< Page 1

Cooke's purchase of Gibraltar Island in 1864, gave him and his family a place to get away from the stresses and politics of everyday life. "Our days here are indeed days of pleasantness & all our paths are peace"... writes Jay Cooke in his journal, describing the contentment the island brings to them.

The waters of Lake Erie surrounding Gibraltar were certainly familiar to Cooke, as his childhood home of Sandusky stands in close vicinity on the shores of the same great lake. Fishing was the pastime of choice for Cooke, especially Black Bass fishing, where his apparent natural talent, brought many meals to the dinner table.

Entertaining guests was enjoyable to Cooke, and Gibraltar Island was the perfect place to do just that. He sometimes had as many as 25 guests visiting his island at one time, and hired a full time staff to help with the accommodations. Cooke was generous and cordial to others, and did not outwardly boast of his successes, noteworthy for a man of his wealth.

Jay Cooke spent many good years working in the business world, and in the midst of it, found tranquility and peace upon the island of Gibraltar. He unselfishly shared his good fortunes with his family and dear friends, and had many good years upon this earth. On a Thursday evening, February 16th 1905, Jay Cooke passed away and left behind many sorrowful loved ones. He had written in his Gibraltar journal for the last time, in the autumn of 1904..."and now Good bye dear old Gibraltar we thank God for permitting us to enjoy such a glorious visit..."

Looking back through the journal entries written by Jay Cooke, we can reminisce over one particular entry written forty years before his death...