R.L. Preston - Stetson, Pipe and Boots - Colorados Cattleman Governor: A Biography About Dan Thornton

STETSON, PIPE AND BOOTS

COLORADOS CATTLEMAN GOVERNOR

A BIOGRAPHY about DAN THORNTON

by

R. L. Preston, Ph.D.
Professor Emeritus Texas Tech University

Copyright 2006 Rodney L. Preston

All rights reserved

Copyright 2006 Dr. Rodney L. Preston. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the written prior permission of the author.

Front cover picture courtesy of Zelma Kreuger, Gunnison, CO and Willma Potter, Ridgway, CO

Note for Librarians: A cataloguing record for this book is available from Library and Archives Canada at www.collectionscanada.ca/amicus/index-e.html ISBN 1-4120-7182-8

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Front cover picture courtesy of Zelma Kreuger, Gunnison, CO and Willma Potter, Ridgway, CO

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Contents

This book is dedicated to all of the nations cattle producers who despite both natural and man-made obstacles continue to supply the nation with high quality and nourishing beef in ever increasing quantities for a growing population through improved efficiency, conservation, technology and hard work.

The book is also dedicated to my loving and understanding family.

Probably very few people knew or even heard of I.J. Thornton, but with the name Dan Thornton, the man became well known in many circles for Dan Thornton achieved a very successful and versatile career in his lifetime.

Beginning on a West Texas farm, 4-H club membership, brief college enrollment, marriage, ranching, purebred Hereford cattle and Governor of Colorado, Dan Thornton made his mark. Dan Thorntons most active years in ranching and production of Hereford breeding cattle were from 1937 to 1953 and during those 16 years, the name Dan Thornton became known to others engaged in the cattle industry from coast to coast and in foreign countries due to the great record of producing show-winning entries, high selling cattle and staging some outstanding auctions of that era.

During Dans time, no doubt, it was his main goal to make a really good showing at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, acknowledged as the nations top Hereford event. At Thorntons Gunnison, CO ranch, show cattle were fitted and prepared for the coming show season in the cool mountain air, which stimulated early winter hair growth and improved the appetite of the show cattle. Dans and Jessies cattle provided a great many class winners and championships in the shows of the times but no doubt the 1945 show in Denver was their most sensational peak achievement when two of their bulls sold for a world record price. To say it was sensational would be putting it mildly, for the news echoed throughout the country and in beef cattle producing areas of the world.

After two highly successful dispersal sales, Dan entered the political field, first as a Colorado Senator and then as Governor. Among cattlemen and others, one trait that is generally admired is that of his word. Hes good as his word. You can believe what he says. He gave his word. Such terms are applied to honest, dependable, straight-shooting cattlemen. Often, cattle sales were conducted with a handshake and the guarantee, whether stated or implied, that the animal will be satisfactory as a breeder. These characterized Dans business and political dealings.

One could use many words in describing Dan Thornton but if only one were used it would be FLAMBOYANT. Dan was a master showman of proven ability. To see him, one immediately recognized his characteristic trademarks-the Western cowmans hat and boots, and the ever-present pipe with its oversized bowl.

While I was with the American Hereford Association for 32 years, one of the most appreciated things I experienced was getting to know so many wonderful people in the Hereford industry and to be able to call them by their first name. Dan Thornton was one of these persons.

Bud Snidow

Historian

American Hereford Association

Dr. Rodney Preston has provided an in-depth look at one of Colorados most effective governors, Dan Thornton. Attired in typical wide-brimmed western hat, western-cut jacket, and cowboy boots, and holding his ever-present pipe, Thorntons appearance and manner were that of the relaxed western rancher. Perhaps it was this image of the western rancher combined with his engaging personality and genuine interest in people that enabled him to build relationships that resulted in substantial opportunities coming to the state of Colorado.

Serving during the post-World War II years, a period marked by significant population growth, Thornton helped develop the states defense industries, a strategy that thrust Colorado and the American West into a position of importance during the Cold War era. He implemented a Civil Defense program, lobbied hard for modern highways, including a section of the interstate highway system that was being developed.

He developed a close friendship with Dwight Eisenhower, who spent many weeks vacationing in Colorado, his wife Mamies home state. So close was this friendship that Thornton was mentioned as a nominator of Eisenhower for the presidency at the 1952 Republican National Convention. This friendship with Eisenhower ultimately helped seal the agreement that brought the Air Force Academy to Colorado.

Believing that people should not rely on government for their livelihood, he used his position and influence to promote the states agricultural industries and to promote the recreational opportunities that were burgeoning in the state after the war. He championed Equal Opportunity legislation and reforms in the states penitentiaries and federal purchasing procedures. Very much at the hub of state, regional, and national politics, his activities always focused on building the economic foundations of Colorado.

Dr. Preston provides the reader with details that engage the reader while providing insights into the national context on which the course of Colorados future was set.

Georgianna Contiguglia

President

Colorado Historical Society

Writing a biography like this would not be possible without the assistance of a lot of resources and many people.

First and foremost, I want to acknowledge the Western History/Genealogy section of the Denver Public Library and its well-organized and cataloged Governor Daniel Thornton Collection, the organization of which was made possible by funds from the Caroline Bancroft bequest whose name is well known in Western history circles. The assistance of several people in the Western History section, especially Brent Wagner who was my first contact, is gratefully acknowledged. The Southwest Collection at Texas Tech University was also very useful and the staff there was especially helpful. Bud Snidow, Historian at the American Hereford Association, was extremely helpful in finding items in the Hereford Journal, in sorting out bloodlines for me and in making me aware of other useful contacts. The staff in the Local History Center of the Canon City Public Library was also very helpful and their collection of material on Roy Best was enlightening. Other useful resources include the Colorado Historical Society, the Colorado State Archives, The Record Stockman, the Leslie J. Savage Library at Western State College, the Gunnison Public Library, the Eisenhower Library and the Pasadena Public Library.