We are excited to be able to make this connection. The founders of the Colorado School for the Deaf and Blind - Jonathan R. Kennedy and Mary E. Kennedy, moved to Colorado from the Kansas school for the Deaf. They had a large family, three of whom were deaf.
The 10th Territorial Legislature granted the Kennedys permission and money to start the school - initially on Cucharras St, and then later, with the help of General Palmer, on their present campus. Frank Chaney, a Barber, married the Kennedys' daughter - and had a son, Lon Chaney. The rest is history - Lon Chaney made it big in the "Silents", and The Lon Chaney Theatre - a part of the City Auditorium - is dedicated to him.
[ thanks for CSDB information from their historian Kathy Agular ]
Andy Rabagliati / andyr@wizzy.com 14 February 1995