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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2, 1943

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2, 1943. Christine tells her mother she has been looking diligently into finding a watch for Sonny Boy and has been sleeping better since she got her own room. Things are changing in her life, as one of her housemates is moving out, friends are traveling, and Phil is serving overseas and has told her to expect not to hear from him for a while.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1943

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1943. Christine recounts her busy social life with her mother. She appears to have gotten a promotion at work as well, but shares that she will be making the same amount of money.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; December 21, 1943

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; December 21, 1943. Bernice tells Pauline about her and Christine's plans for Christmas. She summarizes the presents she's purchased for family members and talks about how cold it is in Miami.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 22, 1943

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 22, 1943. Bernice writes to her mother about her social life- she appears to be either living or spending her time with Christine. She tells Pauline that she is busy at work and getting a raise- which she plans to put into savings bonds.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith , September 7, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith, September 7, 1943. Christina talks about her busy day and updates Martha on what's been happening and encourages her about her new job.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 11, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 11, 1943. Christine starts off saying she woke up early in order to go see Sonny Boy's package amd tells her mother of a perfume that she sent to Martha. She also shares that she has been worried about Phil who may have been at the Battle of Tarawa and about the death of another friend.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 26, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 26, 1943. Christine describes her experiences of Christmas this year and a tragic heart attack of a sergeant in his forties.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; October 22, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; October 22, 1943. Christine updates Pauline on her social life, sharing a story about a dance she attended at the Coral Gables Country Club with an English soldier. She seems reflective, as she writes to her mother about how many people she has had to say goodbye to and how she is finding difficulty keeping up with her correspondence.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 17, 1943

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 17, 1943. Pauline tells Martha about sewing a dress for someone, the well-being of family friends, and some of her day-to-day activities. Enclosed is a letter to Martha from Pepsi-Cola Company in Memphis.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; December 13, 1943

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; December 13, 1943. Pauline updates Martha on what's happening in Pittsboro, including people's health and her and Sam Sr.'s yard management projects. She shares that Robert Young recently did a successful stint at the Grand Ole Opry.