Francis H. Cook, 1851-1920.

The article focuses on Francis Cook, founder of Spokane's first newspaper, The Spokan Times, established in 1879. Cook, originally from Ohio, was a prominent figure in Spokane’s early development, serving as president of the Territorial Legislative Upper Council that created Spokane County and actively promoting the community through his newspaper, which was the first in Spokane to receive Associated Press telegraph wires. Beyond publishing, Cook contributed to local infrastructure and recreation by developing housing on Spokane’s South Hill, organizing the first county fair, founding Spokane’s first motorized trolley line, and creating recreational areas including what became Manito Park and the Wandermere Golf Course. His spelling choice for "Spokan" reflected his phonetic preference, distinguishing the newspaper’s name from the city’s current spelling.