Donald L. Denton · 1989 Honoree

Donal Denton doesn’t talk much about himself. Consequently, you might never know that know that John Wayne was a boyhood hero, or that tobacco farming is a major part of his background, or that he dreams about "building bridges."

Don speaks with an obvious sense of reverence when he recounts his roots in Calvert County, Maryland. "My family history traces back for 300 years in Southern Maryland," he says "mostly tobacco farmers." He remembers skipping school to plant tobacco beds and was proud at age fourteen to be trusted to handle the dangerous job of hanging tobacco in the “crown” of the barn. As pesky younger brothers often do, Dale wanted to know why he was paid less than his big brother for the sake of a few dozen feet in elevation. Don and Dale were “typical brothers” and close companions growing up.

Young Mr. Denton attended Calvert County High School and went on to Washington College in Chestertown. After college, Don enlisted in the Army because “it was a tradition in his family” and set out for Korea and Viet Nam. Even though the specter of combat was frightening, family tradition and the brand of consummate team spirit which is his personal trademark, saw him through quite admirably. Back in the States, a job in the Air Force led him to a position on the House Appropriations Committee as a Foreign Assistance Analyst.

Living with Dale on East Capitol Street, they both marveled at the seemingly endless opportunity in the Capitol Hill Real Estate market. In August of 1977 they opened Dale Denton Real Estate just about the time the nation was sliding into one of the worst economic slumps in history. “Before it was over I had sold everything I owned and even slept in the back of the office for six months.” It took real grit not to admit failure. He remembers when they had to borrow money at 22% interest to fund the Peabody Classic, but Don insists that the seeds of the community involvement were bound to yield a harvest.

Like generations before him, Don reaps bountifully what he sows unselfishly. Anyone who has asked him to support a worthy cause knows that he lives to “build bridges” between various segments of the Capitol Hill community, working equally well with the business community, schools, the Metropolitan Police and as an advocate for our less fortunate residents.

Asked to comment on his success as President of Dale Denton Real Estate, Don humbly alludes to what he calls the “no door management  style.” That’s where you don’t just leave the door open, you take it off, and tear down the wall too if necessary. “I believe in hiring the best people available and then letting them do their jobs. When they need me, I'm right there.”

Among countless hours of community service, Mr. Denton served two terms as President of CHAMPS and is a Past President of the Capitol Hill Brokers Council. He has served on the Boards of the Capitol Hill Day School, the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop and the Washington D.C. Association of Realtors where he currently holds the office of Treasurer. 

Historic Capitol Hill is the perfect setting for this honest man who leads with such traditional values. Nobility as befits a “Duke” or even a “prince” is something that Don Denton carries quietly. It’s there for posterity though, inscribed on all his wonderful bridges that underpin our remarkable sense of community.