The discovery of an old trunk leads to a story of love, opportunity, and yearning set during the carving of Mount Rushmore. From March to September of 1940, Arthur Cerasani, a sculptor and artist from Rochester, New York, worked on Mount Rushmore, while his family remained over fifteen hundred miles away. Over this vast distance, he and his wife, Mary, stayed connected through letters. Their daily correspondence reveals the trials of carving sixty-foot heads on a mountain top and highlights the strength of the human spirit. Despite isolation, spring blizzards, summer heat, and the unpredictable moods and fortunes of master sculptor Gutzon Borglum, Arthur Cerasani manages to connect with the carvers of the great monument and grow as an artist. In telling his father s experience, Richard Cerasani gives readers the tale of many workers on the mountain, some separated from family, all hoping for a future. Using letters and photographs, he shows the human side of the monumental struggle to create Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Richard Cerasani and the South Dakota Historical Society Press "have produced a very impressive book. [The] storytelling is very engaging. I would say that it is probably the most graphic description of what work on the mountain was like." --Robin Borglum Kennedy, The Borglum Estate This book, complete with wonderful photos, is the story of a loving couple who weather their separation while he is away working on the sculpting of Mount Rushmore. The letters and their love story is very touching. After reading this book, you will look at this famous monument with a greater understanding of the lives of the people who created it for all of us. A unique view of history that is very touching. --Amazon Reviewer I was deeply moved by this book. When we think of the words "the greatest generation" we must apply them not only to the men and women of the Armed Forces in World War II, but to heroes like Arthur and Mary Cerasani whose integrity, endurance, and faith in moral living is profoundly inspiring. I recommend this book to others very heartily. --Goodreads The discovery of an old trunk leads to a story of love, opportunity, and yearning set during the carving of Mount Rushmore. From March to September of 1940, Arthur Cerasani, a sculptor and artist from Rochester, New York, worked on Mount Rushmore, while his family remained over fifteen hundred miles away. Over this vast distance, he and his wife, Mary, stayed connected through letters. Their daily correspondence reveals the trials of carving sixty-foot heads on a mountaintop and highlights the strength of the human spirit. Despite isolation, spring blizzards, summer heat, and the unpredictable moods and fortunes of master sculptor Gutzon Borglum, Arthur Cerasani manages to connect with the carvers of the great monument and grow as an artist. In telling his father's story, Richard Cerasani gives readers the tale of many workers on the mountain, some separated from family, all hoping for a future. Using letters and photographs, he shows the human side of the monumental struggle to create Mount Rushmore National Memorial. Richard Cerasani is the middle son of Arthur and Mary Cerasani. He has been a professional actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors' Equity Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for over fifty years. He acts under his professional name, Richard Caine. As Richard Caine, he is best known for his television work, which included three years as the villain, Bill Watson, on General Hospital. Richard Cerasani is the middle son of Arthur and Mary Cerasani. He has been a professional actor and member of the Screen Actors Guild, Actors Equity Association, and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists for over fifty years. He acts under his professional name, Richard Caine. As Richard Caine, he is best known for his television work, which included three years as the villain, Bill Watson, on General Hospital. Other highlights of his career include portraying the blind boy in a national tour of the play Butterflies Are Free, performing opposite Celeste Holm, Ann Southern, Joan Bennett, and Jan Sterling. A familiar face on television, Caine has also appeared in hundreds of commercials.