Longhorn Calves At Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site Get Names: Laverne and Shirley

Longhorn twin calves born earlier this year at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site have been named Laverne and Shirley. NPS photo.

Perhaps it's a nod to the aging Baby Boomers, but a pair of longhorn calves born earlier this year at Grant-Kohrs Ranch National Historic Site have been named after the two female leads from a 1970s sit-com.

Fifteen sets of names were offered as ranch officials mulled what to call the two calves. Most referenced Laverne and Shirley, according to Superintendent Laura Rotegard.

"Laverne is grey and white and Shirley dark red and white. It is a mystery why these two names resonated with so many, but there you have it," said Superintendent Rotegard.

Longhorns are just one of the breeds that historically were present on the ranch, which dates to the mid-1800s and at its heyday encompassed 10 million acres. There also are Shorthorns and Herefords, which were added because they endured Montana's harsh seasons more easily than the Longhorns.