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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 29, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; March 29, 1942. Pauline updates Martha on how the war is affecting life in Pittsboro, sharing that the population and church attendance are shrinking. She tells Martha about Sonny Boy's car and his experience at summer school as well as updating Martha on the lives of extended family.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; Oct. 12, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; Oct. 12, 1942. She asks about her health, and discusses how other friends/ family members are doing. Talks about family/friends current education settings.
Letter from Sam "Sonny Boy" Smith to Pauline Smith; December 3rd, 1942

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam "Sonny Boy" Smith to Pauline Smith; December 3rd, 1942. Sonny Boy writes to Pauline about how he managed to catch a ride back to school, getting paid, and needing to study.
Letter from Sam Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 4th, 1942

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; November 4th, 1942. Sonny Boy writes to Pauline about how he managed to catch a ride instead of needing to take the bus. He also discusses money trouble and correspondence by mail with other family members.
Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2,1942

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy Smith to Pauline Smith; October 2, 1942. Sonny Boy writes to his mother about his clasess, football games, and college life at Mississippi State.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline and Sam Smith; July 31, 1942

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to his parents; July 31, 1942. Sonny Boy tells his parents about the classes he is currently taking and plans to take at school. He shares a story about a concert he went to in a tent outside of Foss's house.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; August 31, 1942

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to Pauline Smith; August 31, 1942. Sonny Boy describes his weekend which included seeing Uncle Foss, going to a film, Beyond the Blue Horizon, and cooking dinner.
Letter from Sam H Smith to Martha Smith; November 16th, 1942

Sam Hawkins Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam H Smith to Martha Smith; November 16th, 1942. A thank you note to Martha Smith from Sam H Smith for a birthday gift. Also includes a post script thanking Martha for money from "mom."
Letter from Sam Smith to Mr. D.G. Sutherland; September 6, 1942

Sam Hawkins Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sam Smith to Mr. D.G. Sutherland; September 6, 1942. Sam Smith writes to Mr. Sutherland to enquire after a misplaced paycheck.
Letter from Jennie Burns Taylor to Pauline Smith; July 1, 1942

Jennie Burns Taylor

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Jennie Burns Taylor to Pauline Smith; July 1, 1942. Jennie tells Pauline how good it was to see her after visiting her in Mississippi. She sends a brochure for the resort where she lives in New York so Pauline can picture her there.