Zepha's Place — Altonya Washington

Zepha Dodge wore the title of entrepreneur at a time when few women could claim such an accomplishment. For a black woman in the 1930s, that accomplishment was remarkable indeed. Rudine, Colorado wasn't a place that boasted such occurrences, but Zepha Dodge had built an extraordinary establishment. Still, the Great Depression loomed and its presence was felt regardless of race or social status. Somehow, Zepha's life remained a quiet one. Her business ran smoothly and without any of the nasty surprises that could so easily find their way to one's door. That is, until a blinding rainstorm brought with it a most unexpected guest.  The woman on the other side of Zepha's door was beaten, shivering, soaked through from the rain…and she was white. On the door of a black establishment in the 1930s, such a combination could mean nothing good.  But things are not always what they seem.