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.


Quality paperback (7" x 10"), 136 pages, 101 photo illustrations, indexed.