice, and pay attention, and always be safe and aware of our surroundings! May God Bless you and keep you all Safe!
Posted by Deb Thompson on January 28, 2007 08:26 AMMary Brantner,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts with everyone. I went to College High with your sister Susie. I was in the air force when the accident happened and came home to Greeley 2 weeks later on leave and remember how the whole town was saddened by that event. It was even colder then... 30 below zero, and somehow it seemed apporpriate.
I had been to you house once the previous sping but didn't get to meet your dad, after crying my way through chapter 5 I wish I had, I know I would have like him a lot!
Would you mind contacting me at minkel1@msn.com? I have not seen or talked to you sister since then and would like to get in touch.
'The Crossing' is an intriguing and heart wrenching story detailing events I had never known about. I am a CO native having grown up in the Hudson area in Weld County. I am in my late 30s now and started attending elementary school in 1974. No one ever mentioned this story to me. I went to UNC for three years and again I never heard about this incident.
I am fortunate to know about it now and can not wait for the next edition of the story to come out. It is as suspenseful as any thriller but all real and tragic.
This is not to minimize the loss of the families but to praise the superior writing style of this series. It brings it to life as though I am there on that bus.
I can not imagine how terrifying this must have been to have a train slam into your school bus at 79 mph.
No wonder my school bus drivers always opened the door and looked extra carefully down the tracks even with crossing gates present.
Posted by Cynthia on January 27, 2007 10:25 PMI have been reading some of the other entries and I have to say that we are talking about more than 37 people that were in the accident and their families in the series. So to me 33 parts is just going to cover some of the story. I think that the author had one thing in mind when he decided to write this story. To tell a caring community how an accident can effect so many people for their whole lives. I think that the way that they set it up to be a series and not just a long, one time story was a great idea.
Posted by Michelle on January 27, 2007 10:11 PMI am very thankful for this story. My mom and her family lived in the area and knew many of the kids on the bus. In a way I feel that I am getting a piece of their past that hurt too much for them to talk about. My heart goes out to all the families and friends. And the more I read the more I respect the people who could put their pain aside and help the others. I am not sure if people today could pull together like back then.
Posted by Michelle on January 27, 2007 09:40 PMMary and all the other family survivors, friends and townfolk - I can only imagine how very painful it is to rehash this horrible event - yet through your heartache, maybe other lives will be saved. I was in Old Town Arvada yesterday when the train flew by and I got shivers like never before...I will never forget your loved ones, though I never knew them. God speed, let us find joy in remembering the good times, like one person said her grandmother only remebers, and let us learn from the past. Thank you for this tastefully done series. I too look forward to finding out who the prisioner is...
Posted by Heidi on January 27, 2007 08:44 PMNadine...it's okay ...not much of a family secret . My brother has been in for 13 yrs. now. You will hear more from him later in the series . Right now you hear the part where Daddy is most involved . We lost Daddy 2 1/2 years ago. You will also hear more from my mom as they spent a lot of time interviewing her . She is a very strong and loving person. I hope you can understand some of the pain this causes . But I also hope people learn something important here to . Love your family as if it might be the last day you have them . Cherish friends and live life to the fullist . Because you might not have another day .
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 27, 2007 07:40 PMThank you, Mary, for your answer. It just didn't make sense when I was reading it, but now it does. May God bless you.
Deanna--about the prisoner. I know they are wanting to keep it a secret, but I'm pretty savvy with the internet and was very curious. If you go to the Colorado Dept. of Corrections website and to their inmate locator--input the prisoner ID number. You will find out who it is and why he is there. Very tragic situation.... (Sorry if I'm giving away the cliffhanger. I guess I'm the sort that reads the endings first.)
Posted by Nadine on January 27, 2007 07:14 PMI got sucked in to the story while my daughter was making pancakes. She badly needed my help, but the story grabbed me and didn't let go. I was up and down from the table; in and out of the story, but I couldn't let it sit. I felt the cold, I could see the ice crystals on the windows, I felt the bus jerk as it started up, and I couldn't swallow when 16 year old Hembry realized-to late-that a train was coming, suddenly, shockingly and with a sickening realization of what would happen. Kudos to Kevin Vaughn. Those victims are known to me now and not just part of some tragic incident from long ago.
