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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 6, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline discusses sewing and taxes. She tells Martha that Sonny Boy's cat died, and she worries about his well-being. She expresses reluctance towards Christine's marriage, and recalls a quarrel among family members.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; May 31, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline volunteers registering voters in various precincts and visits the doctor because of her ear. She offers some updates on neighbors and family members, and says she is reminded of Boyd Harlan's death because of her location.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; September 24, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline talkes about sending packages to Sonny Boy, harvesting muscadines with Leon, Mary, and Mrs. Winkler, shares updates on family members and friends, and her plans for hosting quilting parties.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Marth Smith; February 8, 1944

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes to Martha about the latest mail received from Sonny Boy and is thankful he is in England since it seems safer. She informs Martha about Lois leaving her husband and finding hosts for two visiting clergy. Pauline also talks about the friends she's been visiting and asks Martha when she is coming to visit and urges her to write to Sonny Boy soon as he is anxious for mail.
Letter from Sam E. Smith to Pauline Smith; March 28, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Sonny Boy informs Pauline of conditions at camp and asks her to send him some candy.
Letter from Sam E. Smith to Pauline Smith; March 28, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy informs Pauline of conditions at camp and asks her to send him some candy.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; December 10, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy tells his sister about packages and correspondences from family members he's received in the last several days. He wishes his sisters would all be able to visit their parents at home for Christmas.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; February 21, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy responds to family correspondence and discusses life in the camp, including stage shows and his duties. He relays observations about people in England and talks about the weather.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; February 9, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy lets Bernice know that his mail has finally caught up to him and the rest of his outfit. He mentions that he is less busy and spends most of his time on guard duty.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Bernice Smith; October 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy holds Bernice's letters in high regards. He mentions the rain has been unpleasant and some of what he learned from one of Pauline's letters. Furthermore, Sonny Boy mentions some of the films he has seen.