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The Work of Our Hands The original Abraham Cooke house with flanking wings (date untraced). What a contrast to Brucefield! The house became the All Saints parsonage in 1872. At some point the wings were removed and used in two small houses around the corner on Maple Ave.(west). Now 645 Mount Pleasant Road. Undated photo courtesy Florence Parker. benefactor first of Bethesda Chapel and then the Anglican Church. He solidified these connections with the community through his marriage to Eleanor Hardy, sister of Russell Hardy and Mary Nelles. According to an Ellis descendant, the Cooke home became known as a great social centre where Abraham and Eleanor celebrated many festivities showcasing their "bountiful hospitality." Perhaps the most festive occasion occurred in September 1849 when the Cookes opened their home to entertain the new Governor General, James Bruce, the eighth Earl of Elgin with a ball during his tour through the province. The ball became a week-long house party, with guests riding in from great distances, including officers from the London garrison, distinguished guests from Toronto and a young man from Cobourg who would later become Chief Justice Armour. The Cookes erected tents on the lawn and in the orchard to accommodate so many guests. The dashing young Governor General who was only in his late 30s would have enjoyed the country drives and picnics during the day and the dancing and feasting at night. No