Posted by Birgit on January 27, 2007 05:47 PMMr. Harmes is alive and in california . He to has a sad life with lots of his own pain . My mom wrote him once just before the trial and told him she did not blaim him and hoped he would find peace. She still wishes that for him
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 27, 2007 05:47 PMBB......In Chapter one of the story the gentleman described with the Detroit Tigers cap in California I think is to be Mr. Harmes. It matches his family description. Will probably be brougt up later. Rose
Posted by Rose on January 27, 2007 05:39 PMI am from a small town in Wisconsin and grew up in the 60's. There are a couple train tracks in our little town where trains would go though several time a day. I remember hearing stories of people who tried to beat the train so they would not have to wait. I am not saying that this is the case in this true story, but train track crossing was very dangerous back in the 60's where there was no warning or cross guards going down to prevent one from crossing the track. This story is so incredible that I get up early to get my paper and read it. I think about the families every day. My heart goes out to everybody involved in this tragedy. I am going to read this every day.
Posted by Terry on January 27, 2007 05:36 PMIt angers me the people out there that think that this story is a waste of the News and there are other stories to be told. This was a tragedy and still is. I am a bus driver and this story will really make you think and my kids have read it and have said this story really makes you think. My hats off to everyone who is envolved with this story. Thank You very much for printing it.
Posted by Renee on January 27, 2007 05:28 PMThis story is captivating. While the tragedy is stark and painful for what it was, it also seems to illustrate a defining moment in the change in the Colorado rural way of life. I look forward to reading more to see if this theme continues to be woven into the stories of those impacted by this terrible event.
Posted by tom on January 27, 2007 05:22 PMDeanna....You will find out shortly the answer to your question. But only in part. The writter spent several
days interviewing many members of the families involved. Lets just say he lets out more ghosts then you people could every imagine. Think of it as a real life soap story and there aren't as many happy endings as you might hope for.
I want to thank you for printing The Crossing. I have had to put the article down for awhile today as I could not read through my tears. My heart is broken for all that was and all that could have been. I appreciate all of the families and survivors for letting this story be retold at the cost of dredging up old memories and emotions for each of them. I was born and raised in Denver, I would have been 6 at the time , I never remember hearing about this until now. I pray that we would appreciate the brevity of life and live each day to the fullest. I am a believer in God and His son Jesus, and I am praying for each of the people involved from the Bus driver and his family to the Train driver,the Families whose children died to the ones who survived, that they would find peace... .Thank you for letting us in to your pain.
Posted by juli on January 27, 2007 05:01 PMGawd, hope the pace on this series picks up soon. Tragedy, certainly. But the story-telling is abysmal, especially for those who didn't have time to read the first installment or two. Two pages took us through the mundane chronology of picking up 17 kids, accompanied by 18 photos, even though a notation on the said 20 of 35 passengers were killed. Left unanswered: Did those 17 kids die or live? What about the bus driver? Then we were learn there is another month of this? Get to the point already....
Posted by prima facie on January 27, 2007 04:54 PMPlease reconsider the professional narrator on the next project.
Otherwise, congratulations.
Posted by Kenneth Smith on January 27, 2007 04:33 PMDoes anyone know if Duane Harms is still alive today and where he is living? Can you imagine the emotions he experienced?
Posted by BB on January 27, 2007 04:30 PMDoes anybody know why prisoner 83609 (in the chapter 1 story) is in
prison? The story just said he had bloody bedsheets in the back of his pick up and is into his 12th year of a 40 yr prison sentence
I appreciate, value and share the same faith as Mary Bratners Mom and family. I agree it is all in God's great and mighty plan. I greive for those left behind, the pain those parents, siblings, cousins... felt. Life is fragile, Thank God He is real and we can have eternal life through His Son. I am very touched by this story. Thank you for writing it in a very tasteful manner that we may learn from it. My heart goes out to the families, even after all these years. I was 3 at the time and as I look back over the years, I realize how much life on earth those who died missed. Thank you to the surviving victims for sharing your experience with us and God Bless you!
