1898-2001

Centenarian George Dawson and Octogenarian Francisco de Goya

What did Dallasite George Dawson, 103, who joined the Centenarian Club on January 18, 1998, have in common with the venerable Spanish painter? Well, for one thing, they both lived in the 19^th century – Goya died in the early part, 1828, and Mr. Dawson was born in the latter part, 1898. But more importantly, Mr. Dawson, perhaps unknowingly, epitomized Goya’s now famous painting of a stooped, old man whose kyphosis and arthritis are most obvious.   Walking with the aid of two canes, the old man depicted below was another of Goya’s self-portraits. He entitled this one Aun Aprendo, which translates to "I am still learning." This was significant in that Goya painted this at age 80 while developing the then new technology of lithography – he numbered and signed these works. Thus, "I am still learning" has become a motto for productive aging and lifelong learning.(Read our piece about Lifelong Learners.)

You see, George Dawson -- grandson of a slave and born in a three-room log cabin in Marshall, Texas -- spent the first 98 years of his life learning all sorts of things, but could not read and write. Somehow, he got by. But in 1996, someone knocked on his door. It was a recruiter for the Adult Basic Education Program at the Lincoln Instructional Center associated with the Dallas County Adult Literacy Council. This man, who had signed his name with an "X" for almost a century, went to school. In short order, Mr. Dawson, showed a keen intellect by learning his ABCs and being able to sign his name. He can read, and still attends classes daily. Read this fascinating story by Larry Bingham and photo by Carolyn Bauman, both of the Fort-Worth Star-Telegram.

Mr. Carl Henry, Mr. Dawson’s teacher, in Dallas, and Mr. Dawson were our guests on April 7, 1998, when the HCOA celebrated its 10^th Anniversary. In the audience were many other luminaries – Michael E. DeBakey, M.D., noted cardiovascular surgeon and medical statesman, who, at age 94, still serves Baylor College of Medicine as our Chancellor Emeritus and consults with patients around the world; Senator/Astronaut John Glenn, who at age 77  became the oldest person to circle the earth; and Mrs. Helen Thomas, Senior White House Correspondent, who has queried more presidents than any other journalist. But Mr. Dawson upstaged our speakers. And why not? He had the distinct possibility of living in three centuries –  born in the 19^th, had then lived 98% of the 20^th, and hopefully would live well into the 21^st. Mr. Dawson has not only made it, he has now published a book. That from a man who only learned to read a little over two years ago! So, he has become yet  another of our teachers. Thus, I hope each person reading this piece can say, like Goya did at age 80 and Mr. George Dawson said until his death in July 2001, "I am still learning, still writing." Is this a great time to be alive or what?