The Secret Place
Alice Phipps (1896-1928)

Commentary by Mary Sheppard Burton

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Alice Phipps was your beautiful first Grandma and I want you to know her. Her Daddy was Pa, whom I told you 'bout in the two previous rugs. She married your Granddaddy, John Raymond Sheppard. You may remember him. Alice had long straight black-brown hair which was very thick. Her eyes were deep hazel and her features were fine. She was a beautiful, refined lady and everyone loved her for her gentleness and because she cared so much 'bout others. She did a lot of happy living in her too short life. Alice died of tuberculosis when she was only thirty-two. I am her little girl.

My Grandma used to "Tell Me 'Bout" Alice. Alice loved to read, eat cherries and disappear from everyone's eyes.

"Alice had a secret place.
'Twas her special hiding space.
She ate sweet cherries and read her book.
No one even dared to look.
'Twas her SECRET PLACE."

Alice was born in August 1896 and died in March 1928. I loved her very much.

“Footsteps on History: Tell Me ‘Bout Series”
Family Portraits by Mary Sheppard Burton. Undated

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