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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 9, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to her mother about a recent hurricane in Florida, and how Woody is frustrated in his role as an instructor. She mentions seeing the news about the latest MSU football game and expresses her wish for a permanent station in the future.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine expresses frustration over her kitchen appliances, and enumberates her domestic duties in Cocoa Beach. She mentions Sonny Boy's rejection from an unnamed university, and tells her mother she'll send her more photographs of Miami.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; September 7, 1946

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes about settling into her new place and town. She describes meeting a man from Mississippi whose wife went to MSCW. She expresses being homesick and talks about visiting friends in the area.
Letter from Eric Humphries to Christine Faust; December 5, 1946

Eric Humphries

Eric discusses his work with a steel company in Pennsylvania and shares his musings on life, employment, and marriage. He mentions being homesick for England.
Letter from Eric Humphries to Christine Faust; March 14, 1946

Eric Humphries

Eric writes about his attempts to get to the U.S. from London. He misses Miami, and wishes to visit and see Christine again. He talks about being back in London, working, and enjoying music on the radio.
Letter from Eric Humphries to Christine Faust; September 19, 1946

Eric Humphries

Eric writes about being back in Pennsylvania and updates Christine on new developments in his life since the last time they saw each other. He discusses getting settled into new habits and asks for updates from Christine.
Letter from Lucie Frauch and Marcelle Risch to Sonny Boy Smith; December 9, 1946

Marcelle Risch

Marcelle and Lucie write from Luxembourg to wish Sam a happy holidays, and to share fond memories from his stay with them.
Letter from Frances Ross to Christine Faust; December 15, 1946

Frances Ross

Frances asks Christine about her move and discusses her life in Tokyo. She relates her daily activities and plans for the future she has made with her husband.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; October 20, 1946

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice updates her mother about daily life. She recalls an incident in which Loretta lost a bag during travel, and going out to night clubs with dentists.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; November 10, 1946

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about sending off her "kitchen diploma" to Mississippi State College, Sunday School, sewing, and the well being of various friends and family. She mentions Sonny Boy isn't doing well in school.