Did you know that the first ever African-American country club was founded right here in nearby Scotch Plains?
The Shady Rest Golf and Country Club was purchased by a group of Black investors known as the Progressive Realty Company, Inc. in 1921. Their vision was to transform the former Westfield Country Club into community recreation and entertainment hub for black residents in the area. The country club became such a success that prominent celebrities like W.E.B. DuBois, Count Basie, and Billie Holiday frequented the dining room.
The Township of Scotch Plains acquired the property in 1938. In 1964, the club was renamed the Scotch Hills Country Club and was opened to the public. Despite the renaming and refocusing of the club, the Shady Rest clubhouse still remains on the property.
Home of America’s First Professional Golfer
John M. Shippen, Jr. was a golfer who earned the status of first American-born professional golfer to enter the U.S. Open Championship at the age of 18. In 1931, Shippen found his home at Shady Hills, where he served as the Club’s pro and greens keeper until retiring in 1964. He died in 1968 at the age of 89 in Newark, N.J.
Future of Shady Rest Clubhouse
The Preserve Shady Rest Committee is working to gain landmark status for the club, restore the Clubhouse to serve as a multipurpose community center, collect memorabilia of the Shady Rest era, and more. Read all about Shady Rest’s rich history by visiting the Preserve Shady Rest Website.
(Photos Courtesy of John Mooney)
