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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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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Telegram from Robert Young to Helen Young; June 27, 1944

Robert Young

Robert telegrams Helen in order to assure him of his wellbeing. While Robert regrets he cannot send Helen his income he is hopeful she shall have pleasant travels.
Letter from Dot Ellard to Martha Smith; October 23, 1943

Dot Ellard

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Dot Ellard to Martha Smith; October 23, 1943. Dot tells Martha that she is taking typing classes and practices by writing this letter. Most of the letter is spent gently chastizing Martha for not writing sooner and asking her to do better, while also summarizing a letter from Sonny Boy that sounds identical to those he wrote his mother and sisters.
Letter from Victor Ellard to Pauline Smith; December 8, 1943

Victor Ellard

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Victor Ellard to Pauline Smith; December 8, 1943. Victor asks Pauline about buying some hens from her and tells her about how he has been getting eggs despite shortages. He also discusses some of the other chores that he does on his farm and updates Pauline about other family members.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; November 28, 1943

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; November 28, 1943. Christine writes of how her Sunday went, noting they all woke up early that morning. Christine also mentions Betty and Loretta 'dressed up' and went to church, saying she would have joined if she didn't have work. She mentions a house with a 'somewhat scraggly front yard' that has a poinsetta bush with several flowers on blooming, notes that one of her roomates picked a number of them and put them in one of their floor vases on either side of their fireplace afterward. Christine mentioned a Mrs. Walsh called her and asked her to go out with a friend of both her and her husband, Lt. Kenneth States, on a double date. Noted that a friend of Kenneth's called and told her Kenneth had died in a plane crash and killed himself and seventeen others that were with him, just outside of Rio. Mentions Marine activity in recent weeks in the South Pacific and the heavy casuality numbers. Notes she got the money from Leon, made note that she recieved received the pictures that had been sent. Also mentions the fruit cake that was sent.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2, 1943

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2, 1943. Christine tells her mother she has been looking diligently into finding a watch for Sonny Boy and has been sleeping better since she got her own room. Things are changing in her life, as one of her housemates is moving out, friends are traveling, and Phil is serving overseas and has told her to expect not to hear from him for a while.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1943

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1943. Christine recounts her busy social life with her mother. She appears to have gotten a promotion at work as well, but shares that she will be making the same amount of money.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; December 21, 1943

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; December 21, 1943. Bernice tells Pauline about her and Christine's plans for Christmas. She summarizes the presents she's purchased for family members and talks about how cold it is in Miami.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 22, 1943

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Bernice Smith to Pauline Smith; September 22, 1943. Bernice writes to her mother about her social life- she appears to be either living or spending her time with Christine. She tells Pauline that she is busy at work and getting a raise- which she plans to put into savings bonds.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith , September 7, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith, September 7, 1943. Christina talks about her busy day and updates Martha on what's been happening and encourages her about her new job.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 11, 1943

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 11, 1943. Christine starts off saying she woke up early in order to go see Sonny Boy's package amd tells her mother of a perfume that she sent to Martha. She also shares that she has been worried about Phil who may have been at the Battle of Tarawa and about the death of another friend.