Asa G. Candler Jr.

Asa Griggs Candler Jr.
Asa Griggs Candler Jr.
Born	Asa Griggs Candler Jr.; August 27, 1880 (age 146); Newton County, Georgia, U.S.
Died	January 11, 1953 (aged 72)
Other names	Buddie Candler
Occupation(s)	Entrepreneur, real estate developer
Years active	Early 20th century–mid 20th century
Known for	Growth of Coca-Cola bottling operations; Briarcliff Hotel and estate development

Asa Griggs "Buddie" Candler Jr. (August 27, 1880 – January 11, 1953) was an American entrepreneur and the son of Asa Griggs Candler, the founder of The Coca-Cola Company. He played a key role in the growth of his father’s business ventures and subsequently pursued real estate development, notably inaugurating the Briarcliff Hotel at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Avenue and N. Highland Avenue in Atlanta’s Virginia–Highland district.

Education and professional background

Asa Jr. completed his studies at Emory College in Oxford, Georgia, where he was a peer of future Vice President Alben W. Barkley. Following graduation, he was instrumental in establishing Coca-Cola bottling operations throughout North America and oversaw the erection of office buildings in Atlanta as well as Candler Airport (present-day Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport). For more than two decades, he managed Westview Cemetery, where he constructed one of the world’s largest community mausoleums.

Briarcliff Farm

In 1910, Candler relocated from Inman Park to a 42-acre tract on Williams Mill Road, now part of Druid Hills, Georgia. This road was eventually renamed Briarcliff Road after his property. Situated near his brother Charles Howard Candler’s Callanwolde estate, Asa Jr. operated an extensive farming enterprise that provided meat and produce to area merchants. The farm raised cattle, sheep, pigs, and poultry, and during World War I supplied milk to Fort Gordon.

The farm was distinguished by its pioneering use of electric lighting, ventilation fans, and individual water fountains for livestock, which enhanced hygiene standards and boosted both production and product quality.

Briarcliff estate and mansion

Starting in 1916, Candler began converting his farmland into the Briarcliff estate, culminating in the construction of a mansion between 1920 and 1922 characterized by a Georgian Revival style exterior. The project was completed with assistance from architect Dan Bodin. In 1925, the residence was enlarged to include a music room named DeOvies Hall, renowned for its vaulted Tudor-style interior and limestone fireplace.

To outdo his family’s existing Aeolian organs, Candler installed a $94,000 Aeolian organ with 88 ranks and 187 stops in 1925—making it Georgia’s largest private organ and the eighth largest Aeolian ever built for a home. Its inaugural performance was broadcast on radio by Palmer Christian. In 1952, this organ was gifted to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, where it underwent restoration in 2008 as the Goodwyn-Candler-Panoz organ.

The estate also boasted amenities such as a golf course, two swimming pools (including one public pool charging a quarter), and a private zoo.

Disposition of the estate

In 1948, the Candlers sold the property to the General Services Administration. Although initially intended for use as a veterans’ hospital site, it ultimately became Georgia’s first alcohol rehabilitation center—the Georgian Clinic—reflecting Asa Jr.’s personal battles with alcoholism. Subsequently, it evolved into the Georgia Mental Health Institute and currently functions as Emory University’s Briarcliff campus.

During his final years, Candler resided in the penthouse suite of the Briarcliff Hotel and was interred at Westview Cemetery.

Personal life

Candler was passionate about big game hunting and had a strong interest in aviation, actively competing in various regional and national air racing events. Additionally, he developed skills in magic and sleight of hand, talents he gained during his journeys to China and India. His residence included a specially designed magic room where he annually organized springtime magic performances and social gatherings for his acquaintances.

His estate housed a collection of exotic creatures such as a Bengal tiger, lions, a black leopard, a gorilla, baboons, and six elephants named Coca, Cola, Pause, Refreshes, Refreshing, and Delicious. The enclosures were crafted by the architect Bodin. These animals were reportedly purchased from a financially troubled European circus proprietor. In 1935, facing monetary challenges, Candler sold his pipe organ and ultimately donated the entire assortment of animals to the Atlanta City Zoo (present-day Zoo Atlanta). A legal case resulted in a $10,000 judgment against him after one of his baboons caused damage to a neighbor's property.

Marriages

In 1901, Candler wed Helen Magill, who was actively involved in Atlanta's social and civic circles, including groups such as the United Daughters of the Confederacy and the Atlanta Woman's Club. She was recognized locally for her sophisticated attire. Helen passed away in January 1927 at the age of 40; her funeral service was led by Bishop Warren Akin Candler, Asa’s uncle. Both are interred at Westview Cemetery.

Later that same year, in October 1927, Asa Jr. married Florence Adeline Stephenson from Lithonia, Georgia. Florence had served as his secretary for nine years prior to their marriage.

Children

Asa and Helen had three sons: Asa G. III, who died during infancy; John H. (1905–1947), who moved to Baltimore; and Samuel, who remained in Atlanta. They also had four daughters named Laura, Helen, Martha, and Lucy.

Religion

Asa was a member of the Atlanta First United Methodist Church located at 360 Peachtree Street. A 1951 interview revealed that his battles with alcoholism and depression were eased through a personal spiritual commitment described as a "surrender to God."

External links

"Briarcliff Campus", Emory History, Emory University
Emory History Minute, "Candler Mansion", Emory University (video of history Candler Mansion)
Flickr photoset of Briarcliff Mansion