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George C. and Lucy J. Cook Book

 Collection
Identifier: RH-A-3675

Scope and Contents

According to Kalamazoo County marriage records, George Cook age 26 married Lucy Jane Garrett, age 25 on February 7, 1872. According to the marriage license, Cook, born in Salem, Michigan, resided in Iowa working as a merchant. Lucy, born in Cleveland, Ohio, had no profession listed. Neither have been found in the 1870 U.S. Census and there is no record of them in the 1872 Kalamazoo City Directory. They could have come to Kalamazoo to marry due to some type of association with Rev. Samuel Brooks. He could have been a former teacher or relative.

Their first son, Herbert Asher Cook (1872-1950) was born in Iowa on November 13 which indicates that the couple may have headed west not long after their marriage. By 1880 they are living in Minneapolis with their two children, George working in the lumber industry. They subsequently had another daughter, Lutie R. Cook Campbell born around 1885. By 1910 George, Lutie and their two daughters are living in Oakland, California. Opposite the title page of the book is recorded the names “Lutie Ruth Cook and Clarence John Campbell August 21, 1912.” Lutie (1884-1947), daughter of George and Lutie J., her husband Clarence Campbell (1886-1941) lived in California until their deaths. As far as George S. Cook (or S. George Cook) and Lucy (Lutie J.) Garrett Cook, death dates have not been found. It is know that George died somewhere between 1915 (as he was recorded attending his daughter Mira’s wedding) and 1920 (when he does not appear on the U.S. Census). As far as Lucy (Lutie), after George’s death, she lived with Mira by the 1920 Census and Lutie in the 1930 Census. She is gone by the 1940 Census. The photograph has not been identified yet. The name on the back is “Packard and Douglas, No. 137 Main St. Kalamazoo”. It shows a very unique Italianate house with a central 3-story tower that has not appeared on any other illustration or photograph of Kalamazoo. Photographer Cullen C. Packard’s first entry in a Kalamazoo City Directory was in 1867-1868 when he partnered with Morris Porter at 137 Main. He continued to be there in 1869-1870 but was by himself. In 1871-1873 his studio was at 103 Main. It is not known when he was with a photographer with the last name of Douglas, possibly between 1870 and 1871 although a search through America’s Historical Newspapers for the Kalamazoo Gazette has been unsuccessful.

Dates

  • Creation: 1872

Creator

Extent

.05 Cubic Feet

Language of Materials

English

Physical Description

The collection amounts to .05 cubic feet and is composed of one small book, 3” x 4 ½”x ¼” with an off-white canvas cover with gold lettering “Advice to a Married Couple.” There also is an ornate decoration on the cover and the spine. The back cover of the book is similar to the front cover, the only exception is that there is no gold decoration. Inside is a drawing of the Wedding at Cana and a certificate of marriage for Mr. George Cook and Miss Lutie J. Garrett who were united in marriage on February 7, 1872 by Rev. Samuel Brooks who taught Latin at Kalamazoo College. The title of the book is “The Christian Minister’s Affectionate Advice to a Married Couple by Rev. James Bean, A.M.” There is no date although this book was published throughout the early part of the 19th century. There are 96 pages with advice including the area of religion and marriage. The book is in good condition although there is some wear at the base of the spine and along the side where the fabric is frayed. There also are small brown spots on some of the pages. The writing done with ink on the certificate continues to be legible.The carte de visite has an oval photograph of an Italianate house with a central tower and portico. There is a picket fence in front along with several people along with a horse and buggy with a driver. The back of the photograph is marked with the name ‘Packard and Douglas’ at 137 Main St., Kalamazoo. The photograph is unidentified. It is in good condition except for having been folded in half at some time so there is a crease in the middle. It is in a plastic case with one side open. More than likely it was in the book.

Title
George C. and Lucy J. Cook Book Finding Aid
Author
Lynn Houghton
Date
2014-04-18
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
English

Repository Details

Part of the Western Michigan University Archives & Regional History Collections Repository

Contact:
Charles C. and Lynn L. Zhang Legacy Collections Center
1650 Oakland Drive
Kalamazoo MI 49008-5307 US
(269) 387-8490