Posted by Brenda B. on January 27, 2007 03:36 PMI was in high school and remember the crash like it was yesterday. We were called into the gym at Greeley High and told what had happened. Having recently moved into the neighborhood I only knew the Brantners and remember seven weeks later attending the funeral for another son of theres that died in a car accident.. Seven years later I married my husband Gary. He attended Auburn school through the eighth grade before going to College High in Greeley. He farms the spot where the orrigional tracks were. Every summer day he walks or drives this spot . We have talked about it often and when we are next to the tracks we remember those that died there including his two cousins that died that day.
Posted by Susan Alles on January 27, 2007 03:28 PMI feel bad for Mr Harms what an incredible burden to carry. I grew up in a rural town and some fellow students were lost due to the angle of the tracks to the road and they didn't see or hear the train.
Posted by Deanna on January 27, 2007 03:24 PMScott~ It wasn't merely a car accident...
Posted by on January 27, 2007 03:01 PMTo answer Nadine...I'm Kathy Bratners sister and she was up front. The doctors told my mom that Kathy probly died of shock . Her other injurys where not that serious.But the shock was just to much. My brother Mark was in the middle of the bus . He died of massive injuries .
Posted by Mary Brantner on January 27, 2007 02:46 PMThank you, Mr. Vaughan, for researching and writing this powerful story, and thank you, Rocky Mountain News, for printing it.
I was a seventh grader in a small Christian school in Denver when the accident took place. I am the same age as some of the children involved. I do not remember hearing about the crash at the time. I am very moved by getting to read about it now. I hope it will be made available in book form. It's definitely something I want to keep. Even this early in the story, I am amazed by the courage of those who experienced this terrible tragedy.
To those who are reading who are the survivors, whether you were on the bus or are relatives or friends of those who were, may God be very close to you. I know that this sort of pain never goes away.
Posted by Suzanne Wolfram on January 27, 2007 02:25 PMI was born and raised in Greeley. I now live in Loveland. I vividly remember that tragic day. I was the same age as many of the children. My parents knew many of the families. I cried that day and for many days afterwards. I cried again today reading the story and watching the videos.
I worked for Dist. 6 as a young adult in the early 1970's. I started out as a bus aide and then I eventually became a bus driver. Dec. 14, 1961 was on our minds every day that we went to work. As a bus aide I had to get out of the bus at the railroad crossings, look both ways for trains, run across the tracks, then signal for the bus to pull forward. As a bus driver I would stop the bus at railroad crossings, open my door and window, look both ways, watch my aide cross the tracks and look for their signal to cross, and then I would look both ways again before I would precede across the tracks. I would even find myself stopping at crossings in my personal vehicle. Even after I no longer drove a school bus, I would find myself stopping before crossing railroad tracks. I still look both ways before crossing, even though the tracks I cross have guard arms and lights.
I know this story is difficult for the survivors and it is difficult for me to read also, but I think it is important for people that aren't aware of this tragedy to become aware of it. There are so many people here now that have no knowledge of the history of this part of Colorado. They have changed the area, for better or worse. They need to know what true Coloradans are made of; what our families worked long and hard for; what pain we have lived through and with; and the joy and happiness we knew living in a small community that has made this a place where so many people want to live.
To those that think the story is a waste of paper, maybe you should move back to where you came from. You have changed our future, but you can't take our past from us. Dec. 14, 1961 is a day none of us will forget or should forget. If anything, that fateful day made us stronger people, even though we were a close, strong, hard working community before this tragedy occurred.
To the families that lost children, siblings, cousins or friends that day, you have my deepest sympathy to this day and every day forward.
To all that perished Dec, 14, 1961, to those that survived and to those that remember that tragic day, thank you for being a part of a community that I will always cherish.
Three parts, Thirty-three parts or three hundred parts, I will continue to read this story. It has captivated me and as a mother of young children riding our present day school bus, it has broken my heart. I cannot imagine the pain these families went through and still go through today. There is much to be taught with this story and not just in the sense of bus/train accidents. The lessons taught here can be how precious life is, how a community can pull together, how one human can help another, how we can address present day school bus safety. I realize that modern day crossings have automated arms but even those can fail at times. I also realize that many people speed through school zones and run school bus stop signs as children are boarding. Please, please open your mind to all aspects of this story and apply the lessons to modern times so we will not suffer one more lose of any child to an accident. My heart goes out to the familes and communities that were affected by this tragedy.
