Mira Lloyd Dock and the Progressive Era Conservation Movement

“This book does a wonderful job of weaving the impact of women's groups, politically powerful men, and a variety of historical events and trends into the life of this interesting and influential woman. Mira Lloyd Dock is by no means a household name, yet Susan Rimby's lively, well-written account of her life is worthy of a wide readership.” —Nancy Unger, Santa Clara University

“I have wanted to know more about Mira Lloyd Dock for some time, and Susan Rimby’s wonderful biography addresses all of the questions about Dock that intrigued me. Rimby teaches us a great deal about the relationship between urban and rural conservation in the Progressive Era. She also offers fresh insight into the gender politics of that formative period.” —Adam Rome, University of Delaware

“Mira Lloyd Dock was a Progressive’s Progressive. An ardent conservationist, a well-trained botanist, and a tireless member of the Pennsylvania State Forest Commission, this early twentieth-century Pennsylvanian fought hard for women’s rights and conservation in the Keystone State and throughout the country. Dock is a reminder, Susan Rimby’s fine biography makes clear, of the power that an engaged citizenry holds in its quest for social equality and environmental justice.” —Char Miller, author of Gifford Pinchot and the Making of Modern Environmentalism

“With thorough research and clear writing, Susan Rimby reveals the complexities of Progressive Era environmental reform. This is a history of ideas put into action, and Dock is a fascinating figure through whom to tell the stories of conservation and women in public life. In Rimby's hands, Dock emerges as a savvy strategist, a tireless worker, and a dreamer with staggering ambitions. Perhaps the book's most impressive accomplishment is re-creating the era's political context with such detail in order to show how Dock got away with it.” —Ed Slavishak, Susquehanna University

“At long last we have a well-deserved biography of the intrepid Mira Lloyd Dock. Susan Rimby recognizes Dock as the strong and pivotal leader she was, not just as a helpmate to Rothrock, Pinchot, McFarland, and others. Dock rightfully stands beside them, demanding the reclamation of Pennsylvania’s devastated landscapes and cities from industrial excesses and stirring the flames of an emerging national environmental movement. Examining Dock within the context of women’s advocacy groups during the Progressive Era, Rimby is to be applauded for restoring her to a proper niche in the history of Pennsylvania and the nation.” —Linda Ries, Pennsylvania State Archives