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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Woody Faust; March 13, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes Woody in Pennsylvania. He is visiting his parents before he goes to Norfolk for his next assignment.
Letter from Christine Faust to Woody Faust, March 22, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Woody likes the idea of being station in San Juan, and dicsusses getting ready for that move. She misses Woody after staying in Pittsboro for several weeks.
Letter from Christine Faust to Woody Faust, March 24, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes Woody about plans to organize for the upcoming move and travel in between. She is lonely in Pittsboro and misses Woody.
Letter from Christine Faust to Woody Faust, March 27, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Woody she isn't able to leave Pittsboro as soon as she would like. She gets a typhoid shot in preparation for travel to Puerto Rico. She updates Woody on her Pittsboro friends and family.
Letter from Christine Faust to Woody Faust, March 31, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Woody about a visit to Martha in Memphis. She describes her shopping and visits from family.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 1, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes a party she hosted and several she attended. She expresses fatigue at attending so many social events, and describes the weather in Panama during this time of year.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 24, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about her Christmas plans and recent purhcases she's made. She mentions the riots by "native students" that keep her from going into the Republic of Panama.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; November 24, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes the food for a dinner party she's hosting. She admits growing weary of being a navy spouse. She talks about her plans and activities around the Canal Zone - Christmas plans, getting a dog, and Spanish class.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; November 5, 1947

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about Christmas plans and the Panamanian Independence day. She describes the Panamanian people, tells about her visit to Fort San Lorezno, and asks about various family members and friends.
Letter from Woody Faust to Christine Faust; May 13, 1947

Elwood Berry Faust

Woody describes their new apartment and all the updates that will be done to it. He mentions immunizations.