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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 25, 1944

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice tells her mother about a party she went to recently, and updates her on some packages she sent to Sonny Boy.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Robert Young; June 25, 1944

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice responds to a letter from Bob and talks about making date plans. She details a date Martha had and talks about visiting Christine.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; Feburary 1, 1944

Edith Christine Smith

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; January 23, 1944

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Letters Collection. Christine tells Pauline about her social life.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; January 23, 1944

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Letters Collection. Christine tells Pauline about her social life.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 22, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Letter from Pauline to Martha talking about clothes, inclues a piece of felt, and transferring money.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 4, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline thanks Martha for sending her lace and some money. She discusses her upcoming trip to Miami for Christine's wedding.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 9, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline has fixed her sewing machine. She mentions family Easter plans and various people. She wants Martha to explore different options for trains home.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; August 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha that Robert Young has died in combat. She shares her worries about Sonny Boy and wonders whether he is seeing combat.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; December 3, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline updates her daughter on the family and neighbors. She discusses cooking, new clothes, movies, and Martha's generosity.