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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; May 8, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine talks about Woody's work and prospects and outings with friends. A soldier at the commissary tells her about his wife's abortion.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; November 25, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine is preparing to move out of their apartment. She doesn't think she'll be home for Christmas because of Woody's work, but hopes to see her family shortly after. She describes Christmas shopping and the food shortage.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 31, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine says that they've been given 1 month to find a new place to live by their landlord. She says she likes her job, but housing and food scarcity has given her reason to move. She wishes Woody would consider leaving the Navy.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 8, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates her mother on her husband's career decisions to stay in the regular Navy until he retires. She hopes to visit home soon, and updates her mother on visits with her friends.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; September 6, 1945

Edith Christine Faust

Christine says Woody's miltary orders allow him to wear civilian clothes when off duty, and she's had a visit from Betty and Elizabeth, who is getting married. She doesn't think "kids," like Sonny Boy should be kept overseas, and she's eager for Woody to get a different job.
Letter from Lucie Frauch and Marcelle Risch to Pauline Smith; April 27, 1945

Lucie Frauch

Lucie and Marcelle write Pauline about Sonnyboy's good manners while he stayed at their house in Luxembourg.
Letter from Lucie Frauch to Pauline Smith; July 12, 1945

Lucie Frauch

Lucie writes to Pauline about their home and population in Luxembourg, and about how much they enjoyed Sonny Boy's stay with them.
Letter from William Kethley to Martha Smith; October 1, 1945

William Kethley

Kethley, President of Mississippi Delta State Teacher's College, writes Martha to arrange a meeting.
Letter from D.P. Moore to Sam H. Smith; June 25, 1945

D P. Moore

The author writes that he's contemplating buying some land, that he is interested in a married woman who's husband is overseas, and that he is invested in planting potatoes.
Letter from Sam Buck "Sleech" Parker to Sonny Boy Smith; June 24, 1945

Sam Buck Parker

Sam "Sleech" writes his friend from the Philippines. He's been there for six months, and he's tired of rations. He's heard from a mutual friend in Germany.