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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; October 13, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates her daughter about friends and family in Pittsboro. She thanks Martha for sending her money.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; October 27, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about Christmas buying Christmas presents, and updates her on the well-being of several family members.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 16, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about her housework and the states of well being of various family members and friends. She discusses the aftermath of her brother Victor's funeral.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates Martha on the well-being of family members and of herself. She mentions feeling lonely.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 29, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates Martha about members of the family, especially Ivy, following the death of her husband Vic. She mentions going to the doctor, her niece Dot at MUW, and various other visits and letters.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 6, 1947

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline gives Martha advice about her work situation, telling her to speak to the president of LSU and possibly quit her job. She updates Martha on events around Pittsboro, including a visit from Queen Elizabeth II, and her uncle Vic's health.
Telegram from Sam Smith to Martha Smith; September 10, 1947

Sam Hawkins Smith

Sam sends a telegram notifying Martha about the death and funeral of her Uncle Victor.
Letter from Etoyle to Pauline Smith; September 15, 1947

Etoyle Unknown

Etoyle writes Pauline to share her condolences over her brother Vic's death.
Letter from Genny to Martha Smith; December 8, 1947

Genny Unknown

Genny writes to Martha about her potential love interests, attending a football game, and running into mutual friends in town.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; April 29, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes about a visit from Martha and May Catherine. She wasn't feeling well during their visit. She talks about a fight between herself and Bernice, being restationed, and recovering from dental surgery.