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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 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.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith; September 18, 1939

Edith Chrisitne Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline is still hopeful that Martha will find a W.P.A. job. She recalls a conflict with some fellow church members and talks about choir practice. Pauline saw and enjoyed the film "Dark Victory" and tells of her experience of a flirtatious encounter with two men at a store with a photography studio. The Murphree family came for a visit and Pauline hopes to visit Allie Miller in Greenwood soon. A second letter enclosed from Pauline to Martha the following Tuesday morning at 6:00am. Pauline apoligizes for not writing sooner and Sonny Boy is doing well in school. Pauline plans to make a pie for the PTA dinner and asks about Martha's new job. She also expresses sentiments about Martha's roomate, Vera, getting married soon.
Letter from Christine Smith to Martha Smith; September 18, 1939

Edith Chrisitne Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline is still hopeful that Martha will find a W.P.A. job. She recalls a conflict with some fellow church members and talks about choir practice. Pauline saw and enjoyed the film "Dark Victory" and tells of her experience of a flirtatious encounter with two men at a store with a photography studio. The Murphree family came for a visit and Pauline hopes to visit Allie Miller in Greenwood soon. A second letter enclosed from Pauline to Martha the following Tuesday morning at 6:00am. Pauline apoligizes for not writing sooner and Sonny Boy is doing well in school. Pauline plans to make a pie for the PTA dinner and asks about Martha's new job. She also expresses sentiments about Martha's roomate, Vera, getting married soon.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; February 13, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline was sick this week and missed church. She also recounts activities from family and friends and continues to encourage Christine to look for a job. Martha organized a drama club and Sonny Boy joined a baseball league.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; February 13, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline was sick this week and missed church. She also recounts activities from family and friends and continues to encourage Christine to look for a job. Martha organized a drama club and Sonny Boy joined a baseball league.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; February 20, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. A letter from Martha to Paulines is also enclosed. She attended a President's Ball with Dennis, saw two moving picture films, and plans to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Martha has been looking for a job teaching English, expresses some worries about her own absentmindedness, and briefly mentions her dating life.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; February 20, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. A letter from Martha to Paulines is also enclosed. She attended a President's Ball with Dennis, saw two moving picture films, and plans to go to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Martha has been looking for a job teaching English, expresses some worries about her own absentmindedness, and briefly mentions her dating life.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; January 17, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline writes to Christine about local elections, asks about night school, and dating. She also discusses other social and family matters.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; January 17, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline writes to Christine about local elections, asks about night school, and dating. She also discusses other social and family matters.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; January 24, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline recounts activities from family and friends, says she hopes her husband doesn't run for political office again, and worries about Christine's job prospects. Letter from Martha enclosed