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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; March 5, 1948.

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about recent visits from family and friends and goings-on around town, including who is getting married and having babies.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 5, 1948.

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about recent visits from family and friends and goings-on around town, including who is getting married and having babies.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; May 20, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline has been ill and tells Martha that she's feeling better and will be getting out of the hospital. She also updates Martha on events like a wedding and a trip Sonnyboy is taking home from school.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; May 20, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline has been ill and tells Martha that she's feeling better and will be getting out of the hospital. She also updates Martha on events like a wedding and a trip Sonnyboy is taking home from school.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; May 31, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes to Martha from the hospital and says that Bernice is thinking about taking a job there working under Dr. Philpot.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; May 31, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes to Martha from the hospital and says that Bernice is thinking about taking a job there working under Dr. Philpot.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith, November 7, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline shares detailed information about a recent tornado in Calhoun City. She shares about her sewing and the holiday plans of friends and family.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith, November 7, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline shares detailed information about a recent tornado in Calhoun City. She shares about her sewing and the holiday plans of friends and family.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Christine Faust; May 24, 1948

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to Christine and Woody updating them on Pauline's operation. He tells them about his experiences in the hospital and that he will keep them updated on their mother's condition.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Christine Faust; May 24, 1948

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes to Christine and Woody updating them on Pauline's operation. He tells them about his experiences in the hospital and that he will keep them updated on their mother's condition.