File:Cook Memorial Library (8609828103).jpg

Cook Memorial Library in Libertyville (1878). The George Vardin family built a log cabin on this site in 1834. In 1837, the cabin became the town's first post office. It was at this time that they name Libertyville became associated with the town; two years later it became the county seat. The current house was built in 1878, and the architect is thought to be William W. Boyington because of his strong association with Cook. Cook was the contractor for the Old Chicago Water Works, which was designed by Boyington. Boyington also designed the Libertyville Township Hall Building for cook in 1894.

Cook was born in Haddam, Connecticut in 1823. He learned the mason's trade before moving with his family to Illinois in 1845. The family claimed 400 acres of land in the Libteryville area, which Cook farmed. In 1849, he married Maria Foster, daughter of Libertyville's first physician. In 1853, Cook bought a second home in Chicago. He was elected to the state legislature for three terms. In 1877, Cook became a Chicago alderman and president of the City Council. Cook's third wife donated the house to Libertyville for use as a library and memorial hall in 1920. The library, known as the Alpha Club, was first organized in 1910 and originall operated a circulating library in a local drug store. The library in Cook's house was opened in 1921. It served this purpose until 1968, when the current Cook Memorial Library was built nearby. The Cook home then became the headquarters of the Libertyville-Mundelein Historical Society.

This is an image of a place or building that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States of America. Its reference number is 01000867.