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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Sonny Boy Smith to Christine Smith; April 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes Christine about his experience on phone duty and describes some of the men in his company.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; February 22, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy talks at length about the weather in the English countryside and how dark the nights are. He talks about seeing a stage performance and how the kids in town crowd around the Americans asking for gum and coins.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Martha Smith; October 12, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy mentions his wellbeing, the weather, going to a "picture show" and receiving hospitality from some American women working for Red Cross. He comments on Scoop Carter. Sonny Boy says he received some photographs from the family.
Letter from Sonnyboy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 1, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonnyboy writes his mother to let her know that he will be sending more money home and has been promoted in rank. He mentions receiving a letter from his cousin Dot and shares about how quickly the weather changes where he is.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy writes his mother that things are going well at camp and he enjoys singing the songs in the songbooks sent by his family. He also tells her he doesn't know where Vic Jr. is and has no way of finding out.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; April 25, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy mentions how long it takes for him to receive mail. He seesm to be bored with his role: Kitchen Patrol and guarding in general. However, he seems proud of his learning how to iron clothing and shows a growing appreciation for his mother's capabilities she has shown in her domestic role.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 1, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy expresses his optimism that the Allies will win the European campaign. Writing from France, he mentions the weather is better than in England, and shares that his watch band broke again.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith: August 20, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy adds more comments on the Jewish soldier he has known. While Sonny Boy seen combat, he has a positive attitude, and anticipates the possibilitiy of returning to college.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; August 26, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Bernice's correspondences have been comforting to Sonny Boy. Sonny Boy France being unappealing at first, but that the peope have been lovely. He believes that during a more typical season than what the war creates, these people have very managable lives.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; December 2, 1944

Sam Ellard Smith

Sonny Boy describes how he stays well despite the cold weather and harsh conditions. He says he enjoys getting letters from various people, and shares what he's read about home.