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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; August 8, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine talks about the weather in Panama and shares opinions on how the Navy hospital approaches care after childbirth. She discusses life in the Canal Zone and the scarcity of food in the commissary.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 13, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine sends Pauline instructions and an address for shipping their dog to her in Panama.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 15, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Pauline about social life on the station. She has joined a new group called the Inter-American Club, talks about a Christmas dinner she's planning, and she describes her maid's mannerisms.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 30, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine types her mother a letter about her Christmas day activities on her new typewriter. She talks about her new neighbors and Woody's trip to Jacksonville.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 2, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine details her Christmas holiday activities for her mother. She writes about the holiday parades and the Orange Bowl parade, where they got into an altercation with a woman.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 24, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine mentions that Woody should be receiving his new orders soon. She tells stories about various characters she runs into in Cocoa Beach.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 31, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine says Woody has received his orders to go to Norfolk, VA to await his permanent assignment. She talks about a shirt she's sewing, her daily routine, and goings on with friends and neighbors.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 8, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother about returning from a trip. She describes Christmas presents from her in-laws, tells of a social faux pas, and mentions enclosing some photographs Woody made.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 20, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine wishes her mother a safe trip to Florida. She describes her days in Panama, including playing tennis, learning Spanish, and shopping.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 31, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes about her Spanish teacher, her neighbors (a Navy captain and his wife), a party on the base, and going to church.