Leading Tolland Historian Barbara Cook Dies At 87

TOLLAND, CT — Barbara Cook, one of the leading authorities on Tolland history for many years, has died at the age of 87, her family announced in an obituary posting.

Cook passed away at her home in Tolland Tuesday.

"Barbara was an inspiration to everyone," Tolland Historical Society board member Kathy Bach said. "The board was simply devastated when receiving the news. We've lost a mentor and a friend and we will all miss the inspiration Barbara gave."

Bach thought about the statement for a moment and added one more thought.

"Barbara was our bellwether," she said.

Cook was Born in Tolland and lived in the area all her life.

She retired from Northeast Utilities after 41 years of service and then turned her efforts to preserving Tolland's history. She joined the Tolland Historical Society and became an active volunteer, serving as director of the museum in the Old Tolland County Court House for 15 years.

Cook was most recently the historical society archivist.

She also was the official town historian from 2007 until 2015.

She was also the marshal of of Tolland's 300th Anniversary Parade.

As she requested, there are no calling hours and burial will be private.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tolland Historical Society, Old Court House Cupola Fund, or a charity of choice.

Bach said the historical society will also be adding a fund to restore the fan window over the Old Tolland County Courthouse front door to the donations list. The window was a favorite of Cook's, Bach said.

"We want to restore the window in Barbara's honor," Bach said.

When complete, a plaque will be posted dedicating it to Cook's years of service, Bach said.

"Barbara was a part of everything we did," Bach said. "She will always be known as Tolland's historian."

See the full obituary here.