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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Jennie Burns Taylor to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1942

Jennie Burns Taylor

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Jennie Burns Taylor to Pauline Smith; September 21, 1942. Jennie thanks Pauline for her letter and gives an update about her time in Lake Pleasant. Jennie also outlines upcoming travel plans.
Letter from "The Gaffer" to Christine Smith; April 23, 1942

"The Gaffer"

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from "The Gaffer" to Christine Smith; April 23, 1942. The Gaffer writes to Christine that he misses her and wants her to visit. He tells her that he has submitted an application to the Navy and has not heard back.
Letter from Harry G. Watkins to Martha Smith; August 17, 1942

Harry G. Watkins

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Harry G. Watkins to Martha Smith; August 17, 1942. Harry informs Martha that he followed her to St. Petersburg, Florida for basic training for the Air Force. He shares his first impressions about life on the base.
Letter from Harry G. Watkins to Martha Smith; August 27, 1942

Harry G. Watkins

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Harry G. Watkins to Martha Smith; August 27, 1942. Harry complains to Martha about his lack of social life and inability to get leave from the Army.
Letter from B to Christine Smith; December 20, 1941

B

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Telegraph about the death of Aunt Ollie and the upcoming funeral.
Letter from Foss Ellard to Pauline Smith; November 08, 1941

Jack Foster Ellard

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Foss Ellard to Pauline Smith; November 8, 1941. Foss tells Pauline about a new suit he got and details how family members have chipped in to round out his wardrobe. He shares that he scored well on an assessment of his ability to be an Inspector for the military and he expresses his happiness that everyone is safe and employed.
Letter from Philip Mitchell to Christine Smith; December 03, 1941

Philip Mitchell

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Philip Mitchell to Christine Smith; December 3, 1941. Phil Mitchell writes about his new job, visiting with Christine, and plans for the winter holiday.
Letter from Philip Mitchell to Christine Smith; December 22, 1941

Philip Mitchell

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Philip Mitchell discussing his travel to and at marine training in Paris Island, SC.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 09, 1941

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; December 09, 1941. President Roosevelt's recent declaration of war is weighing heavily on Christine's mind, she is deeply unsettled and having trouble eating and wants to share her concerns with her mother. She talks about a recent trip to New Orleans and shares some details about her social life, as well as her feelings of dissastisfaction with her work.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 14, 1941

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; April 14, 1941. Pauline updates Martha on people's health, including her own. She talks about visiting Aunt Allie, Sonny Boy moving out of the house, and Christine taking the civil service exam.