The Palmetto Club History Columbia, South Carolina On February 15, 1956, Silas C. McMeekin, President of the South Carolina Electric & Gas Company, called together a group of men consisting of himself; John C. B. Smith, Columbia Realtor; Frank B. Gary, Columbia Attorney; Frank S. Smith, Columbia Investment Counselor and Securities Dealer; and Arthur M. Williams, Jr.; Columbia Attorney and Staff Counsel of South Carolina Electric & Gas Company to investigate the feasibility of founding and maintaining a club where business and professional men, their wives, and guests, could find relaxation and entertainment during and at the close of business days. The Palmetto Club opened on May 15, 1961 and was immediately accepted in the community and the state as an outstanding facility. Since its opening, the Club has enjoyed a resounding success in the business, professional and social communities of Columbia and the State. Some of Columbia's outstanding business and professional citizens have served as the Club's Chairmen. They, together with a dedicated Board of Governors, have guided the Club through years of providing the city of Columbia and the State of South Carolina with a facility that continues to enjoy the reputation as an outstanding establishment. In addition, the Club's downtown location has provided many organizations with a convenient place to have meetings and social events. The Palmetto Club is a member owned social and dining city club. The Palmetto Club and The Summit Club, both downtown business clubs, merged operations in 2010 and together are able to offer Columbia the highest level of personalized service and food quality, along with providing families, business associates, and friends with a convenient and unbeatable venue. Located in the heart of downtown Columbia with abundant parking adjacent to its building, the Club is located on Sumter Street. The Palmetto Club serves the business community as a convenient location for breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as a wide variety of business meetings and receptions. In addition, The Palmetto Club has served generations of its members as a warm, comfortable location for wedding receptions, parties and other family gatherings.