Posted by Amy on January 27, 2007 01:57 PMI cannot comprehend why some of the comments are so vitriolic and hateful. The Rocky Mountain news is merely doing a very tasteful and well written series on a historic envent in the life of our Colorado Family. If you don't like the series please keep your hateful rhetoric to yourself.
I lived many years in Weld County not far from the location of the accident. This event was something that has left a very emotional impact on the entire area. The Rocky and the Greeley Tribune are doing a excellent service by providing a new generation a glimpse into an event which impacted a generation of Weld County residents in one way or another.
Posted by Nick G on January 27, 2007 11:59 AMI have lived in Co for 45 years and never heard of this terrible accident. I work in an elementary school and yesterday really looked at one of my classes. I can't even start to understand what the impact it would be to lose 22 children.My heart goes out to the families, community, and all of the people this touched and changed forever. The families,the writers that have brought this to us, thank you. When I send my only child off to school each day, I give her a bigger hug and tell her how we love her, and pray for her to return home safe again at night. Thank you.
For the people that have time to write and say that it's too long of a "story", shame on you. Don't read it.
Can anyone tell me--they said there was one person who survived that was seated in the back--who was that? Was it the Stromberger girl? (I thought they said she sat in the back and I know she survived.) Also, I don't understand how the Brantner girl didn't survive, when girls on either side of her lived. Is that correct? I guess the story doesn't make that clear. Did anyone die who was seated in the front half of the bus? (The seating portion of the story is sort of confusing.)
To those who are ranting about this story being 33 parts--don't read it! I can't believe the whack jobs who are posting here. It's like they need any opportunity to put on their tinfoil hats and rave on about politics and Iraq. Find the proper forum for this.
The story has been written. That cannot be changed. The tragedy happened, and that cannot be changed. What I experience when I read the story isn't about a morbid curiosity. The backside of this story is about strength, rebuilding, not healing, but the healing over of scars that will never go away. I don't think it's ever useful to denegrade somone's efforts to tell a story, even if it is an old one. It's about respecting things that we take for granted every day. It's about waking us up to awareness about train tracks and many other things like charging red lights, tailgating, and reading about how a moment of
time can change things forever, in an instant. Whenever I see a car, van or bus speeding down the highway, or charging a red light with young children in car seats...or God Forbid, racing across the train tracks in Sedalia for fear of being trapped waiting for the train...This story should hit home. I don't see where blame could be passed on anyone in this story, and no one has given me permission to judge it on what I have read. We get so mechanical in our regulations, we don't hear the voice that tells us each time we shudder to a stop at a yellow light, that someone in a mini-van, late to soccer practice might be
coming our way to ruin the day. We either prudently stop, or the alternative is to charge on through. These things that happen every day are in no way, the SAME as this bus story, but it is about getting up every day, and protecting our lives and the lives of those we love, and even further, protecting the lives of other people we don't even know. What a tragedy...but what a story! This story has made an impact on me. And it reminds me to "take care". If it had to be written, then I want to share that I have benefited from it.
I was teaching English at Evans High School on December 14, 1961. I did not lose any of my students in this tragedy, but I clearly remember a large number of students being called out of my class who had brothers, sisters, or cousins on that bus. I will never forget the feeling I had when news of the accident finally reached me. There was no Christmas in Greeley that year - no decorations, no parties, no joy - only grief and sadness. My husband and I drove out to the scene several months after the accident. We just sat there trying to imagine how such a tragedy could have happened. I am now in my late 60's, but this is an experience I will never forget.
Posted by Sharon Hartenbach on January 27, 2007 08:19 AMRocky Mountain News, thank you for this great piece of journalism. Let no one ever forget the power of the press, -- television will never be its equal.
Posted by Mamie Watts on January 27, 2007 07:45 AMThis is a powerful story that needs to be told as a reminder to each of us how incredibly important our friends and family are. Jobs are not. Clothes are not. What we drive or what we wear is not. What we weigh or how we wear our hair just does not matter. This story is a wonderful and tragic reminder of what we need to value. We all need to love our families. Love our friends. Do our jobs to live our lives, but not to become our lives.
