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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Pauline Smith; August 26, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine and Woody have moved into their new living space at the Banana River naval base outside of Cocoa Beach. She describes the local culture and surroundings for her mother.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 20, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother that she has been sick, and she tells her about their plans for Christmas. She shares her descriptions of impoverished people she comes across.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 6, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine is in Miami visiting friends and accomplishing errands. She has a new suit from Woody as a Christmas present, and even though she is happy to visit friends, she expresses that she is quite lonely.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; March 13, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine is glad she has a new cousin in the family, and she updates her mother on trying to get a car, employment, and radio shows they listen to. She asks her mother her opinions on Churchhill's "Iron Curtain" speech.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; May 13, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes her day trip to Key West and staying with a friend while Woody is on late duty. She wishes Pauline a happy Mother's Day.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; May 20, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes that Woody has received his transfer notice, and that she'll be visiting Pittsboro before they move to Banana River. She talks about dinner parties she has attended as a guest and as a host.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; May 31, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates her mother about their travel plans and mentions preparing to move.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; November 2, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes a fishing trip and a bridge party that she didn't enjoy. She comments on parenting styles of her neighbors. She tells Pauline she's going to send her washing powder and mayonaise.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 22, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine sends Pauline photos that Woody has taken and developed himself. She describes the Officer's club at the station, playing cards with other couples. She has taken up fishing as a hobby, and talks about her domestic duties. She mentions that Bernice has a new "friend boy."
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 3, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes a walk on the beach, meals she's cooked, and friends who are about to move. She compares the wife of the couple to a negro and the husband to a confederate general. She tells her mother about losing her wallet, letters from her friend Eric, and news from other family members.