The parents, scouts, and leaders of Boy Scout Troop 520 take great pride in announcing the Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Hayden Todd Cook, from 67 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at Flanders Park directly behind the Galloping Goose Historical Museum, in Dolores.
Cook has always had a great passion for trains, and wanted to do something special for his Eagle Scout service project that would somehow involve railroading and trains. He approached the Galloping Goose Historical Society Board and asked what he could do to help them. The Board requested that Cook build 20 wooden storage crates to hold old railroading equipment and help them organize the workshop attached to the museum.
Upon finding out about Cooks artistic abilities, the Board also asked him if he would create an educational activity book for children visiting the museum. The book would help them learn more about the history of the Galloping Goose and Rio Grande Southern railroad.
Cook created and published the activity book which is completely unique to Southwestern Colorado. It details the original seven Galloping Goose motors, including dates they were built, what purpose they were used for and where they are now. The book also includes general railroading information and fun games for the kids to do.
This Eagle Scout project took well over 300 hours to complete and has been a great accomplishment for Cook. Scout Troop 520 helped Cook to organize the storage crates in the workshop. The activity book will be used for years to come to help educate and also generate income to benefit the Galloping Goose Historical Museum. The book can be purchased for $8.00 in the museum gift shop
Cook is a 16 year old junior and honors student at Montezuma-Cortez High School. He is the son of Dr. Terry Cook and Mrs. Jacque Cook, and brother of Kelli Cook, of Cortez. He is the grandson of Bill and Idonna Cook of Blanding, Utah, and Jim and Loraine Vreeken, of Salt Lake City, Utah.
Cook and his family wish to thank Choice Building Supply who provided the lumber to build the crates. Ted Baskett, who let the troop use his workshop. Larry Yarbrough, of Pioneer Printing, who published the activity books. Larry Spencer and all the other members of the Galloping Goose Board who gave him this tremendous service opportunity and challenge.
Cook also wishes to publicly thank all past and present Troop 520s leaders and scouts who supported and helped him to accomplish this goal.
