Article by Kathleen Thomas
(Posted 2022 May)
Fairfax County is proud to celebrate Older Americans Month in May. The theme for this year’s celebration is "Age My Way." Older adults play vital, positive roles in our communities – as family members, friends, mentors, volunteers, civic leaders, members of the workforce, and more. Just as every person is unique, so too is how they age and how they choose to do it – and there is no “right” way.
We are excited to share the story of one Fairfax County resident who personifies what so many older adults strive for at this point in their lives, aging in place.
Dan Hall celebrated his 105th birthday in February and has lived in the county for 69 years. He was surrounded by family and friends as he blew out the candles on the cake at his house that he proudly built with his own two hands.
“Fairfax County is a good place. Wonderful place to build a house. I made my home here,” he remarked in a recent interview. “I had a good career. Good health care and my best friends are right here.”
Dan purchased 1.119 acres from his supervisor for $800 and started building the foundation in 1953. It took him two years to build the basement of his house while working full-time for what is now called the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority. He covered the basement with roll roofing and lived in it with his wife, Ann, and their son, Roger, for 10 years before he constructed the next level of the home.
Dan still resides in the home he built. A ramp was installed a few months ago to make it easier for him to go in and out of the house. He heats his home with a woodburning stove, and up until a few years ago, Dan split the firewood himself. He says he is happy to be able to live in his home today, surrounded by loving friends and neighbors.
A friendly yet determined and focused man, Dan was influenced by his early life experiences. He is the oldest of five children. His father died when he was very young. Dan attended school until grade 5 when the Great Depression struck, and many families had to make difficult decisions to survive. Dan was sent to live with his grandfather to help on his farm.
“I wasn’t happy to live with my grandfather. It was hard work, and I missed my mother and my siblings,” he recalled.
When Dan was 15, he walked seven miles from his grandfather’s farm to Independence, VA to sign up for the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), a program developed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help alleviate unemployment that was widespread during the Depression. Young, unmarried men were recruited to work in parks and forests doing conservation work such as building roads and bridges, planting trees, stringing new telephone lines and other work.
“I lied about my age because I didn’t want to live on my grandfather’s farm anymore,” he admits. “Even though I was too young, I was able to join. I was paid $30 every month. I sent my mother $25 every month and I kept $5.”
Dan was assigned to Camp #2 at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park. On his second day, the camp leadership discovered he knew how to drive a tractor and that he had a driver’s license. They soon made him a truck driver and bulldozer operator.
He spent six years in the CCC from 1932 – 1938. He met his wife, Ann, during this time at a restaurant where she worked as a hostess. They married in 1940 and moved to Washington, D.C where Dan began a career working as a streetcar operator.
After he retired in 1979, Dan continued to do yard work, wash windows, paint and other odd jobs.
“I worked for a family that owned property in the Seven Corners area.”
After a while, nearby neighbors hired him too.
When asked why he has enjoyed such a long life, Dan chalked it up to a few things. “I have had good health and good neighbors. I take care of myself, no smoking, no drinking. And I’m on the move all the time!”
Dan’s wife, Ann, passed away several years ago but his son Roger and his family live nearby. Dan says he is very lucky to have so many friends and neighbors too.
“I enjoy every day of it as old as I am,” he said. “And I’m looking forward to being 106 years old!”
We honor all older adults for their contributions to our community and for aging their way, everyday!
This article is part of the Golden Gazette monthly newsletter which covers a variety of topics and community news concerning older adults and caregivers in Fairfax County. Are you new to the Golden Gazette? Don’t miss out on future newsletters! Subscribe to get the electronic or free printed version mailed to you. Have a suggestion for a topic? Share it in an email or call 703-324-GOLD (4653).