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100th Anniversary  1908-2008

On May 12, 1908, 120 men representing 19 boards from 13 states and one state association, met in Chicago to establish the National Association of Real Estate Exchanges to "unite the real estate men of America for the purpose of effectively exerting a combined influence upon matters affecting real estate interests."

During that same month, talks were ongoing about establishing a local chapter here in Columbus, and on June 19, 1908 the Columbus Real Estate Board was officially started with the election of its first officers and President. In all, 27 men voted, adopting a two-page constitution and bylaws for the Board which still hangs today in the CBR Boardroom.

Throughout the first 100 years, the name has changed to the Columbus Board of REALTORS® and the offices have been located in at least three buildings - most notably the current location on Airport Drive - the first time the Board built a membership headquarters from scratch, rather than adapting to an existing space.

From charitable causes to political ones, from Presidential Balls to Ohio's largest real estate expo, the Columbus Board of REALTORS® and its members have set a precedent as leaders in the real estate industry and the community.


Past President's remember the first 100 years of the Columbus Board of REALTORS®
To help commemorate the 100th Anniversary of the CBR, Past Presidents were asked to share their experiences and memories of their year as CBR President. Click below to download and read the articles in PDF format.

January 2008: Bob Weiler       February 2008: Myrna Kobre March 2008: Nancy Sharp April 2008: Max & Margie Holzer                            May/June 2008: Patrick Grabill

July/August 2008: William McMenamy September 2008: Rupert 'Twink' Starr October 2008: George Smith November 2008: Harley E. Rouda, Sr. December 2008: Orin Morris

Read the December 2008 In Contract article, "Celebrating 100 years," commemorating some of CBR's most notable events.

100 Moments in History
As part of the Centennial Celebration, during the 100 days leading up to the President's Ball on Dec. 13, a new "Moment in History" was posted to the CBR Web site and the MLS Welcome Screen. View all 100 Moments in History here.

100 Acts of Kindness
To help celebrate the CBR's Centennial year, a special award was created to recognize the everyday efforts of our members. What started as a goal to recognize 100 members for their acts of kindness turned into recognizing more than 500 of our members for their dedication and community service! Click here to see the complete list of 100 Acts of Kindness recipients.