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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Jim Womble to Martha Smith; September 1, 1948

C James Womble

Jim writes Martha that he's looking forward to her return from New York, and that he's looking for an apartment in Baton Rouge.
Letter from Jim Womble to Martha Smith; September 1, 1948

C James Womble

Jim writes Martha that he's looking forward to her return from New York, and that he's looking for an apartment in Baton Rouge.
Letter from Jim Womble to Martha Smith; September 7, 1948

C James Womble

Jim recalls his service in the armed forces four years ago, and tells Martha about studying for his college courses.
Letter from Jim Womble to Martha Smith; September 7, 1948

C James Womble

Jim recalls his service in the armed forces four years ago, and tells Martha about studying for his college courses.
Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith; May 24, 1948

Martha Josephine Womble

Martha writes to Pauline about her troubles at work, and a trip to New Orleans.
Letter from Martha Smith to Pauline Smith; May 24, 1948

Martha Josephine Womble

Martha writes to Pauline about her troubles at work, and a trip to New Orleans.
Letter from Vic Ellard to Ches Ellard and Clelia Ellard; August 21, 1947

Victor Hugo Ellard

Vic writes about traveling to Minnesota for a procedure and updates the family on his health. He encountered mutual acquaintances on the journey.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; December 17, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes Martha about local riots that have prevented them from going to Panama. She attributes them to the "naturally excitable" Panamanian communists. She also recounts a fight at a social gathering.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 19, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about her social life - dancing at the officer's club and in Panama caberets, visiting with other Navy wives, and playing tennis with Woody. She gets her driver's license and a library card.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 30, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine is helping plan a formal event with other Navy wives. She talks about her plans to invite people over for dinner, and asks about news from home.