This park was originally known as Cooper Gore. A "gore" is a small triangular park, a meaning derived from the definition of a gore as a triangular piece of material inserted in a garment, sail, etc. to widen it or change its shape. It derives from the Old English word gara meaning corner. Other gore parks in Brooklyn include Cuyler, Grant, Memorial, and Underhill Gores. The gore at the corner of Orient and Metropolitan Avenues was named for philanthropist, industrialist and inventor Peter Cooper (1791-1883). Cooper was a native New Yorker and workingman's son with less than a year of formal schooling, who became one of the most successful American businessmen of his day. He made his fortune in iron, glue, railroads, real estate and communications. His inventions include the first trans-Atlantic telegraph cable and Tom Thumb, America's first functioning steam engine. Cooper also invented Jello--with help from his wife, Sarah, who added fruit to his clarified gelatin. Cooper captur…





