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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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; August 7, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine is quite ill and expresses how much difficulty Woody faces trying to cook and how other people have helped feed him. They meet a doctor who is connected to Woody's church in Pennsylvania.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 15, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine has had an operation, and is on bed rest. She talks about the food she made prior to her hospital visit, and preparations for Christmas.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 16, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Letter from Christine to her mother. She describes meeting some soldiers on the beach, where they are recooperating from PTSD from being in combat overseas. She recounts discussing the "negro question" with them. She mentions keeping up with war news on the radio and being lonely.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 25, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine explains how much she values political discussions and puts into perspective the importance of the thoughts of "little people" because of the global situation of their time. She describes her experiences with cooking meals, reading different genres, and listening to the radio.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; July 6, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother about her and her husband's experiences within their community and how she goes to visit other people when he is gone for Navy duties. She shares anecdotes about her neighbor, a Doctor Hanna. Christine expresses her concern about the Pacific Campaign in Saipan.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 12, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes to her mother about her married life. She mentions that Emma Ody Pohl is in Miami and that there is an MSCW reunion coming up.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 16, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine continues to write about her life with Woody. She says they've discovered the Navy commissary and enjoy eating together and listening to the radio.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 22, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine describes her adventure trying to prepare dinner for some guests and how she meets a doctor who makes her rather uncomfortable. She describes the intense weather she has experienced and reveals the unpredictability of her experience is as a Navy lieutenant's wife.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; June 5, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine sends her mother a draft of the article she herself wrote about her and Elwood's (Woody's) wedding. She writes a brief message about this draft and also mentions photographs her mother should expect to receive from her.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; November 11, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Letter from Christine to her mother wishing to come home for Christmas, her views on race relations, her sadness regarding the war's impact on everyday life, and thoughts on being a southerner.