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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Ivy Simmons to Pauline Smith; January 8, 1945

Ivy Simmons

Ivy tells Pauline about visiting family members and asks about Sonny Boy. She wishes the U.S. would pass the "work or fight" law.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; January 1, 1945

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about how she spent Christmas day, and she shares her opinion about the race tracks closing in Florida.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; January 22, 1945

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about her trip to the beach and gives updates on her friends.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; July 25, 1945

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice writes her mother about material for a dress, shopping, and visiting with friends and family in Miami.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; June 17, 1945

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about an administrative change in her office, shopping at the store, and the rations on meat at the store.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 8, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about a program at the courthouse to mourn President Roosevelt's death. Sonny Boy has written her about an abscessed widsom tooth. She discusses family affairs, including visits from furloughed relatives and her brother, who has recently been promoted. She says her sister has ordered a hot water heater and an electric stove. She's hoping to get the same, but it worried about having enough money for all of it.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; August 8, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha that Allen and family have bought a house nearby, and Pauline and family members have helped fix it up for them. They have had lots of friends and family visit, and more to come. She also talks about gardening, a letter from Sonny Boy, playing piano for a church meeting, and helping with a housewarming party.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; December 10, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline is joyful and busy with Sonny Boy's discharge and arrival home. Neighbors and family have been visiting and bringing food. She asks Martha if she could take a day off of work to help him shop for civilian clothes in Memphis, and is very detailed about the things he needs.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; December 3, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline describes the changes they are making to their house, from bricking it up to getting a new water heater. She is anxious for Sonny Boy's return home, and wishes all her children could make it home for Christmas. She updates Martha on news from family and friends.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 29, 1945

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about visiting family members, letters from Sonny Boy from Belgium, and a church event she attended in Bruce. She says that the "chaps from Florida" are visiting, and she's worried about other family and friends with children in the war.