The Piedmont Driving Club in Atlanta, Georgia is a private country club whose mission is to "provide and maintain a proper place for enjoyment, social intercourse, pleasure and recreation for its members and their families." It was established in 1887 at a Chamber of Commerce meeting when James Kingsbery and 100 other men agreed to jointly purchase Benjamin Walker's 190 acre tract of land in present day Midtown for $38,000. The Walker home stood as the original club house, but as club membership grew, additions were made including the addition of the dining terrace, designed by member, Philip T. Shutze, and a ball room, designed by members of the Atlanta firm Hentz, Reid, and Adler. The club has hosted a variety of dignitaries including President Taft; Governor Joseph Terrell; President Cleveland; opera singers: Enrico Caruso and Geraldine Farrar; and Jimmy and Rosalind Carter. The Club's roster has included Coca-Cola president Robert Woodruff, historian Franklin Garrett, and United States Attorney General Griffin Bell. Both the Atlanta Debutante Club and the Atlanta Junior League were organized there in 1911 and 1916, respectively. A press party for the premier of Gone with the Wind was also held at the club. The Nine O'Clocks, a social organization,hosts its annual costume ball there each New Year's Eve.
From the description of Piedmont Driving Club Collection, 1907-1998. (Atlanta History Center). WorldCat record id: 695578301
