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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; December 29, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother what all she and her husband got for Christmas, thanking her for what she sent.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 3, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine has moved apartments, and describes the process. She remarks that tourist season in Miami has started, which has also brought in more crime. She describes her work at the Red Cross.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 10, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine's friends Frances and Elizabeth visit her in Miami, and mentions holiday correspondence. She writes that she finds it hard to get going during the day.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; January 27, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother about her recent doctor's appointments related to her pregnancy and updates her on her social circle in Miami. She discusses Woody's mother and talks about his trips to the Canal Zone.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 18, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Pauline about taking Dot, who's visiting, on a boat ride that toured wealthy people's homes on the bay in Miami. She says they are waiting for Woody's orders, that she's trying to sew, and that she's had lunch with Bernice lately.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 24, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine complains that Bernice doesn't help her when she comes over for dinner. She thanks her mother for a dress, tells her that Woody is getting clothes for her dad, and that she's going to come visit them in Mississippi.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 29, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes about Woody's unrelenting work schedule, the cost of groceries, and updates about family members, like Dot who is supposed to visit her in Miami, and Tom Murphree, who has been indicted. She mentions plans to visit her in-laws.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 6, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother about gifts that she and Woody have purchased. She also discusses dressmaking and difficulties acquiring food.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; May 11, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine thanks her mother for a dress, and asks if she can make the waist line bigger. She also expresses many emotions about the end of the war in Germany.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; May 1, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about her Sunday routines and discusses her family and friends. She writes about sitting for an oil painting, Miami hosting many Chinese sailors for training courses, and peace rumors.