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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Jack Foster Ellard to Pauline Smith; February 23, 1942

Jack Foster Ellard

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Jack Foster Ellard to Pauline Smith; February 23, 1942. Foss tells Pauline about his military life, updating her on his work and sharing that he has been recommended to be a Commander, as well as a deacon at his church. He has a new renter at his house who he is trying to set up with Christine, and expresses his worry about John Allen Jr., who is still a prisoner of war.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 22, 1942

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 22, 1942. Christine updates her mother on Martha's trip to see her and expresses that she is feeling homesick. She shares that she and Phil are planning on getting married and hope to do so before he gets shipped out.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 31, 1942

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; August 31, 1942. Christine shares stories about her dating life with her mother. She expresses how physically and mentally exhausting her job is.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 30, 1942

Edith Christine Faust

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; September 30, 1942. Christine writes to her mother about her dating life, work, and plans to move soon.
Letter from William Bruce Feigley to Martha Smith; August 30, 1942

William Bruce Feigley

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from William Bruce Feigley to Martha Smith; August 30, 1942. William shares with Martha about going sailing on a motorboat with friends. He expresses that he hopes she did not dye her hair blonde or accept a teaching job somewhere other than Jackson.
Letter from Taylor Jennie to Pauline Smith, December 15, 1942

Taylor Jennie

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Taylor writes a letter to Pauline wishing her a Merry Christmas along with sharing how much fun she is having in California.
Letter from J. W. Pigott, Jr. to Christine Smith; March 31, 1942

J. W. Pigott

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from J. W. Pigott, Jr. to Christine Smith; March 31, 1942. J.W. tells Christine about what he has been reading and says that he is disappointed she could not come visit at Christmas, while wondering when she might be able to see him. Another letter is enclosed in which J.W. tells Christine that they cannot see each other anymore despite how much he loves her, because he doesn't deserve her.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith, December 15, 1942

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Chrisitine writes to her mother about the conditions of her job and how she feels indifferent about Christmas. She also mentions her many affairs and the fact there is a war going on.
Letter from Christine Smith to S.H Smith; October 31, 1942

Edith Christine Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to S.H Smith; October 31, 1942. Letter from Christine to her mother telling how her week was and asking how her mother is doing. Tells of a Jack Sheffield. Also includes a newspaper clipping about Prince Bernard of the Netherlands.
Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; July 14, 1942

Edith Pauline Smith

From the Ellard-Murphree-Pilgreen-Smith Family Papers Collection. Letter from Christine Smith to Pauline Smith; July 14, 1942. Christine writes to her mother to tell her about her new job with Pan American Airways. She says she is treated like a man in the workplace and is expected to know what she's doing without much training, but is picking things up.