Dave Cook Sporting Goods Records

Collection

Identifier: B443

Staff Only

Abstract

This collection contains materials related to Dave Cook Sporting Goods store(s). Additionally, information about the Cook family and their connections with Dave Cook Sporting Goods are contained within.

Dates

Majority of material found within 1939 - 1985

Creator

Cook, Dave, 1897-1951 (Person)

Conditions Governing Use

Use Note: This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. You are free to use this Item in any way that is permitted by the copyright and related rights legislation that applies to your use. In addition, no permission is required from the rights-holder(s) for educational uses. For other uses, you need to obtain permission from the rights-holder(s). https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/?language=en

Biographical / Historical

In 1878, Harry Cook (d. 1910) emigrated from Krakow through Ellis Island to Denver, CO. Upon arrival in Denver he opened a pawn shop, which eventually turned into Dave Cook Sporting Goods. In 1930, Dave Cook took over the pawn shop, which had grown to have a jewelry store in the back. The store was located at 16th and Larimer. Anecdotally, in 1930, a friend came to Dave with 15,000 hand tied fishing flies. Dave purchased the flies and posted an advertisement in the Denver Post. The next day there was a line 20 blocks around to purchase the flies. Whether or not an exaggeration, the success of this endeavor spurred Dave to open Dave Cook Sporting Goods (in the same location as the pawn shop--16th and Larimer). By 1936 the store was doing so well, Dave was able to open a second store on 16th and Welton. The business was an early adopter of catalog sales and produced exceptional catalogs which bolstered the success of the business. In 1951, Dave Cook died, and his son Herb took over the business. In 1986 the company was officially sold to Herb. By this time the company had 20 stores--primarily in Colorado, but also one in Wyoming. In 1989, Herb sold the company to Big 5.

Dave Cook sporting goods had a team sports department in the 1960's which helped to begin team sports in Denver such as Little League, Old Timer's baseball, and a football league.