Keen, Dora (1871–1963)

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Keen, Dora (1871–1963)

American traveler, mountain climber, and writer. Name variations: Dora Keen Handy. Born in Philadelphia, PA, June 24, 1871; died Jan 1963 in Vermont; dau. of William W. Keen (1837–1932, surgeon and neurologist who performed the 1st succecssful removal of a brain tumor in US) and Emma Corinna Borden; graduate of Bryn Mawr College, 1896; m. G.W. Handy (climber).

Made 8 ascents of 1st-class peaks in the Alps (1909–10); though an underequipped expedition failed to make ascent of Mount Blackburn (16,523 feet) in Alaska (1911), returned and battled snowstorms (1912) to accomplish in 33 days the 1st ascent of this peak without Swiss guides, and the 1st by way of the avalanche-prone southeast face via a direct route on Kennicott glacier; journeyed 300 miles on foot and by open camp-built boat over Alaskan wilderness to Yukon River, by way of Skolai Pass, the 1st woman to cross it; with 3 men, made scientific observations of various glaciers in Alaska (1914); contributed numerous articles to popular and geographical magazines, and lectured on experiences; became a fellow of Royal Geographical Society, London.

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