New book chronicles life in Lancaster and at CCS
Gerald “Gerry” Cooper, a native of Lancaster Court House, has published a book, “On Scholarship—From An Empty Room at Princeton.”
The first 80 pages primarily discuss people and places in Lancaster and Middlesex counties during 1935-1955. Thereafter, the focus switches to include Princeton University, Woodberry Forest School, Winston-Salem, N.C., and eventually back to locations throughout Virginia.
“On Scholarship” was edited by Alfred P. Scott, of Rosegill Farm near Urbanna in Middlesex County. The graphic design of the book is by Jack Amos, who owns Amos & Randolph Gallery on Main Street in Kilmarnock.
The author, Gerry Cooper, served as an administrator, counselor and teacher in four preparatory schools, two colleges including a historically black public university, and finally as executive director of a college access program that served 10 public high schools in Norfolk, Portsmouth and Virginia Beach.
The book is available for sale at the Mary Ball Washington Museum and Library in Lancaster, and at Belle Isle State Park in Somers. Book signings will also be scheduled in August.
“These are appropriate locations for my book because the first two chapters are set in Lancaster Court House, home of the Mary Ball Museum,” said Cooper; “I tell about people such as Irene and Jim Davenport, Lillian “Miss Lil” Stoneham, Mr. and Mrs. Jim Cornwell, and my mother, Celeste Beane Cooper. These are key people from my childhood who lived in Lancaster County in 1935-49. They guided me around life’s early pitfalls. The village raised me.”
The fourth chapter describes the influence and impact of Dr. and Mrs. J. Garland Pollard Jr. upon Lancaster County and the eastern Virginia region. They lived at “Bel Air,” the manor house that is now open for tours and rental use at Belle Isle State Park.
Chapter 5 is titled “The Neck, the River and College Prep.” Cooper said, “This gives me the opportunity to write about the excellent teachers I had in Lancaster’s public elementary schools, and thereafter the college preparation I received at Christchurch School in Middlesex.
“I hope a varied audience will read my book, because I’ve included information on gaining access to financial aid for college and on raising funds for various kinds of non-profit organizations. There are numerous descriptions of how effective leaders in our State of Virginia have achieved high goals, using non-partisan methods—especially in causes for education. Those causes run the gamut—from Christchurch to the University of Virginia—and they’re all important to our state.”
Cooper describes his 43-year vocation of working with people in board-level, leadership roles in various types of schools, colleges and other nonprofits. He gives special mention to his mentors, especially: Celeste Beane Cooper, Dr. and Mrs. John Garland Pollard Jr., James S.G. Davenport, Branch Spalding, Robert M. Yarbrough, Joseph Cameron, Hatcher C. Williams, A. Baker Duncan, Edward Dorsey, FitzGerald Bemiss, J. Sargeant Reynolds, Tucker Yates, Nat Irvin II, Joshua P. Darden, Frank Batten Sr., Gerald L. Baliles, and John T. Casteen III.
Several gift shops will carry “On Scholarship—From An Empty Room at Princeton,” including The Box Boutique in White Stone.
Cooper may be emailed at for more information about the book; write to Cooper at 1307 Westover Ave., Norfolk, VA 23507-1025.
Proceeds from the book will be used to cover the printing costs. Any excess proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations, said Cooper.
