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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Virginia Taylor to Pauline Smith; June 3, 1948

Virginia Taylor

Virginia writes to Pauline wishing her well and also letting her know that she is happy Bernice will be with her family again.
Letter from Virginia Taylor to Pauline Smith; June 3, 1948

Virginia Taylor

Virginia writes to Pauline wishing her well and also letting her know that she is happy Bernice will be with her family again.
Letter from Carrie to Pauline Smith; May 25, 1948

Carrie Unknown

Carrie wishes Pauline to feel better soon and that her friends miss her. She is looking after chickens but enjoys it. She also sent Pauline a clip from a newspaper with a joke.
Letter from Carrie to Pauline Smith; May 25, 1948

Carrie Unknown

Carrie wishes Pauline to feel better soon and that her friends miss her. She is looking after chickens but enjoys it. She also sent Pauline a clip from a newspaper with a joke.
Letter from Dan to Martha Smith; April 17, 1948

Dan Unknown

Dan writes Martha from Hattiesburg, telling her about setting up a school and the photography hobby he's recently taken up
Letter from Dan to Martha Smith; April 17, 1948

Dan Unknown

Dan writes Martha from Hattiesburg, telling her about setting up a school and the photography hobby he's recently taken up
Letter from Dan Unknown to Martha Smith; June 10, 1948

Dan Unknown

Dan writes to Martha to thank her and updates her on his life including getting photos taken, and how he is still getting over the mumps.
Letter from Dan Unknown to Martha Smith; June 10, 1948

Dan Unknown

Dan writes to Martha to thank her and updates her on his life including getting photos taken, and how he is still getting over the mumps.
Letter from unknown to Martha Smith; March 5, 1948.

unknown unknown

Martha's unknown friend encourages Martha and shares a bit of their life philosophy. They also ask Martha for a favor and warn her against "amorous adventurers."
Letter from unknown to Martha Smith; March 5, 1948.

unknown unknown

Martha's unknown friend encourages Martha and shares a bit of their life philosophy. They also ask Martha for a favor and warn her against "amorous adventurers."