Background
He was born in 1913 and died at the age of 92 in 2005.
He was born in 1913 and died at the age of 92 in 2005.
Cooke graduated from Wabash College with a degree in English.
He had no formal education in the optical business that he founded. He discouraged the use of mathematics and, instead, developed precision optical measurement methods. During World World War II, Cooke worked for Polaroid"s Edwin Land, obtaining much on-the-job experience.
Eventually he ran Polaroid"s wartime optical department.
His company,, specialized in the optical work that many other companies turned down because of its complexity or precision. To handle the tedious and difficult work, Cooke hired mostly women because he thought that they were more skillful than men were.
Once Cooke started his company, he became known worldwide as an expert in the field of optical engineering and optics technology. His company specialized in space optics, which included work on National Aeronautics and Space Administration"s Galileo probe, and the Hubble telescope.
Cooke authored the Optics Cooke Book, X, published by the Optical Society of America.
To those not in the optical field, Cooke was best known for his antique automobile collection, which included vehicles such as the “Stanley Steamer,” which he would occasionally ride around North Brookfield. Cooke spent much of his free time at his “Vintage Garage,” restoring antique automobiles. He called this, “worshiping old iron.” Upon his death, Cooke"s collection of unique automobiles was sold and the Vintage Garage was moved to Stowe, Vermont.
