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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 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
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; March 15, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Christine is looking for a job in Memphis. Pauline continues to remain hopeful at Christine's job prospects, catches up on local politics, and the events leading up to the purchase of a new Ford. More baby chicks have been purchased for the family and Martha is coming home to visit during the spring holiday. Pauline recalls the events of a local three day tournament
Letter from Pauline Smith to Christine Smith; March 15, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Christine is looking for a job in Memphis. Pauline continues to remain hopeful at Christine's job prospects, catches up on local politics, and the events leading up to the purchase of a new Ford. More baby chicks have been purchased for the family and Martha is coming home to visit during the spring holiday. Pauline recalls the events of a local three day tournament
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; November 12, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline informs Martha about her dressmaking process and recommends care tips for silk material. Daddy went to Starkville to visit Chris who was on her way to Memphis for the weekend. Foss' project was shut down and he traveled to Jackson and Winona seraching for new work. Mr. Ligon is sick in the hospital in Grenada and Bernice is working for Senator Bilbo gathering a list of voters in the county. Foss is now working with the WPA. Sonny Boy traded his bike for a rifle. James was in a pedestrian accident that killed a man who had 11 children.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; November 12, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline informs Martha about her dressmaking process and recommends care tips for silk material. Daddy went to Starkville to visit Chris who was on her way to Memphis for the weekend. Foss' project was shut down and he traveled to Jackson and Winona seraching for new work. Mr. Ligon is sick in the hospital in Grenada and Bernice is working for Senator Bilbo gathering a list of voters in the county. Foss is now working with the WPA. Sonny Boy traded his bike for a rifle. James was in a pedestrian accident that killed a man who had 11 children.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; October 2, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline comments on the cool weather. The Lee case was closed and Mr. Lee was convicted of life in prison. Pauline received a letter from Chris about her new job in Starkville and is coming to visit the following weekend with Allie M. Daddy is going to Jackson and Pauline attended the wedding shower for Virginia and gave her a blue silk bed spread. The PTA is still selling dinners for the fundraiser. Uncle Foss is three weeks sober from alcohol and Sonny Boy is doing well in school. James Harold ran away but was found in Olive Branch at his Aunt Lottie's. Pauline closes with asking about Martha's injured toe.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; October 2, 1939

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Pauline comments on the cool weather. The Lee case was closed and Mr. Lee was convicted of life in prison. Pauline received a letter from Chris about her new job in Starkville and is coming to visit the following weekend with Allie M. Daddy is going to Jackson and Pauline attended the wedding shower for Virginia and gave her a blue silk bed spread. The PTA is still selling dinners for the fundraiser. Uncle Foss is three weeks sober from alcohol and Sonny Boy is doing well in school. James Harold ran away but was found in Olive Branch at his Aunt Lottie's. Pauline closes with asking about Martha's injured toe.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; September 27, 1939

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Bernice thanks Mollie (Martha) for the sweater that she sent and recalls events of the Lee trial. Christine starts a teaching job in Starkville. The PTA is selling lunches to raise money for a sanitary water supply for local school kids. Mrs. Flanagan is expecting triplets. Bernice comments on how slow the mail runs.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; September 27, 1939

Martha Josephine Womble

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Bernice thanks Mollie (Martha) for the sweater that she sent and recalls events of the Lee trial. Christine starts a teaching job in Starkville. The PTA is selling lunches to raise money for a sanitary water supply for local school kids. Mrs. Flanagan is expecting triplets. Bernice comments on how slow the mail runs.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 12, 1938

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection.Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 12, 1938.