Retirement

In 1990, Phebe decided that she wanted to devote more time to her family and her own research pursuits. As Phebe moved to this new chapter in her life, the staff was faced with the vision of life at the Archives without her everyday presence. This realization was only beginning to sink in when Dr. Papenfuse wrote these words to Phebe:

"... there are countless people who professionally and personally owe you more than we can every say or repay. Your unselfish help and advise to researchers over the years (including Greg, Jane and myself), your work with the records (under often trying, possibly even exasperating conditions), your persistence on behalf of what you knew we should be doing but resisted (church records, special collections ...), your uncanny ability to analyze and offer good solutions to staff problems that were in the offing but not yet seen by me, all have been of enormous value, not only to me but to the staff, to patrons, and above all, to the good name of an institution that will be here long after all of us are gone."

On July 11, 1990, the Archives held a luncheon in Phebe's honor where she was presented with certificates of appreciation from the Governor and Mayor of Annapolis. Susan Cummings provided remarks on research and researchers in the Phebe era. Phebe was also presented with the gift of a scrapbook compiled by the Archives staff that included not only photographs reflecting Phebe's long career at the Archives, but tributes from many members of the staff expressing the numerous ways that Phebe had touched their lives, both personally and professionally. Even the Archives' choir was inspired to put the occasion of Phebe's retirement to music:

WHEN PHEBE RETIRES AND STAYS AT HOME
(sung to the tune of "When Johnny Comes Marching Home")

When Phebe retires and stays at home,
What then? What then?
To make sure that Hans gets a tasty bone,
But then, but then,
Our patrons will wail and the staff will shout,
The rest of Ed's hair will most likely fall out,
And we'll all feel blue if Phebe should stay at home.

If Phebe should leave the Archives' staff,
How sad! How sad!
There'll be no one left but archival riff-raff,
Egad! Egad!
Cooper was first, and then we lost Ben,
Blondo we'll miss but this is the end,
And we'll all lose out if Phebe should leave the staff.

But Phebe insists that she'll hit the trail,
So long! So long!
If she gets in trouble we'll go her bail,
Doggone! Doggone!
On Indians, blacks, and church records too,
Phebe's forgot more than we ever knew,
But we'll not forget her if Phebe must hit the trail.

For over thirty five years I have been in state service, the last thirty at the Hall of Records. I've loved it all.

- Phebe

I have to smile at one sentence in your letter -- that people have been so kind to you that, "it leaves me speechless." Now, Phebe, don't exaggerate. That would be quite a feat, to leave you speechless.

- Alex Haley

You may rest easy knowing that your wisdom and knowledge have touched so many lives in such a positive, yet gentle way.

- Charles "Skip" White

Over the past eight years you've become someone very special to me. We found out we don't always work well together and we had our tense moments, but we've laughed together too. You tried to teach me patience and tolerance, not always successfully! And I know when someone thanks me for whatever help I have been able to give, they are really thanking you for your example.

- Susan Cummings

I will always miss the nice things you say to me. I think you were the first person to call me Miss Sunshine. That name gave me a lift whenever you called me that.

- Shirley Salisbury