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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Martha Smith; February 28, 1948.

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Martha about her new living arrangements in Saratoga Springs, New York. She talks about the snow and moving in.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; February 28, 1948.

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Martha about her new living arrangements in Saratoga Springs, New York. She talks about the snow and moving in.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; July 14, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine shares her dissatisfaction with her life and the people around her. She tells Martha about a trip she and Woody took to New York City.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; July 14, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine shares her dissatisfaction with her life and the people around her. She tells Martha about a trip she and Woody took to New York City.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; October 5, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to Martha about some visitors that came to visit them and they went to a football game in Massachusetts. Christine expresses her displeasure at the "snobbery" of the East but likes the scenery.
Letter from Christine Faust to Martha Smith; October 5, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to Martha about some visitors that came to visit them and they went to a football game in Massachusetts. Christine expresses her displeasure at the "snobbery" of the East but likes the scenery.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; April 22, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates Pauline on their social life and Woody's job. She discusses her and Woody's diet, weight, and health. She also mentions Foss's death and how DeLoris is dealing with it, and the results of the Italian election.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; April 22, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates Pauline on their social life and Woody's job. She discusses her and Woody's diet, weight, and health. She also mentions Foss's death and how DeLoris is dealing with it, and the results of the Italian election.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; April 28, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to Pauline about how she and Woody have spent their time and relays a story about their neighbor, Mrs. Barrett, who emigrated from Russia as a child. She updates her mother on upcoming travel plans and responds to previous correspondence.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; April 28, 1948

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to Pauline about how she and Woody have spent their time and relays a story about their neighbor, Mrs. Barrett, who emigrated from Russia as a child. She updates her mother on upcoming travel plans and responds to previous correspondence.