Nashville in 1950 was a city on the move, with a growing airport, thriving neighborhoods, and landmarks that still define it today. These photographs capture everyday life and key locations across the city during that era. Looking back at these images shows just how much Nashville has changed — and what has stayed the same. Browse through this collection of rare historical photos from 1950 to see the city as it once was.
Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended. The airport’s name was officially changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, but the original three-letter code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, remains.
Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended. The airport’s name was officially changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, but the original three-letter code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, remains.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Capitol Airways was founded in 1946 and ended operations in 1982; they were also known as Capitol International Airways. Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended. The airport’s name was officially changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, but the original three-letter code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, remains.
The Davidson County Courthouse, also known as the Metropolitan Courthouse, is an Art Deco building built in 1936. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. It was designed by Nashville architect Emmons H. Woolwine and the firm of Dennison and Hirons of New York.
A view from the 1950 dedication of Sewart Air Force Base, located in Smyrna, Tennessee, on March 25th. This base, located in Rutherford County, was named in memory of Major Allan J. Sewart, Jr., U.S.A.F.
A view from the 1950 dedication of Sewart Air Force Base, located in Smyrna, Tennessee, on March 25th. This base, located in Rutherford County, was named in memory of Major Allan J. Sewart, Jr., U.S.A.F.
From left to right, the singers are: Robert Kirchner, Joe Patrick, Danny Badacour, Johnny Lawrence, William Morrison, Billy Boyd, Charles York, George Patrick, Shelton Johnson, and Paul St. Charles. This photograph illustrated the newspaper article “Betty Banner Heeds Bid to Fannie Battle Holiday Tea,” published in the December 5, 1950 issue of the Nashville Banner.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Two photographs showing an apartment building above Hooberry’s Book Store at 140 Fifth Avenue N in downtown Nashville, Tennessee, with the Country Kitchen restaurant and some vacant spaces. The 1949 City Directory lists the Clifton Apartments at 140 Fifth Avenue N, and a restaurant owned or managed by Solon L. Boyd, though not identified specifically as “Country Kitchen.” The 1950 and 1957 City Directories list Hooberry’s Book Store at 140 Fifth Avenue N. A poster advertises an upcoming music event at the Ryman Auditorium featuring the gospel singing groups Oak Ridge, Speer Family, and others on the Friday May 7th performance date.
This enterprise was originally started in 1916 by Nashville businessman Ed Potter.
The Nashville Chair Company relocated to 309 South First Street in East Nashville around 1925 from the Public Square. The company operated at this location through the mid-1990s.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
The sign on the building reads: “Fly with Nashville Flying Service, Passenger Rides, Sightseeing Trips, Charter Service.” Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended. The airport’s name was officially changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, but the original three-letter code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, remains.
This building was probably one of the 105 WWII-era buildings built by the Army at Nashville’s Berry Field. Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended. The airport’s name was officially changed to Nashville International Airport in 1988, but the original three-letter code BNA, which stands for Berry Field Nashville, remains.
Several buildings and landmarks are visible in this photograph, such as the Tennessee State Capitol, Bennie Dillon Building (702 Church Street), Warner Building (later named the Sudekum Building, located at 535 Church Street), First Presbyterian Church (later named the Downtown Presbyterian Church, located at 154 Fifth Avenue North), Ryman Auditorium (116 Fifth Avenue North), Sanders Manufacturing Company (124 Fourth Avenue South), Beasley & Sons (147–151 Third Avenue North), and H. G. Lipscomb & Company (138–142 Second Avenue North).
A postcard of the War Memorial Building on Memorial Plaza, stretching between Union Street and Charlotte Avenue and from Sixth to Seventh Avenues. This building was built by the state, county, and city in 1925 to honor the Tennesseans who served in World War I. Since then, the memorial has come to commemorate those Tennesseans who fought in all wars. The architect and designer for this project was Nashville architect Edward Dougherty, affiliated as an associate with McKim, Mead, and White of New York on the design. The granite and marble building in Greek Doric style has a large open memorial courtyard that contains a massive sculpture created by Belle Kinney and Leopold Scholz. Two wings extend from the open court, housing government offices, a 2,200-seat auditorium, and the Tennessee State Museum’s military collection. Also by Kinney is a large sculpture honoring Tennessee women during the Civil War. In 1985, a memorial to Tennessee’s Vietnam veterans was added.
The George Reyer Pumping Station (located on Omohundro Drive) and the Eighth Avenue Reservoir were built in 1889. Both the pumping station, powered by steam until 1953, and the Eighth Avenue Reservoir are still in operation today and are included in the National Register of Historic Places. A water filtration plant was completed at Omohundro Drive in 1929. The K.R. Harrington Water Treatment Plant, located on Heartland Drive in Donelson, joined the Omohundro Treatment Plant in supplying safe, clean water to the Nashville area in 1978. The George Reyer Pumping Station was named in honor of Captain George Reyer, a Water Works superintendent for over 41 years.
The school was named for Arthur Dickson Wharton (1840–1900), scholar, Confederate naval hero, and educator. The school building was located at 1515 18th Avenue N in North Nashville. In 1959, a new school facility was built a block away to accommodate 800 students in grades 1–9, replacing the original structure, which had housed grades 1–4. The enrollment would further increase with building expansion. The original building was later demolished.
This African American church was located on Twelfth Avenue South, across from the Carter-Lawrence School. When the building burned down, it was replaced by a new church further down Twelfth Avenue South. Some people identified in the photograph include Adeline Black, her sisters Hannah Black Teague and Geneva Black Midgett Blakemore, Edna Earle Hebb, Carrie Timberlake Jones Hoggett, Ewell Cotton, Jenny Robertson, and Mary Cotton Overton.
Ted Mack (1904–1976) was born as William Edward Maguiness in Greeley, Colorado. He was the host of “Ted Mack and the Original Amateur Hour” on radio and television. Forms part of Record Group 3, Metro Davidson County Photographer.
The National Guard continued to be based at the Nashville Airport after World War II. The Tennessee National Guard’s 105th Observation Squadron, which flew missions including reconnaissance and fighter-interceptor operations during the 1930s and 1940s, continued these operations during the 1950s. In 1961, the 105th became the flying squadron of the 118th Air Transport Wing. Nashville’s airport officially opened in 1937 as Berry Field, in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, the state administrator of the Works Progress Administration, or WPA. Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command during World War II and was returned to the city when the war ended.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
Named in honor of Colonel Harry S. Berry, state administrator of the WPA, Berry Field consisted of a terminal building, two hangars, a 4,000-foot concrete runway, and a flashing beacon. The three-letter identifier, BNA, stands for Berry Field Nashville. American and Eastern airlines were the first air carriers to serve Nashville, and within the year, 189,000 passengers had used the facilities. During World War II, Berry Field became the military base for the 4th Ferrying Command, and the federal government added additional acreage for its military operations. In 1946, after the war ended, the military returned a 1,500-acre airport site to the city.
