Mrs. Grissom's Salads Records, 1955-2005.
(Document/manuscript/pamphlet/archival material)

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

In library use only. Available by appointment.

Scope and content: Records include two ledger books and other financial records; publicity and advertising materials, including a printed version of the Mrs. Grissom's Salads advertising song, "The Legend of Mrs. G.;" two photographs; news clippings and magazine articles; and a 50th Anniversary video recording on DVD.

One ledger book documents the earliest days of the business in 1955, showing sales, salespeople, delivery and distribution throughout Middle Tennessee and into Kentucky. A second ledger book from Oct. 1964 to Dec. 1966 records individual salespersons' accounts. Financial records from 1955-1958 document the assets and liabilities of the Grissoms and their business.

One of the photographs shows Mr. and Mrs. Grissom giving Grant Turner a "Whoopee" Award for his outstanding service at the Grand Ole Opry. The other photograph is of the Grissoms with President Gerald Ford, and is personally signed by the President. Clippings and articles profile the business and also include information about Mrs. Grissom's involvement with Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn.

The 15-minute DVD features interviews with Mrs. Grissom, family members and friends telling the history of Mrs. Grissom's Salads and congratulating her on the 50th anniversary of her business in 2005. The family-oriented nature of the business is reflected in the number of individuals who are both family members and who hold administrative positions in the company. Persons featured in the program include: Jack McGee, vice president and nephew, and an employee for more than 40 years; Kenneth Funger, executive vice president and son-in-law; Herberta Smith, office manager, corporate secretary, and daughter; Emmett Kennon, builder and family friend; and Bob Battle, vice president and senior editor, retired, of the Nashville Banner newspaper. Senator Bill Frist provides concluding comments and congratulations. Film footage includes scenes inside the company on the production line, and topics discussed include changes in business practices; production methods; longevity and loyalty of employees; family; Mrs. and Mr. Grissom's management style; and other information relating to the history of the company.

Cite as: Mrs. Grissom's Salads Records, Special Collections Division, Nashville Public Library.

This material may be protected by copyright law (Title 17 U.S. Code)

Grace Grissom;,Gift;,2005.,Acc. 2005.045.

Grace Gass was born on Aug. 19, 1918 in Meigs County, Tenn. She married Herbert Grissom and came to Nashville, Tenn. from Knoxville, Tenn. in 1952 with their two small children. Mr. Grissom was a feed salesman and had been transferred by his company. Mrs. Grissom had been employed as a secretary with Southern Railway.

In 1955, they watched a friend's business, Mrs. Weaver's Salads, struggle. They decided to help out by buying half interest in the business. Soon they bought out the entire business, changed its name, products, and methods of distribution. Mrs. Grissom served as president and oversaw recordkeeping and production. Mr. Grissom developed sales routes throughout Tennessee and Kentucky. Regularly working 18-hour days, their business began to grow. Within five years, their yearly sales figures had topped one million dollars.

In 1960, Mrs. Grissom's Salads opened a new plant at the corner of Rosedale and Bransford Avenues in Nashville. A second plant was opened in Kentucky and distribution was expanded. By the 1980s, their cold salad products such as cole slaw, and chicken, ham, potato, tuna, and pimento cheese salads were being distributed through grocery store chains and also sold to hospitals, schools and regional distributors in Tennessee, Kentucky, northern Alabama, Indiana, and Illinois. They were also serving as distributors for other products such as Jimmy Dean Sausage and Plumrose hams.

She and her company have been honored with much recognition. In 1976, she was named one of the Women of the Year by the Davidson County Business and Professional Women's Club, and in 1979 she was named Lady Executive of the Year by the local chapter of National Women Executives. She was also honored by the National Association of Women Business Owners for her outstanding record of achievement.

Church and civic involvement has also been important to Mrs. Grissom. In 1970, she was the first woman to serve on the board at McKendree Manor, a Methodist retirement home, and was a delegate to the World Conference of Methodist Churches. She became the first woman to chair the board of Brentwood United Methodist Church in 1972. At the General Conference of the Methodist Church in 1980, she was elected to the general council on finance and administration, one of the highest honors.

She has been very involved with Martin Methodist College in Pulaski, Tenn., holding several positions in its governance and making many contributions of her time and finances. In recognition of her support of the college, Giles County and the City of Pulaski declared Nov. 1, 1984 as Grace Grissom Day. In 1986, she received the first Martin Methodist College President's Medallion, and in 2001 received Martin Methodist College's first honorary degree, an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters.

Her husband, Herbert, died in 1998. She later married W. Frank Evans. In 2005, she appointed her son-in-law, Kenneth Funger as CEO of the business, though she still remained active in ensuring that her high quality standards were met. Mrs. Grissom died on May 26, 2013 in Nashville after a short illness.

In English.

In possession of Grace Grissom until time of donation to the Nashville Public Library.

Process;,2006;,Linda Barnickel.

No further accruals are expected.