A first-person generational account as told by each of three successive generations. In 1898 George E Kennedy came West in search of adventure. That took him to the Zuni Mountains, west of Gallup, where he managed the store for a limber company. Many of the workers were Navajos that he came to understand and appreciate. In 1913 he left Gallup to build and stock a trading post on the Navajo reservation. He hauled his building supplies and merchandise so that he could trade while he was building a trading post and home for his family. His closest English-speaking neighbor was 38 miles away at Hubbell Trading in Ganado. After several years at Salina Springs, he sold the post and moved to Canyon de Chelly (Shay) where he continued to trade. He envisioned an expansive trading and livestock operation and brought it to fruition closer to Gallup at Rock Springs. John W Kennedy is the second generation. He was raised in Navajo country with livestock and trading during years prior to and including the Depression His own trading career began at Zuni Pueblo in 1944. From Zuni he went to Gallup. There he built Gallup Indian Trading Company into the largest trading operation in the Indian arts and crafts business In the process he developed friendships and business unique business concepts. He also instilled his family values among eight children: accountability, discipline, faith, hard work, honesty, and responsibility. He did not esteem things gained cheaply in life. After retiring at age 98, John W passed away in 2014 at the age of 102. John D Kennedy is the third generation as trading flourished in the 70s thru the 90s. His family history progressed from horseback and wagons to computers and airplanes. Like his dad, John D experienced many unique and interesting events that made his life equally special. He acquired the family entrepreneurial tradition and created a unique business model that will likely never be seen again in the trading business. This book is a historical accounting of many people and places relative to the greatest era in Southwest trading. Recommended reading by Dr. Gregory Schaaf PhD, Center for Indigenous Arts & Crafts, Santa Fe NM $19.95
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