An estimated 400 workers were employed between 1927 and 1941 at Mount Rushmore, carving the faces of four American presidents into one of the country’s most-famous landmarks. And until last week, Don “Nick” Clifford was the final surviving carver. His speciality was drilling holes for dynamite positioning, helping to shift large chunks of cliff-face in one fell swoop. Clifford earned a hefty 55 cents an hour for his work on the job, meaning he wasn’t able to retire afterwards. Instead he opened a dry-cleaners and, in his dotage, worked with the tourist information at Rushmore, educating people on its process and development.
Don “Nick” Clifford
5 July 1921 – 23 November 2019
Died aged 98 (unique hit)