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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Deloris Ellard to Pauline Smith; April 7, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

Deloris tells Pauline about moving out of her house and how she's doing after Foss' death. She writes a poem in the letter about her grieving. Pauline will be looking after Deolris' son Alfred on the weekends.
Letter from Deloris Ellard to Pauline Smith; April 7, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

Deloris tells Pauline about moving out of her house and how she's doing after Foss' death. She writes a poem in the letter about her grieving. Pauline will be looking after Deolris' son Alfred on the weekends.
Letter from DeLoris Ellard to Pauline Smith; March 24, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

DeLoris shares the state of her affairs and her grief with Pauline since her husband's death, and she tells her about her plans for relocating to Jackson. She discusses her feelings and her children.
Letter from DeLoris Ellard to Pauline Smith; March 24, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

DeLoris shares the state of her affairs and her grief with Pauline since her husband's death, and she tells her about her plans for relocating to Jackson. She discusses her feelings and her children.
Letter from DeLoris Ellard to Pauline Smith; May 2, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

DeLoris tells Pauline about her new job, how she's getting along and making financial ends meet. She talks about her children and laments about the loss of her husband.
Letter from DeLoris Ellard to Pauline Smith; May 2, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

DeLoris tells Pauline about her new job, how she's getting along and making financial ends meet. She talks about her children and laments about the loss of her husband.
Letter from De Loris Ellard to Pauline Smith; October 25, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

De Loris writes to Pauline to update her on certain social aspects of her life. She is turning to God to help her heal from the pain of Foss' death. She also updates her on her Christmas Card business and tells her to take care.
Letter from De Loris Ellard to Pauline Smith; October 25, 1948

DeLoris Ellard

De Loris writes to Pauline to update her on certain social aspects of her life. She is turning to God to help her heal from the pain of Foss' death. She also updates her on her Christmas Card business and tells her to take care.
Letter from Dot Ellard to Pauline Smith; May 25, 1948

Dot Ellard

Dot writes to Pauline to send her regards after Pauline's surgery, and she tells Pauline that she will be a senior next year and she is going to a summer camp where she will teach dance.
Letter from Dot Ellard to Pauline Smith; May 25, 1948

Dot Ellard

Dot writes to Pauline to send her regards after Pauline's surgery, and she tells Pauline that she will be a senior next year and she is going to a summer camp where she will teach dance.