The story of Effie Dockstader — Bigfork’s doctor
Effie Dockstrader and her six siblings grew up and attended school on the lake shore and then she went to school in Bigfork. (Bigfork History Project)
Dockstrader's obituary, where her composite photo from her nursing days can be seen. Dockstrader graduated from the Spokane Sacred Heart School of Nursing then moved to Missoula to start her career after graduation. (Bigfork History Project)
Though she held the job in no official capacity, Effie Dockstader’s work as Bigfork’s town doctor saved lives and touched many more. (Bigfork History Project)
This story was written from interviews conducted for the Bigfork History Project
In a time where it was rare for anyone from Bigfork to pursue a higher education, let alone a woman, Effie Dockstader took off to nursing school and came back home to serve her community— gaining a reputation for being the “town doctor.”
Dockstader, formerly Effie Clark, never wandered too far from Flathead Lake her entire life...
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