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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Woody Faust to Pauline and Sam Hawkins Smith; May 26, 1947

Elwood Berry Faust

Woody describes his new duties and his regular duties as a seaplane pilot. He misses Chris, and describes where she should be in her journey to meet him.
Letter from Marion Henderson to Martha Smith; September 22, 1947

Marion Henderson

Marion relays a story about her and Martha's former coworker, Sara.
Letter from Sara McClanahan to Martha Smith; October 13, 1947

Sara McClanahan

Sara explains the mixup with her employment status over her health situation.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith, December 23, 1947

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about the Canadian embargo on US goods, her plans for Christmas, and she recalls a story about a farmer friend in Orlando. She tells her mother she's seen English movies and a film of the royal wedding.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; December 30, 1947

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice recalls her Christmas holiday activities, telling her mother all the presents she got. She describes the Orange Bowl parade, and recalls a story about a run-in with a Jewish couple, revealing her prejudices.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; October 15, 1947

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice writes a letter to her family about the aftermath of the Hurricane in Miami. She talks about going to an MSCW alumnae and a Marine Banquet. She talks about friends.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 11, 1947

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice says how sorry she feels about the death of her uncle Vic, and that she's sorry she'd have to miss the funeral.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 26, 1947

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about going to the dentist, being sick, and a hurricane that passed through Miami. A friend has promised to take her on a sailboat ride.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; November 3, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about preparing food, attending church, and visiting a new mother and her baby in West Point. She tells Martha about new clothes, and the puppy she's got for Woody and Chris. She updates Martha on her health.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; November 8, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes Martha about Christmas presents for family members. She mentions enclosing tickets to a football game for Martha. She still has Woody and Christine's puppy. She is applying for a kitchen designing award, and updates Martha on her and others' health.