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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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.

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha that Sonny Boy has left home and is likely to be in Europe soon. She is making plans for Christmas and hopes Martha will make it home.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 24, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline informs Martha that Daddy has been injured.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 24, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline informs Martha that Daddy has been injured.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 7, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Letter from Pauline to Martha about the well-being of family members and friends, including Sonny Boy, who has transferred overseas, and she expresses dismay that church attendance is low. Enclosed is a letter from Christine, who talks about writing to Phil overseas, her social life, being in Miami, and her work at Pan-Am.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; July 30, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline catches Martha up on the goings-on around town, including that someone has traded for a big red truck that can give Martha a ride to Pittsboro. She shares that she believes Sonny Boy is now in France and reviews some gifts that Woody bought for members of the family.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; June 18, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha that she learned Sonny Boy's division in the army and is worried about him She says it has been very hot and tells Martha she also worries about how far away Martha lives from her work..
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; June 26, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline asks Martha if she's seen Christine's wedding announcement in the paper, tells her of Tom's arrival home from India, and expresses her relief that Sonny Boy has not be a part of the major "invasion."
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; June 5, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline tells Martha about a recent visit with relatives and friends. Christine writes to her mother about her and Woody's new apartment and their honeymoon. Bernice tells Pauline about receiving a letter from Snell and talks about what she did after Pauline visited recently.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 13, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline describes some of her sewing projects. She tells of a spontaneous trip she takes to Jackson and the people with whom she visits and explains she does successfully shop without having prepared beforehand. She discusses the process of Lois's and Les's divorce.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 16, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes Martha about her sewing progress, and asks Martha to send her patterns. She encloses a letter from Bernice that mentions her social life in Miami and letters she has written to friends and family.