Mary Cook (Ovwari) Student File [entered 1901]

Student file of Mary Cook, a member of the Mohawk Nation, who entered the school on August 10, 1901, and ultimately departed on January 24, 1910. The file contains student information cards, a physical record, an application for enrollment, a progress card, and correspondence. The files show that Cook departed from Carlisle after marrying George Gardner (Chippewa), who became the band leader at the Hayward Indian School.

Records indicate that four individuals named Mary Cook/Cooke attended the Carlisle Indian School. The first Mary Cook (Chippewa) enrolled at Carlisle in 1889, age 13. The second Mary Cook/Cooke (Mohawk), sometimes denoted in school records as “Mary Cook #1”, enrolled in 1901, age 13. The third, Mary Belle Cook/Cooke (St. Regis), enrolled in 1906, age 12. The fourth Mary/Marie Cook/Cooke (Mohawk) enrolled in 1916, age 14.

In school documentation Mary Cook's name is also spelled Mary Cooke. She is also known as Ovwari. Her married name is Mary C. Gardner (Mrs. George Gardner).