He began accumulating items, amassing a collection that has grown to over 40,000 pieces over the years, which he believes is the largest in the country. “If it had an eagle on it, I’d buy it,” he shared, acknowledging that he may have gone overboard with his collecting but expressed his enjoyment of the process. The collection is housed in two warehouses near the Mississippi River and includes a wide range of items such as political pins, paintings, magazine covers, playing cards, Lego sets, sculptures, ginger beer bottles, and even stilettos adorned with eagle motifs.
Preston Cook, the collector, decided to find a suitable location for his expansive collection, ultimately finding a home for it at the National Eagle Center in Wabasha. Inspired by his collection, Cook also authored a book and during his research on the significance of the eagle in American history, he made a surprising discovery. He noted, “We’ve never had a national bird.”
This revelation came as a surprise to the staff at the National Eagle Center, who had long believed the eagle to be the nation’s symbol. Minnesota, where the center is located, boasts the second-largest nesting population of bald eagles in the U.S., following Alaska. The bald eagle became the nation’s prominent bird when it was chosen for the great seal shortly after the country’s inception in 1782. While some of the Founding Fathers, like Benjamin Franklin, expressed reservations about the choice of the eagle as the national bird, it eventually became a significant symbol for the country.
The notion of Franklin advocating for the turkey to be the national bird is considered a myth by historians, as his comments about the turkey being a more respectable bird were likely made in jest. Cook humorously remarked about a bill he had proposed to Congress regarding the bald eagle, acknowledging that it was a symbolic gesture without any tangible impact.
The bill to designate the wild turkey as the national bird was spearheaded by Senator Amy Klobuchar and a bipartisan group of senators from Minnesota. The bill was passed unanimously in the upper chamber of Congress, thanks to the efforts of these lawmakers. The National Eagle Center and Preston Cook were instrumental in bringing attention to the issue, as they emphasized that the wild turkey was not the appropriate choice for the national bird. Senator Klobuchar highlighted that it was their advocacy that served as the driving force behind the legislative action.
In order to officially designate an item with the title of “national,” it requires an act of Congress and the signature of the president. Previous examples of such designations include the rose in 1986 and the oak tree in 2004. Preston Cook, with his extensive collection of eagle items, saw the correction of designating the wild turkey as the national bird as a necessary and important historical adjustment. He expressed his belief that it was crucial to rectify this historical oversight and ensure that things were set right, reflecting the way they should be.
Cook’s passion for eagles is evident in his attire, as he often wears a bow tie embroidered with an eagle and an eagle pin on his lapel. Even his suspenders are adorned with images of eagles, showcasing his deep admiration for the national symbol. When asked about his most cherished eagle possession, Cook pointed to the buttons he received when drafted into the Army in the 1960s, which he now proudly displays on his blue blazer. These buttons hold sentimental value for him as they were the initial items in his collection, sparking a lifelong passion for collecting eagle-themed items.
His collection includes a wide array of items, from old magazine covers featuring eagles to various artifacts that he rotates through exhibits at the National Eagle Center. Cook humorously refers to his collection as a “working collection,” indicating that he is continuously adding new items to it. Despite his dedication to his collection, he acknowledges the patience and understanding of his wife, who occasionally reminds him that he may have “too many eagles.” In the spirit of compromise, Cook respects his wife’s boundaries, agreeing not to display his eagle items in certain areas of their home, such as the bedroom.
Reflecting on his journey as a collector, Cook remains passionate about preserving the legacy and symbolism of the bald eagle. He sees his collection as a way to educate and inspire others about the importance of this national emblem. Through his ongoing efforts, Cook hopes to instill a sense of appreciation and reverence for the bald eagle, ensuring that its significance endures for future generations.
