Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection

The majority of the contents of the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Collection (referred to as the “Smith Family Papers”) includes letters and diaries among family members and friends, with most letters from members of the Smith Family--Pauline and Sam H, and their children, Bernice, Christine, Martha, and Sam E (or “Sonny Boy.”). The geographic center of the collection is Pittsboro (or Calhoun County) Mississippi, where the family maintained their home since 1914, and where Pauline wrote most of her letters. Several letters from Jackson, MS are from Sam H. Smith, who was a state senator between 1932 and 1936. Letters to and from Columbus, MS are from Bernice, Christine, and Martha, who each attended the Mississippi State College for Women between approximately 1931 and 1938. As Pauline and Sam H. grow older and continue to write from Mississippi, the children move around the country, and with a few military appointments, around the world. The letters reflect this.

Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language. Unless otherwise noted, this is the language used by the record creator(s) and not imposed by the Beulah Culbertson Archives and Special Collections. Visit our website to read our harmful language policy.

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Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 10, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes Martha about visiting family, doing chores, and various purchases. Enclosed is a letter from Chris, who talks about her social visits, shopping, the arrival of spring, and getting a driver's license.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 10, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes Martha about visiting family, doing chores, and various purchases. Enclosed is a letter from Chris, who talks about her social visits, shopping, the arrival of spring, and getting a driver's license.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 25, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates Martha about her week, including her house work, caring for DeLoris' son, Alfred, and sewing. She tells about fixing up a romance between her friends.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 25, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates Martha about her week, including her house work, caring for DeLoris' son, Alfred, and sewing. She tells about fixing up a romance between her friends.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 26, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about her Sunday, updates her about the romance between Jennie and Dr. Ed. She talks about her church group sponsoring a musical performance .
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 26, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about her Sunday, updates her about the romance between Jennie and Dr. Ed. She talks about her church group sponsoring a musical performance .
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 6, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline talks about her sewing, Sonny Boy coming home from the hospital, buying property, and updates Martha about her other family members' well-being.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 6, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline talks about her sewing, Sonny Boy coming home from the hospital, buying property, and updates Martha about her other family members' well-being.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 15, 1948.

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about Foss' death, recounting his heart attack, the funeral, and the well-being of DeLoris and other family members.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 15, 1948.

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about Foss' death, recounting his heart attack, the funeral, and the well-being of DeLoris and other family members.