If (When!) you read either or both "Conquering Gotham" (2007) by Jill Jonnes or "End of the Line" (1975) by Patricia Talbot, you will likely understand the passion which consumed me about Alexander Johnston Cassatt. As Patrica Talbot writes in the Introduction of her book:
Cassatt's sister, Mary, the artist upon whom the family's fame now rests, delivered the ultimate judgment: "My brother helped build the country, and in any other country he would be surrounded with respect. . . ." Not even remembrance has been his due. Alexander Cassatt deserves better.
I could not agree more with those words. This is my contribution to help elevate Alexander Cassatt's name and accomplishments to the lofty status they deserve and to help educate Americans to the impact of the man who led the greatest corporation in America, created Penn Station - arguably the greatest structure in American history - and the East River and Hudson River tunnels.
--- Robert A. Keesecker