Thank you to the Rocky Mountain News and the Greeley Tribune for this truly painful and important story. May we never forget how precious and fragile life is. May God bless and keep every person involved in this horrific accident and its aftermath.
Hogar...what an idiot you are to try to correlate the circumstances of 45 yrs ago to today....I suggest you spend time to read the history of Mr. Reynolds who had been warned of instigations of road rage and had the opportunity to prevent the convinction of premeditated murder . HE CAUSED THE DEATHS...Intentionally braking in front of the the other vehicle with intention to cause a reaction. You can only hope to take your foot out of your mouth....There is no correlation to then and now!!! I can't believe that you believe that Duane Harms had the intention of inciting a reaction to kill so many children. You are an example of the lunacy of the people who are here that don't understand the incidences of an accident. God forgive you for you idiocy!!!4382497
Posted by jm on January 27, 2007 12:38 AMHogar...what an idiot you are to try to correlate the circumstances of 45 yrs ago to today....I suggest you spend time to read the history of Mr. Reynolds who had been warned of instigations of road rage and had the opportunity to prevent the convinction of premeditated murder . HE CAUSED THE DEATHS...Intentionally braking in front of the the other vehicle with intention to cause a reaction. You can only hope to take your foot out of your mouth....There is no correlation to then and now!!! I can't believe that you believe that Duane Harms had the intention of inciting a reaction to kill so many children. You are an example of the lunacy of the people who are here that don't understand the incidences of an accident. God forgive you for you idiocy!!!4382497
Posted by jm on January 27, 2007 12:36 AMI never heard of this story, but my mother and father grew up and worked on the farms in this rural communites mentioned (Greeley, LaSalle.) I called my dad to ask him about this accident and he explained what he remembered. I am sorry and would embrace all those affected by this tragedy. With all in my thoughts and prayers. I feel it is important to never forget. By bringing this story to the paper brings together many in thought and prayer united in a spiritual way. There was a reason for this story. I cry every day while reading. 33, how interesting or coincidence for that number. God bless all people affected by this accident. Rose
Posted by Rose on January 26, 2007 11:59 PMI have been employed with the Greeley schools now for 3 1/2 years. I only learned of this accident about 4 months ago when I was in East Memorial Elementary and saw the plaque outside the office. The thing that grabbed my heart was the last names that were the same, siblings that lost their lives together. This story has totally engrossed me. To know that I worked in East Memorial Elemtary and didn't know why it was called that, I always wondered why it had its name. Now I know and I certainly won't forget. Thank you RMNs for doing this story!
Posted by Tyler on January 26, 2007 09:04 PMThere were four girls from our church, St. Paul's Congregational Church, who lost their precious lives that tragic morning. Two were cousins of my cousin.
Although I don't remember those girls from Sunday School there, I do remember the loving memorial that hung for years in the Sanctuary of Church - a portrait of Jesus and the children's names on a plaque on the bottom of the portrait.
The combined funeral was very sad.........with all 4 small caskets there. I remember a very sad holiday season as a result of the accident, and I think I appreciated how precious life was and how sad it would be for those parents who lost their children.
I also remember seeing the bus after it was moved to the CSHP lot,and distinctly remember the strands of sheet metal where the train tore through. The recent pictures in the articles bore this out.
I appreciate the stories, photos, videos and documents to help me understand better what happened that day to so many families in our close farming community who lost their beloved children, brothers, sisters, cousins, students, and friends. Although I was probably too young back then to give those families my condolences, I do it now because they should know that there are many of us who remember and until now may not have had the opportunity to let them know how we feel.
I still have questions about whether the train whistle even blew before approaching that crossing.
Posted by Randy on January 26, 2007 08:52 PMMy family never blamed anyone for this accident . My parents always said it was Gods will and we are not to question God . Accidents are just that . If it is your time to go then God will take you. My grandma always told me God needed more angels because it was christmas . And the kids who died where all angels now.
All my Mom asks is that you learn from our pain and not let it happen again.