The Lady Doc

First published in 1912, the novel hit Cody, Wyoming like a bombshell.

Caroline Lockhart used her pen to lampoon and criticize the social pretensions and sometimes questionable business practices of Cody residents as the town grew from a few shacks to almost a boomtown.

Lockhart’s ire is focused on Dr. Frances Lane, the central figure of the novel. Lane is portrayed as a grasping, greedy incompetent with non-conformist sexual preferences. The doctor, to whom Lockhart often referred as "Shady Lane," was much-loved by many in Cody. Caroline Lockhart, on the other hand, while a successful novelist, had managed to antagonize her fellow Cody residents, a habit which continued as the years wore on.

The town chose sides. Nearly 100 years later, most longtime Cody residents can still say which side they’re on.

The Lady Doc still fascinates. The pace is quick, as is the wit. In short, The Lady Doc has aged well.