WAYNEDALE CARVER

Dan Knight and his brothers David and Dennis grew up in Waynedale at 2805 Witchwood Ave. He played little League for Earth Inc. between 1959 and 1962. He graduated from Elmhurst High School in 1967 and then spent two years in Vietnam (’69 &’70). He served with the 25th Infantry, Artillery Division, at a place called CuChi just south of Saigon. After Vietnam, Dan attended college, graduating with a degree in tool design. Between 1978 and 1986 he worked at Industra Products near Baer Field. During that time, in 1984, he took up woodcarving.

Dan’s parents, Lavon and Jerry Knight have been long time Waynedale residents and supporters of Little League baseball. Gerry recently passed away in August, and Lavon still lives in the Waynedale area.

I asked Dan what got him started in carving. “I was looking for a unique Christmas gift for my parents. I contacted a friend of mine who is a carver, but rather than sell me some of his work, he suggested I try to do my own. I got started and have been doing it ever since.”

Dan’s workshop is in his garage, where he rough’s out his work on a band saw. He picks up wood wherever he can, including local carving shows. “I usually go to one Bazaar a year and sell some of my work. It is a way to offset the cost of my hobby and make room for new projects.

Although his workshop is in his garage, he does most of his carving in the living room, while watching TV.

Dan is now a Sales Engineer at Advance Machine and Tool Corporation on Transportation Drive. He and his wife Sue have 4 children and 7 grandchildren.

If you are interested in purchasing some of Dan’s masterpieces, call him at 747-4458.