820 Jerusalem Rd., Scotch Plains Township, New Jersey. County/parish: Union.
Added to the National Register of Historic Places July 07, 2022. NRIS 100007869.
1 contributing building. 1 contributing site.Also known as:
The Shady Rest Country Club is located at 820 Jerusalem Road in Scotch Plains in Union County, New Jersey. Established in 1921, Shady Rest was the first African-American country club in the United States. From 1931 to 1964, it was the home of John Shippen (1879–1968), the first American professional golfer and the first African American to compete in the U.S. Open. His presence marked a golden era for the club, which became a vibrant social and cultural hub for Black intellectuals, artists, and athletes.
Shady Rest was founded with the mission of creating a recreational and cultural haven for African Americans of all ages. It offered a wide range of activities including golf, tennis, and horseback riding; all within a welcoming, inclusive environment. More than just a country club, Shady Rest stood as a symbol of pride and progress, providing a space where community, culture, and excellence thrived.
Shady Rest was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 7, 2022, for its significance in entertainment, ethnic heritage, recreation, and social history from 1921 to 1964. The township acquired the property in 1938 and converted it to a public golf course in 1964, known as Scotch Hills Country Club, before renaming the course back to Shady Rest Country Club in 2021.
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