One of Nevada’s most prominent early women, Eliza Cook was the first Nevada woman to earn a Doctor’s License to Practice. The fortitude and perseverance of her powerful story will bring you into her essence and presence, as you see a young Carson Valley and Nevada through her eyes. In this Chautauqua performance, DebiLynn Smith portrays Cook with a warmth and dignity that befits this outstanding woman’s life. Researched facts and anecdotes make her story come alive.   

DebiLynn Smith performed her first Chautauqua at age 13 portraying Laura Ingalls Wilder. Self-described as a living historian, she specializes in portraying prominent, Sierra pioneer women. She creates her own period-correct attire, researches and immerses herself in the life and times of the women whose stories she chooses to personify. Smith has performed at the Nevada, Douglas and Alpine County Historical Societies, Piper’s Opera House and many other venues and events.