Arnold (Charles E.) Collection, 1869-1982

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Summary

Title:
Charles E. Arnold Collection
Dates:
1869-1982
Creators:
Arnold, Charles E. (Charles Elmo)
Abstract:
The collection contains personal and business papers of Charles E. Arnold, a prominent San Diego realtor and real estate developer.
Extent:
1.75 Linear feet (4 boxes)
Language:
Preferred citation:

Charles E. Arnold Collection, MS 160, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Background

Scope and content:

The collection contains personal and business papers of Charles Arnold. Personal papers include correspondence, articles and speeches written by Arnold, as well as newspaper clippings related to local real estate development and activities of Arnold’s alma mater. Arnold Realty Co. records include administrative correspondence and property records, including estate deeds for Arnold’s clients. The deeds include mortgage papers, estate wills, and property leases. San Diego Realty Board records contain the constitution and by-laws, annual reports, Board correspondence, and membership lists. There are also property maps, clippings about San Diego oil leases, and an assortment of materials about the development of the Hillcrest community. Legislative papers, such as assembly bills and drafts, related to the professionalization of the real estate industry are also present, as well as information on two professional real estate associations: California Real Estate Association and National Association of Real Estate Boards. Class lists for the original licensing courses and exams are included. Additionally the collection contains drafts and correspondence related to the publication Arnold’s book, "The Birth of a Profession."

Biographical / historical:

Charles Elmo Arnold was born in San Francisco on June 11, 1880 to Gilbert C. Arnold and Susan J. (née McConaughy). In October 1880, the family moved to San Diego, where Gilbert joined the prospering real estate firm founded in 1869 by his brother, Cyrus, and his father, Philander. Arnold’s first job was as a paper boy for the San Diego Union newspaper. Between 1898 and 1900, Arnold served in the U.S. National Guard. In 1907, after a number of jobs at local banks, he joined the family business where his father was now the sole proprietor.

During World War I, Arnold served in the U.S. Navy as a supply and disbursement officer. Gilbert died in 1920, at which time Arnold inherited the realty company and changed the firm’s name from G.C. Arnold & Son back to Arnold Realty Co. In 1921, he became a charter member of the San Diego Realty Board. Arnold began to push for legislation to professionalize the real estate industry in 1922. Through his efforts, the initiative became law on April 27, 1923, requiring all real estate brokers pass a qualification exam in order to obtain a license to practice. Arnold became president of the San Diego Realty Board in 1930.

He sold Arnold Realty Co. in 1943 to William McCreary, a banker from Kansas, but continued to consult as a real estate advisor and professional appraiser. He served as foreman for the San Diego Grand Jury in 1932 and again in 1946, and as foreman for the Federal Grand Jury in 1957. He also served as the coxswain of the San Diego Rowing Club and participated in the San Diego Historical Society, both organizations where he was an honorary life member. Arnold was heavily involved in the compilation of “The History of the San Diego Realty Board” and would go on to publish a book entitled The Birth of a Profession that provided an in depth overview of the history of the real estate business. Never married, he died on October 30, 1972 at age 92.

Acquisition information:
Accession number 820122.
Processing information:

Collection processed by Lauren Rasmussen on March 14, 2012.

Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.

Arrangement:

The collection is arranged into five series:

Series I: Personal Papers

Series II: Arnold Realty Co.

Series III: San Diego Realty Board

Series IV: Real Estate Legislation, Associations, and Education

Series V: “The Birth of a Profession” (publication)

Items within each series are arranged by subject. Itemized database of deeds in Series II (Box 1 folder 8 thru Box 2 folder 16) can be accessed at the San Diego History Center Library.

Physical / technical requirements:

Some of the deeds are brittle and fragile. (March 14, 2012)

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard

About this collection guide

Collection Guide Author:
Finding aid prepared by Lauren Rasmussen
Sponsor:
Collection processed as part of grant project supported by the Council on Library and Information Resources (CLIR) with generous funding from The Andrew Mellon Foundation.
Date Prepared:
March 14, 2012
Date Encoded:
This finding aid was produced using the Archivists' Toolkit 2012-12-07T09:59-0800

Access and use

Restrictions:

This collection is open for research.

Terms of access:

The San Diego History Center (SDHC) holds the copyright to any unpublished materials. SDHC Library regulations do apply.

Preferred citation:

Charles E. Arnold Collection, MS 160, San Diego History Center Document Collection, San Diego, CA.

Location of this collection:
1649 El Prado, Suite 3
San Diego, CA 92101, US
Contact:
(619) 232-6203
Website