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Sorry, now out of print
(may still be available elsewhere) The Indomitable Francis H. Cook of Spokane: A Man of Vision by Doris Woodward Edited by Suzanne and Tony Bamonte Quality paperback (7" x 10"), 136 pages, 101 photo illustrations, index, published in 2010 ISBN: 978-0-9821529-1-1 |
Also by Doris Woodward: Harper Joy, Spokane's Man of Many Faces: Let the Show Begin
Francis H. Cook was a man of boundless energy, determination and vision. With faith that Spokane Falls would become the center of the Inland Empire, in 1879 he started its first newspaper, the Spokan Times. By age 28, having owned and published newspapers in Iowa and Western Washington, he was already experienced in this field. The town's population was still less than a hundred, but through his newspaper, Cook became its greatest advocate and promoter, attracting hundreds of newcomers. Simultaneously, because of his public stand against unethical railroad practices, he was elected to the Washington Territorial Legislature and, by a unanimous vote, became its youngest presiding officer. During his term, Spokane County was created.
Cook's newspaper was only one of his many Spokane "firsts." He started its first motorized streetcar and purchased 680 acres of prime South Hill land, with plans for a residential development surrounding a park, named Montrose (now Manito) Park. The Panic of 1893 brought financial ruin to those plans, but undaunted, he moved his large family north, where he developed the area that was to become Wandermere Golf Course. Having fallen in love with Mount Spokane, he built a road, with help from his sons, to the summit, opening it for public recreation and enjoyment. This gained him distinction as the "Father of Mount Spokane State Park."
Cook was never one to stand idly by in the face of injustice. Although an honorable and ethical man, his sometimes controversial manner put him at odds with other founding fathers. Despite his valuable contributions to the development of early Spokane and its environs, until recent years, Francis Cook did not receive the recognition he so richly deserved. However, often despite incredible odds, he persisted. Cook was indeed an indomitable man, one whose early efforts have left a lasting legacy.
"The Indomitable Francis H. Cook" Endorsements:
From Jan Edmonds, great granddaughter of Francis and Laura Cook
"In my family, we grew up hearing story after story about Francis Cook, our great-grandfather. Inherent in the stories was a seed of frustration, felt by the children and passed to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that Francis and Laura Cook did not receive the recognition due them for their incredible contributions to the history of Spokane.
"Doris Woodward and the Bamontes have used their investigative skills to dig deeply into the history of Spokane and the Pacific Northwest to discover the truth behind the stories about Francis and Laura Cook. The book reveals a man who had a vision and never gave up on his dreams for Spokane, but who spoke out against corruption and paid a price for that. It reveals a woman who loved her husband and raised eleven children through times of financial success and times of financial depression. It reveals the pioneer history of Spokane. Turns out Francis and Laura Cook were bigger than life in many ways, but were also human. Thank you to Doris, Tony and Suzanne for finally telling Francis Henry Cook's story."
From Laura Arksey, Staff Historian, Historylink: the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History
"This fine essay and the accompanying historic photographs make clear the extraordinary contributions of Spokane pioneer newspaperman, Francis H. Cook, to the city and the broader region. He deserves to be better known. For example, how many of the thousands who enjoy Manito Park or Mount Spokane today realize Cook's importance to the development of these two iconic places? Furthermore, in tracing Francis Cook's multifaceted life, author Doris Woodward presents a fresh view of early Spokane history and people."
Francis H. Cook was a man of boundless energy, determination and vision. With faith that Spokane Falls would become the center of the Inland Empire, in 1879 he started its first newspaper, the Spokan Times. By age 28, having owned and published newspapers in Iowa and Western Washington, he was already experienced in this field. The town's population was still less than a hundred, but through his newspaper, Cook became its greatest advocate and promoter, attracting hundreds of newcomers. Simultaneously, because of his public stand against unethical railroad practices, he was elected to the Washington Territorial Legislature and, by a unanimous vote, became its youngest presiding officer. During his term, Spokane County was created.
Cook's newspaper was only one of his many Spokane "firsts." He started its first motorized streetcar and purchased 680 acres of prime South Hill land, with plans for a residential development surrounding a park, named Montrose (now Manito) Park. The Panic of 1893 brought financial ruin to those plans, but undaunted, he moved his large family north, where he developed the area that was to become Wandermere Golf Course. Having fallen in love with Mount Spokane, he built a road, with help from his sons, to the summit, opening it for public recreation and enjoyment. This gained him distinction as the "Father of Mount Spokane State Park."
Cook was never one to stand idly by in the face of injustice. Although an honorable and ethical man, his sometimes controversial manner put him at odds with other founding fathers. Despite his valuable contributions to the development of early Spokane and its environs, until recent years, Francis Cook did not receive the recognition he so richly deserved. However, often despite incredible odds, he persisted. Cook was indeed an indomitable man, one whose early efforts have left a lasting legacy.
"The Indomitable Francis H. Cook" Endorsements:
From Jan Edmonds, great granddaughter of Francis and Laura Cook
"In my family, we grew up hearing story after story about Francis Cook, our great-grandfather. Inherent in the stories was a seed of frustration, felt by the children and passed to the grandchildren and great-grandchildren, that Francis and Laura Cook did not receive the recognition due them for their incredible contributions to the history of Spokane.
"Doris Woodward and the Bamontes have used their investigative skills to dig deeply into the history of Spokane and the Pacific Northwest to discover the truth behind the stories about Francis and Laura Cook. The book reveals a man who had a vision and never gave up on his dreams for Spokane, but who spoke out against corruption and paid a price for that. It reveals a woman who loved her husband and raised eleven children through times of financial success and times of financial depression. It reveals the pioneer history of Spokane. Turns out Francis and Laura Cook were bigger than life in many ways, but were also human. Thank you to Doris, Tony and Suzanne for finally telling Francis Henry Cook's story."
From Laura Arksey, Staff Historian, Historylink: the Free Online Encyclopedia of Washington State History
"This fine essay and the accompanying historic photographs make clear the extraordinary contributions of Spokane pioneer newspaperman, Francis H. Cook, to the city and the broader region. He deserves to be better known. For example, how many of the thousands who enjoy Manito Park or Mount Spokane today realize Cook's importance to the development of these two iconic places? Furthermore, in tracing Francis Cook's multifaceted life, author Doris Woodward presents a fresh view of early Spokane history and people."