We imagine there weren’t too many female medical professionals in northwest Missouri in 1910, but we know there were a few. Here’s evidence of one from the February 10, 1910 Skidmore New Era (Skidmore, Missouri):
Advertisement reads, “Eye Specialist. Corrects all complicated eye errors. Do you know that eye strain causes cataracts? Are you aware that you may ruin your eyes using cheap, unsuitable glasses? Have not known even perfectly fitted lenses to give satisfaction unless the frame was properly adjusted? Do you trust your life to a ‘tenet’ doctor? Then you should impose a piece of window glass upon your eyes when they call for help. Do you know I can straighten cross eyes caused in youth by an optical defect without the knife? How? Try me. Are you suffering from headaches, dizziness, constipation, nervousness? How about your near and far vision? Is it good? Have you had difficulty in securing glasses to relieve these conditions, if so, consult me. I am permanently located at 114 South Main St., Maryville, Mo., Hanamo Phone 175. Dr. Gertrude DuVall, Ophthalmologist. Motto: Quality and Satisfaction. Consultation free. Skidmore Thursdays at Commercial Hotel.”