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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Smith to Martha Smith; February 4, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her sister to tell her that she's getting married. She includes some information about Woody, her fiance, and asks Martha to plan her vacation time so she can attend the wedding.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith; March 9, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells Martha about her job, relationship with Woody, visitors, and thanks Martha for sending her a suit for her birthday
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; Feburary 1, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine updates her mother about a new lieutenant she's dating, who has intentions of marrying her, and how her previous boyfriend, Phil, says he's too busy with the war. She also tells about donating blood, letters she's receiving, including one from a previous boyfriend, Wade Horn, and a visit from Don Cunningham, a naval aide to the Governor of the Virgin Islands.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; Feburary 3, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine gives her mother updates about her upcoming wedding and the man she will marry. She reflects on friends she's made and the places around the world they've traveled.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; March 13, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about a difficult day in the airport where she had to deal with passengers who spoke many languages. She also shares that she met some celebrities and that Woody is in San Juan.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; March 30, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine writes her mother about her wedding plans, and recalls letters she has received from men that formerly courted her.
Letter frrom Christine Faust to Pauline Smith; December 27, 1944

Edith Christine Faust

Christine tells her mother about her Christmas presents and dinner in Miami. She is pregnant, and talks about her health, and visiting with another friend who is also pregnant. She shares feelings of worry for Martha and Sonny Boy.
Letter from Elwood Faust to Christine Smith; April 3, 1944

Elwood Berry Faust

Woody expresses his enthusiasm over his and Christine's engagement and describes his experience telling his family the news. He wanted to trudge through the snow and was proud to share images of Christine with his family.
Card from Anice Graves to Pauline Smith; December 19, 1944

Anice Graves

Anice sends a Christmas card and a note about her family members, especially her 80 year old mother, who has just had surgery in Greenville.
Letter from Jewell Hardin to Pauline and Sam Smith; December 22, 1944

Jewell Hardin

Jewell writes a heartfelt Christmas greeting to the Smiths, wishing them well under the wartime circumstances. Jewell also tells where the soldiers in her family are located or stationed.