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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Willie Haman to Pauline Smith; March 18; 1948.

Willie Haman

Willie expresses sympathy for the death of Pauline's borther "Foss" and gratitude for the letters received.
Letter from Willie Haman to Pauline Smith; March 18; 1948.

Willie Haman

Willie expresses sympathy for the death of Pauline's borther "Foss" and gratitude for the letters received.
Letter from Jewell Hardin to Pauline Smith; February 23, 1948.

Jewell Hardin

Jewell congratulates Pauline on winning the kitchen contest, and asks about her children.
Letter from Jewell Hardin to Pauline Smith; February 23, 1948.

Jewell Hardin

Jewell congratulates Pauline on winning the kitchen contest, and asks about her children.
Letter from Eric Humphries to Christine Faust; March 1, 1948

Eric Humphries

Eric writes Christine about his job, home, and family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Letter from Eric Humphries to Christine Faust; March 1, 1948

Eric Humphries

Eric writes Christine about his job, home, and family in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.
Letter from R.G. Lovett to DeLoris Ellard; March 17, 1948

R.G. Lovett

R.G. Lovett from the Corps of Engineers expresses sympathy to DeLoris upon the death of her husband, offers the assistance of his office, and mentions the process for getting Foss's unpaid wages.
Letter from R.G. Lovett to DeLoris Ellard; March 17, 1948

R.G. Lovett

R.G. Lovett from the Corps of Engineers expresses sympathy to DeLoris upon the death of her husband, offers the assistance of his office, and mentions the process for getting Foss's unpaid wages.
Letter from Clara Murphree to Pauline Smith; March 15, 1948.

Clara Murphree

Clara Murphree and Annie B. write to Pauline, respectively, to offer their sympathies upon hearing of Foss' death. Clara tells Pauline about Tom's health problems and hospitalization. Annie. B. updates Pauline on Cecil's condition after his hospitalization, and writes that she hopes to come to Calhoun soon.
Letter from Clara Murphree to Pauline Smith; March 15, 1948.

Clara Murphree

Clara Murphree and Annie B. write to Pauline, respectively, to offer their sympathies upon hearing of Foss' death. Clara tells Pauline about Tom's health problems and hospitalization. Annie. B. updates Pauline on Cecil's condition after his hospitalization, and writes that she hopes to come to Calhoun soon.