Historical Skits and Stories - Cook Family History

These historical skits bring to life the experiences of Phineas Wolcott Cook and his family. Each script is based on actual journal entries and historical records, offering a dramatic way to understand the challenges, faith, and determination of our ancestors.

These skits have been performed at Cook-o-Rama and other family gatherings. They're perfect for family history presentations, church events, or educational purposes. Feel free to download and perform them with proper attribution.

1829-1840 – Youth

Stories from Phineas's early years, from age 10 to 21, as he and his family struggled through economic hardship and eventually moved from Connecticut to Michigan.

Goodbye to Grandfather (1829)

3 Characters: 2 men and 1 boy

Ten-year-old Phineas learns about responsibility and faith from his Grandfather Jonathan Churchill during a family economic crisis.

Beginning Anew (1837)

4 Characters: 2 males, 1 female, 1 female reader

The Cook family gives up their farm and prepares to move to Michigan during hard economic times.

Ague in Adrian (1837)

4 Characters: 2 males, Train Operator, Narrator

17-year-old Phineas travels to Michigan via Erie Canal and Lake Erie, suffering from ague along the way.

Thirty-six Dollars and a Wife (1838)

5-6 Characters: 4 males, 1 female, Narrator

Young Phineas works to repay his mother and falls in love with Ann Eliza Howland.

Would I Serve The Lord (1838)

6 Characters: 4 males, 1 female, angel

Gravely ill with fever, Phineas receives a visit from an angel who asks him an important question.

Bitters for Uncle Phin (1839)

3 Characters: 2 men and 1 woman

Phineas and his sister devise a plan to trick their father into taking medicine during a fever outbreak.

A Bear Among the Pigs (1839)

9 Characters: 6 males, 2 females, and a bear

The neighborhood assembles to deal with a bear that has come among the Cook family's pigs.

1840-1845 - Marriage and Family

Phineas's search for truth and religion during the early years of his marriage to Ann Eliza Howland.

Finding Religion (1840)

4 Characters: 2 males, 1 female, 1 angel

Phineas attends revival meetings seeking true religion, remembering his promise to an angel.

A Liberal Salvation for Man (1840)

3 Characters: 2 males and 1 female

Phineas is cut off from the Methodist church for believing in a more liberal salvation.

1845 – Conversion

The year Phineas and his family discovered and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Give Those Mormons Jesse (1845)

5-6 Characters: 3-4 males, 2 females

Phineas W. attends a Mormon meeting planning to expose their lies, but finds truth instead.

Hiding the Book of Mormon (1845)

5 Characters: 3 males and 2 females

Phineas finds clever ways to read the Book of Mormon despite his parents' opposition.

God Will Provide (1845)

7 Characters: 4 males, 2 females, Narrator

Called to gather with the Saints at Nauvoo, Phineas trusts that God will provide a way despite poverty.

The Toothache (1845)

3 Characters: 2 males and 1 angel (or voice)

Suffering from a terrible toothache, Phineas hears a voice giving him advice on healing.

1846-47 – Michigan to Winter Quarters

The Cook family's journey from Michigan to join the Saints at Winter Quarters, facing trials and miracles along the way.

Decision at Gull Corners (1846)

6 Characters: 3 males, 2 females, narrator

Despite obstacles from family, Phineas receives miracles enabling them to follow the prophet.

Apostates at Walnut Creek (1846)

6+ Characters: 3 males, 1 female, friend, Narrator

Apostates try to discourage the Cooks, but Phineas prays all night for guidance.

Rising Water (1846)

Characters: 2 males, 1 female, Narrator

Faced with flooding and a dying ox, Phineas is inspired to give the animal a priesthood blessing.

Fire and Indians (1846)

5 Characters: 3 males, 2 females

Near Winter Quarters, the Cooks endure Indian attacks and fires set to frighten them away.

A House at Winter Quarters (1846)

Characters: 2 males, 1 female, Narrator

Building a house with an injured foot, Phineas resolves not to complain.

The Hand of the Lord (1847)

Characters: 3 males, 1 female

Despite his family's illness, Phineas remains obedient, seeing the hand of the Lord in all things.

Other Cook Family Skits

Handcarts and Indians

5-9 Characters: 4 men, narrator, and other Danish saints (1-4)

Oscar Orlando Stoddard helps Danish Saints in the last handcart company of 1860, dealing with their fears of Indians.

If Thou Wilt Provide a Way

10 Characters: 5 women, 4 men, narrator

Johanna Christina Pahlsson Cook's conversion, travel to Utah, and marriage to Phineas.

Performance Rights

These skits are available for family, educational, and church use. Please credit the Phineas Wolcott Cook Family Organization when performing. For questions about usage, please contact us.