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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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

Edith Christine Faust

Letter from Christine to her mother saying she is homesick, talking about her everday life and customs in the military in Miami. She mentions her work and her coworkers' relations who are involved in combat overseas.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 23, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about a woman leaving her baby at the Red Cross. She says the work is mentally straining and very demanding and notes that a hurricane just missed Miami.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; October 9, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine talks about her working making her tired, sending a package to Sonny Boy, cooking, and mentions that a boy she used to date being killed in France. She describes a potential change in Woody's career, and she tells Pauline about social activities and financial decisions she and her husband have been making. She makes some sewing requests from her mother.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; September 27, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine shares some stories from her work about helping a man who had been in an internment camp and a woman whose son is in military jail. She tells her mother that she and Woody are talking about where they'll live after the war.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; September 6, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

In this letter, Christine provides an update on Lamar, Mary, and Philip Mitchell. Christine gets hired by the Red Cross to serve the army and their relatives and hopes to purchase not only clothes for herself but also war bonds.
Letter from Christine Faust to Pauline Smtih; September 16, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine shares some experiences from her new job and discusses moving from Miami afer the war. She processes her grief over Robert Young's death.
Letter from Christine Smith to Aylene Herring; April 14, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates her friend on her pending marriage and many other friends and acquaintances that she encountered in Florida.
Letter from Christine Smith to Fran; May 12, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine discusses Fran's upcoming travel to England, her own upcoming wedding, and the death of Paul, who they both knew. She writes about her planned living arrangements and her daily life.
Letter from Christine Smith to Ivy Pearl; March 21, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine reveals she is getting married to Woody in May, but expresses worry over Phil and what could've been. She also discusses her other friends and brother.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith; April 25, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Martha about her wedding plans, including what she'll wear, how tired she is of planning, and where they'll honeymoon.