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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Taylor Jennie to Pauline Smith, December 15, 1942

Taylor Jennie

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Taylor writes a letter to Pauline wishing her a Merry Christmas along with sharing how much fun she is having in California.
Letter from J. W. Pigott, Jr. to Christine Smith; March 31, 1942

J. W. Pigott

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from J. W. Pigott, Jr. to Christine Smith; March 31, 1942. J.W. tells Christine about what he has been reading and says that he is disappointed she could not come visit at Christmas, while wondering when she might be able to see him. Another letter is enclosed in which J.W. tells Christine that they cannot see each other anymore despite how much he loves her, because he doesn't deserve her.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith, December 15, 1942

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Chrisitine writes to her mother about the conditions of her job and how she feels indifferent about Christmas. She also mentions her many affairs and the fact there is a war going on.
Letter from Christine Smith to S.H Smith; October 31, 1942

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to S.H Smith; October 31, 1942. Letter from Christine to her mother telling how her week was and asking how her mother is doing. Tells of a Jack Sheffield. Also includes a newspaper clipping about Prince Bernard of the Netherlands.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; July 14, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; July 14, 1942. Christine writes to her mother to tell her about her new job with Pan American Airways. She says she is treated like a man in the workplace and is expected to know what she's doing without much training, but is picking things up.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; July 17, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; May 20, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; May 20, 1942. Pauline talks about a visit from extended family and shares that JA Ellard Jr. has been taken as a prisoner of war. She chastises Christine for her situation with her various suitors and shares her concerns that Sam Sr. hasn't been able to find another job
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 27, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 27, 1942. Pauline shares the shocking news that Sam has lost his job, apparently because of the candidate he backs in the Senatorial race. She assures Martha that she doesn't need to worry about them and talks about Sonny Boy, who is working on his car and attending summer school.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; February 16, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; February 16, 1942. She talks about church and updates Martha on the rest of the family- Sonny Boy is attending a dance but she worries he will be poorly dressed, Christine has passed on news that Phil is happy in the army, Sam Sr. is in ill health, on a diet and seeing a doctor but apparently on the mend. Pauline expresses dismay that fewer people are coming to church and talks about projects that she has taken on for the church, including making candy and gardening. Enclosed are two additional letters to Pauline from Bernice that discuss her not wanting to talk about a man who married someone else and setting aside money for building a bathroom.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; January 25, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith, updating her on events and people in the family, discussing various family members' employment and encouraging her to get a government job.