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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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

Printing is not supported at the primary Gallery Thumbnail page. Please first navigate to a specific Image before printing.

Switch View to Grid View Slideshow

Letter from Allie Miller to Martha Smith; June 28, 1940.

Allie Miller

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Allie Miller to Martha Smith; June 28, 1940. Allie details what is happening in her house. Most of the letter is spent discussing current events in World War II and the nomination of Wendell Willkie as the Republican candidate in the presidential election.
Letter from Dennis Murphree to Sam Smith; February 29, 1940.

Dennis Herron Murphree

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Dennis Murphree to Sam Smith; February 29, 1940. Dennis Murphree is assuring Sam Smith that he will approach the newly elected Governor Johnson to advocate for Sam's reappointment to his position. He won't guarantee it will work.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; October 28, 1940

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; October 28, 1940. Pauline talks a lot about driving and details family member's plans to attend football games. She catches Christine up on town gossip and shares with her that Foss's marriage is over because of his drinking.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; September 24, 1940

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; September 24, 1940. Pauline worries about the amount of money Christine is making at her job, especially in relation to how much she pays for room and board. She shares a story about a Women's Missionary Meeting she attended as well as plays she participated in.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; September 28, 1940

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; September 28, 1940. Pauline updates Christine about marriages and births going on at home among friends and acquaintances and worries about Christine's well-being because she thinks Christine cannot live on the money she's making. She urges Christine to come home and visit her sisters as well.
Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha Smith; January 4, 1940

Sam Ellard Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Sonny Boy to Martha Smith; January 4, 1940. Christine lost her teaching job and Sonny Boy has been catching and marking birds for later identification. Uncle Foss and Uncle Vick came for a visit to play dominos and sing songs. The county now has two attorneys. Uncle Chester borrows a suitcase.
Letter from Dr. Albert Snell to Dr. F. H. Davis; August 17, 1940.

Dr. Albert Snell

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Dr. Snell to Dr. Davis concerning Pauline Smith's health.
Diary entry, unnamed; January 1, 1940

Unknown

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Diary entry, likely by Christine, about her Christmas and New Year's activities, including hunting, going out with friends, and her feelings for a man named James.
Letter from "Jo" to Martha Smith; No date

Jo Unknown

A friend tells Martha about dates, social life in McComb.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Christine Smith; January 20, 1939

Annie Bernice Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Bernice discusses teaching school and her current interests in books and travel.