The former presidents of Vestavia Country Club were honored March 1.
Vestavia Country Club held its 2014 Heritage Ball in honor of the former club presidents.
The club’s 2014 president, John Smyth, presided over the Mardi Gras-themed event and presented the history of the club.
The planning for Vestavia Country Club, located atop Shades Mountain, began in 1948, Smyth said. It was originally called the Vestavia Hills Golf and Riding Club, but the name was changed to Vestavia Country Club when the charter members formally incorporated in 1949.
Vestavia Country Club opened its doors in June 1950 with more than 1,000 charter members.
The first president of Vestavia Country Club was William B. Philips Sr. There have been 64 club presidents who have served since 1949.
Of the 25 living past presidents of the club, all but five attended the ball. The former club presidents at the event included 2013 president Bill Visintainer and his wife, Debbie; 2012 president Ricky Kirkpatrick and his wife, Vickie; 2011 president Howard Nelson and his wife, Carolyn; 2010 president Billy Harvill and his wife, Sharon; 2009 president David Belcher and his wife, Sue; 2008 president Richard Wood and his wife, Kay; 2006 president Arthur Edge and his wife, Carolyn; 2005 president Mickey Green; 2004 president George Nolen and his wife, Susan; 2002 president Tim Donahue and his wife, Diane; 2000 president Larry Richardson and his wife, Wanda; 1999 president Joe Morgan and his wife, Harriett; 1997 president Jim Delk and his wife, Carolyn; 1994 president Les Longshore and his wife, Betty; 1993 president Alan Kaufman and his wife, Pug; 1990 president Wayne Gillis and his wife, Karen; 1989 president Bill Halbrooks and his wife, Lin; 1987 president John McCarley and his wife, Jean; 1980 president Owen Sims and his daughters; and 1974 president E.L. Bud Conaway and his wife, Mary Elizabeth.
Members and guests attending the Heritage Ball enjoyed a “Taste of New Orleans” menu featuring a duo of blackened filet mignon over garlic smashed potatoes and shrimp etouffee over Creole grit cake with asparagus hollandaise followed by Bananas Foster and Café Du Monde coffee and beignets.
Dance music was provided by the Auburn Knights.
