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Language Note: We recognize that items in this collection use outdated and/or racist language.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 Dr. Philpot's office to Pauline Smith; May 28, 1948

V. B. Philpot

Hospital bill detailing the costs of Pauline's gall bladder operation
Letter from Dr. Philpot's office to Pauline Smith; May 28, 1948

V. B. Philpot

Hospital bill detailing the costs of Pauline's gall bladder operation
Letter from Louise Shannon to Pauline Smith; May 27, 1948

Louise Shannon

Louise writes to Pauline apologizing for all of their collective friends who have not written to check up on her. She asks how she is and hopes she is feeling better
Letter from Louise Shannon to Pauline Smith; May 27, 1948

Louise Shannon

Louise writes to Pauline apologizing for all of their collective friends who have not written to check up on her. She asks how she is and hopes she is feeling better
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; May 18, 1948

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice updates Martha on Pauline's operation and lets her know the doctor said Pauline is out of danger.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; May 18, 1948

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice updates Martha on Pauline's operation and lets her know the doctor said Pauline is out of danger.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; May 21, 1948

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice updates Martha on Pauline's health and lets her know the doctor said Pauline is out of danger.
Letter from Bernice Smith to Martha Smith; May 21, 1948

Annie Bernice Smith

Bernice updates Martha on Pauline's health and lets her know the doctor said Pauline is out of danger.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; July 5, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes to Martha. She updates her on her recovery, family engagements, and a lot of the things that people wrote to her including the dancing lessons being taught at the church, weddings, and other social events.
Letter from Pauline Smith to Martha Smith; July 5, 1948

Edith Pauline Smith

Pauline writes to Martha. She updates her on her recovery, family engagements, and a lot of the things that people wrote to her including the dancing lessons being taught at the church, weddings, and other social events.