Also became known as the “Summer White House” In 1927 President Calvin Coolidge announced that he wanted a summer away from bugs, crowds, and Washington, D.C., South Dakota worked hard to bring him to the Black Hills. To start with, the State Legislature passed a resolution formally inviting the president that spared no praise for the region. When Senator Norbeck delivered the invitation, Coolidge responded, “Senator, I can’t tell whether this is a chapter from Revelations or Mohammed’s idea of the seventh heaven.” But, he came. He brought with him his wife, Grace, and their son, John—and an entourage of staff members, secret service agents, political dignitaries, and journalists—and they made their home for the summer in the State Game Lodge and surrounding cabins. Excited South Dakotans turned out to see the President’s arrival at the railroad platform and presented him with a horse, a large-brimmed Western hat, and a pair of boots. Originally slated to stay three weeks, the President extended his stay to three months. During his stay, Coolidge officially dedicated the inaugural work on the nearby carving of Mount Rushmore