Shady Rest Golf and Country Club: A Historical Gem
In the mid-1700s, the Ephraim Tucker Farmhouse was built on a 31-acre plot just outside Westfield, New Jersey. By the early 1800s, it had transformed into the George B. Osborn Tavern, and by the late 1890s, it became the Westfield Golf Club, with a 9-hole course and a farmhouse serving as the clubhouse.
During this era of segregation, a close-knit community of Black residents lived around the golf course, creating pathways to visit friends and relatives. Despite living near the golf club, they were not allowed membership at the white country clubs.
The Birth of Shady Rest Golf and Country Club
In 1921, a group of Black investors known as the Progressive Realty Company, Inc. purchased the former Westfield Country Club. They established the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, the first African American country club in the United States, providing recreation and entertainment for all ages. The club featured golf, tennis, horseback riding, and skeet shooting.
A Cultural Hub for African Americans
Shady Rest became a cultural hub for African Americans, attracting prominent figures such as W.E.B. DuBois, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday. The club's dining room hosted these luminaries, creating a vibrant social scene described as "where all the rich black folks used to go."
Legacy and Historical Significance
The Shady Rest Golf & Country Club is the oldest African-American golf clubhouse in the United States. It housed the first American-born golf professional, John Shippen Jr., and served as a home for many prominent African Americans, including WEB DuBois and Althea Gibson. The club's musical legacy is rich, with performances by legends like Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday.
A Place for Black Americans
The Shady Rest offered numerous amenities, including tennis, horseback riding, skeet shooting, attended locker rooms, and a dining room known for Miss Lillian's famous fried chicken and potato salad. Membership was selective, attracting elite African Americans from the metropolitan area and beyond. The club was a sanctuary and a place of pride, showcasing the achievements and talents of its members and visitors.
Commemorating Rest
As we reflect on the history of the Shady Rest Golf and Country Club, we honor its significant role in African American history. It was more than a club; it was a beacon of community, culture, and excellence. The Shady Rest stands as a testament to the resilience and achievements of African Americans, preserving a rich heritage for future generations.
