Local man looks back over 101 years of history

Local man looks back over 101 years of history

December 25, 2001

DAN KENNETT makes short work of the candles on his birthday cake, held by granddaughter Mary Lewis, on Dec. 19. Kennett, of Colorado Springs and Dove Creek, celebrated his 101st birthday at Madison House, where he is known for enjoying dancing and visiting with the ladies.

It’s been 101 years of hard work, but Dan Kennett doesn’t mind.

Kennett, who last Wednesday celebrated his 101st birthday at Madison House, said the secret to a long life is to "live one day to the next and hope for the best ... It’s (life’s) been pretty good to me."

Kennett was born to Art and Clara Kennett on Dec. 19, 1900, in Colorado Springs, Colo. His memories of the past century range from the street cars that used to keep Colorado Springs connected, to the many friends he made while homesteading with his mother near Dove Creek.

Kennett remembers Colorado Springs as a "small town," that did not extend nearly as far east as it does today. He also remembers nights spent dancing, and horse races on a hill near the Brookside area. "We’d fall off, but never get hurt," he recalled.

Kennett, who has never used a computer and seldom watches television, also misses simpler times. "The old street cars don’t run any more — that’s what I’d like to see," he said, recounting that they used to run as far as the Broadmoor area of Colorado Springs. As for computers and other technological advances, he prefers to "do things the old-fashioned way."

The homesteading life at Dove Creek suited him just fine. Kennett ran the property with his mother from 1914 to 1920, while his father continued to work in Colorado Springs.

In addition to his horse sense, Kennett one day discovered he had a way with mules. An acquaintance was having difficulty controlling his team, so Kennett "went out and got them, harnessed, hooked them up, and offered the owner a ride. He said, ‘I don’t know what you’ve got on these mules.’ Well, I’ll tell you — I didn’t beat them."

Mules and horses were a necessity in the Dove Creek area at the time, especially for the Kennetts, who found the prices at the Dove Creek supply store more than they could afford. It was less expensive to hitch up a team, and take an entire day to drive it to Dolores for goods. Though time-consuming, Kennett enjoyed it. "It was all fun to me," he said.

"I had lots of friends out there," Kennett said of Dove Creek. "I used to have a good time out there."

The homesteading life came to an end almost as quickly as the claim was "proved up on." Kennett said his father, whose name the property was in, "lost it in a poker game," much to the consternation of his mother.

Kennett was soon off to the lumber yards of Colorado Springs, where he worked for Newton’s Lumber Company for about 50 years, making doors, windows and molding. "Anything for houses and barns, I made," he said. He would spend hours at a machine, which he "had to keep (his) knees going" to work. Although the years have taken their toll on his knees, and he seldom got a vacation, Kennett said he never minded the work.

"Hard work never bothered me — I was young and able to do it."

His love of the woodworking craft is still apparent — Kennett still has the bed he made for his wife decades ago.

It was his marriage to Nellie Dillon in 1924 that Kennett holds as his best memory. "I got a good woman," he said, adding that they often went dancing during their courtship. He has a good family, as well.

Daughter Clara Robinson is "good to me too," he said, and he enjoys being with his grandchildren, who live near Cortez. Granddaughter Mary Lewis teaches in Dolores — a fact that Kennett is quite proud of. He will spend Christmas with his grandchildren, and his daughter, who is coming in from Colorado Springs.

Kennett, who said he misses that city "a little," plans to return one day, but viewed his move to Cortez as an opportunity. "I got a chance to come out here," he said. "I’ve always liked it."

In addition to strong memories, Kennett has strong opinions about political issues. Of World War I, he was adamant: "It was a waste of money. We’re buddies now with the guys we fought against." His views are equally strong concerning the recent conflict in Afghanistan: "I hope they don’t get involved so that they can’t get out of it, like they did in World War I."

Kennett’s outlook on life in general remains positive. "Most people look on being old as a burden," he said. "I don’t. It’s an experience. I’m grateful for it."