This award was established by Dr. Franklin Cook during his time as AIS president in 1947 and was originally known as the President’s Cup. Then in 1952, it was renamed
the Franklin Cook Memorial Cup. From 1947 through 1965, there were no restrictions concerning the geographical origination of irises eligible for the Franklin Cook
Memorial Cup until 1966 when the current President’s Cup was established and first awarded.
The Franklin Cook Memorial Cup originated in 1947 as the President’s Cup and was awarded as the President's Cup from 1947 thru 1955. Following the death of Dr. Cook, the AIS Board Of Directors changed the name of the award from the President’s Cup to the Franklin Cook Memorial Cup.