Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Records 1923-2011 (bulk 1950-2002)
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

Arrangement: Chronological, then by material type or subject matter.

Materials housed in Special Collections Division of the Main Library, Nashville Public Library.

This collection has been reprocessed and reorganized. Finding aids dated prior to October 2014 are obsolete.

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Researchers are asked and encouraged to use microfilm in lieu of original newspapers in oversize boxes 22 and 23.

Handling note: In some cases, interleaving tissue or paper may have been used to protect items from adhering to one another, after their removal from adhesive scrapbook albums. Researchers should not remove or rearrange interleaving materials.

Videotapes #1 and #3 are master or preservation copies, and should not be used.

Scope and content: Records of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors (GNAR) (1996-present) and its predecessor organizations, the Nashville Real Estate Board (1907-1967); and the Nashville Board of Realtors (1967-1996). The collection documents the real estate industry̹Ñ₂Ø♭s growth and professionalization in the twentieth century, covering the years 1923 through 2011. The bulk of the collection runs from 1950 to 2002, and is therefore especially strong concerning the latter half of the twentieth century.⁰́®

In addition to providing a detailed history of realtors and their professional organization and activities, the collection also documents the overall economic growth and development of Nashville, Tennessee. Subjects include: major building projects, such as Metropolitan Auditorium, and the convention center (built 1977); the local and national economy, including statistical reports; urban renewal, especially the Capitol Hill Redevelopment Project; fair housing; neighborhood revitalization and beautification; historic preservation and restoration; politics and its influence on the real estate industry; lobbying efforts of the industry; ethics; professional and biographical information about individual local realtors; the relationship of the local organization to the statewide Tennessee Association of Realtors (TAR) and the National Association of Realtors (NAR), including a number of local members who sought offices in these organizations; banks and lending; a 1986 atlas containing detailed property maps of Davidson County, showing lots and streets, and including condominiums; health hazards in buildings (lead-based paint, mold, radon); the roles of women in the workforce, as secretaries, assistants, and Realtors; and charitable efforts of the organization, including their annual golf tournament and their affiliation with Habitat for Humanity.

Some specific projects mentioned in the collection include: Sidco Drive; Metro Auditorium; Lafayette Street; the first Nashville Convention Center; MetroCenter and Fountain Square; Bicentennial Mall; and the construction of Interstate 440. Other events or activities include: International Year of the Disabled Person (1981); Make America Better campaign (1970); and the "Great Cover Up" coat drive (1990)

Some unusual or unexpected topics include: photographs which can serve to document changes in social activities, hairstyles, and fashion, for both men and women, in casual, business, and formal settings; office furnishings and decor; banquet facilities; a 1983 history of the home of Margaret Lindsley Warden, constructed in 1908 in the Belmont area; Habitat for Humanity and other charitable efforts to assist the homeless or poor; PENCIL project (Public Education Nashville Citizens Involved in Leadership) at Apollo Middle School in the late 1980s; Easter Egg hunt for St. Vincent de Paul school; golf tournaments; country clubs (sites of meetings or conventions); professional conventions at local, state, and national levels; business ethics; advertisements promoting professional organizations and expertise; and the nature of the relationship between a professional organization and city offices.

Formats of materials include historical summaries; board minutes; committee minutes; membership rosters; financial statements; constitution and by-laws; correspondence; photographs (black and white, color, and digital); scrapbooks (primarily photocopies, but original materials salvaged when possible); programs from banquets, awards presentations, and conventions; news clippings; memorials and obituaries for deceased members, especially those who previously served as officers; booklets and brochures, including many produced by the Nashville Chamber of Commerce; statistics; advertisements promoting home ownership, the benefits of using a Realtor, and related subjects; occasional maps or plans for specific projects; videotapes, mostly containing advertisements or training material; and newsletters. A few items, mostly photographs, relate to famous individuals and celebrities: Minnie Pearl, Ladybird Johnson, Art Linkletter, Boots Randolph, Al Gore Jr., Bill Boner, Richard Fulton, Beverly Briley, Dan Quayle, Bob Clement.

Cite as: Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Records, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code). The Nashville Public Library does not have intellectual property rights to these materials.

Publicity photograph of Minnie Pearl ̹Ñ₂ØʹÙ₄ reproduction of any kind is prohibited.⁰́®

Blueprints or diazotypes are extremely light-sensitive. They must be protected from prolonged exposure to light and may not be photocopied.

Greater Nashville Association of Realtors;,Gift;,2006.,Acc. 2006.010.

Associated Materials: An 1867 real estate assessment book for Davidson County, Tenn., which was part of the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Records, was transferred to Metro Archives in 2014.

Related Materials: The Multiple Listing Service collection (1968-1971), created by the Nashville Board of Realtors, is held by the Special Collections Division of the Nashville Public Library.

Related Materials: MDHA Publications and Reports and Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce Publications and Reports are two other related collections held by the Special Collections Division of the Nashville Public Library.

In 1907, the Nashville Real Estate Board was established by J. Matt Williams, who also became its first president. In 1967 the organization changed its name to the Nashville Board of Realtors, and in 1996, became the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors. A foundational principle of the organization was that (in the words of the 1929 constitution): "All persons holding real estate licenses are not Realtors. Realtors subscribe to a formal Code of Ethics and are committed to furthering their professional education," thus outlining the significance and distinction of the term "Realtor" (with a capital R). The local organization provides education and professional development for Realtors; lobbies for issues of concern to the group, including pending legislation; watches the economy and politics, assessing their impact on their business; issues awards and recognition to individuals prominent in the profession; supports or opposes major building efforts undertaken by the City of Nashville; and provides a forum for social and charitable activities, including a long partnership with Habitat for Humanity, beginning in 1997.

In English.

Finding aid available in repository;,folder level control.,https://assets.library.nashville.org/documents/finding-aids/Special_Collections_Division_Finding_Aid_GNARFindingAid-New2014.pdf.

Records created by the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors and its predecessor organizations and in their custody until donation to the Nashville Public Library.

process;,preliminary;,2006;,Leanne Garland.

documents and scrapbooks,process and rehouse;,2012;,intern (MK)

photographs,process;,2013-2014;,Linda Barnickel.

Additional accruals expected.

Book jacket image original source: Tennessean special section, May 21, 1972