Gloucester County paid tribute to the life and legacy of the late Eldridge N. Cook, Gloucester businessman and philanthropist, in a Black History Month program held on Saturday afternoon in the colonial courthouse.

The program was sponsored and planned by the Gloucester Historical Committee, with committee member Dr. Dorothy C. Cooke serving as mistress of ceremonies.

Cook, who died in 2014 at the age of 98, left a mark in the community that continues to this day. Affectionately known as “El,” Cook operated Cook’s Oyster Company in Bena for over 70 years. He was also a prominent civic leader in the county, serving for eight years on the Gloucester County Board of Social Services and nearly two decades on the Gloucester County Planning Commission. 

In 2011, the Virginia General Assembly approved a joint resolution commending him for his many contributions to the community. On Tuesday night, Gloucester Board of Supervisors declared next Thursday, Feb. 14 to be &...