We'll be closing the curtain on another great "Montana History" book this evening (Tuesday) up at the Marias Heritage Center here in Shelby. Tonight we'll be reading the conclusion of "Pioneer Doctor-The Story of a Woman's Work" by Mari Grana. Grana's the granddaughter of Helena, Montana lady physician, Dr. Mary (Mollie) Babcock Atwater, who not only practiced frontier medicine back around the turn of the century here in wild and rugged Montana, but was also a pioneer in fighting for the woman's right to vote. She was also instrumental in recognizing TB for what it was and also helping to establish Montana's first TB hospital at Galen. The book is beautifully written and thoroughly researched. It's not just the biography of a fascinating woman, it is also the story of an era when daring women ventured forth and changed history for the rest of us. We have all enjoyed this saga in our Tuesday evening "Montana History" group, but I feel that we have all learned a great deal about "what it was really like" and how difficult it truly was for women in the Frontier West. Coming up next...I've found a great book about a another somewhat famous woman to read beginning next week at the Heritage and I'll blog about that book tomorrow on my Puffman Blog. In the meantime, I'll give you a hint..."Charlie Russell!" Stay tuned. I'll see you tonight for Montana History at 6 o'clock at the Marias Heritage Center.

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