The History of the shady rest country club

Early Beginnings

1700s - Early 1900s

Battle plans drawn by Hessians of land in Union County for the Battle of Short Hills during the Revolutionary War. Circa 1777.

The Ephraim Tucker Farmhouse

In the mid-1700s, the story of Shady Rest began with the construction of the Ephraim Tucker Farmhouse, nestled in a thirty-one-acre plot of rural landscape just outside Westfield, New Jersey. This farmhouse symbolizes the early American spirit, representing a period of agrarian life and community beginnings.

Farmhouses in the 1700s were central to community life.
Typical farmhouse architecture from this era featured simplistic, functional designs.

Watercolor Painting- Shady Rest Country Club

The George B. Osborn Tavern

As we entered the early 1800s, the property witnessed a significant transformation, becoming the George B. Osborn Tavern. This evolution reflected the changing social fabric of the time, with taverns serving as pivotal community meeting places, fostering social connections and early American hospitality.

Taverns in the early 1800s were more than just drinking places; they were vital for community news and gatherings.
Taverns often hosted important town meetings and social events.

Birth of the Westfield Golf Club

In the late 1890s, a significant chapter began as the property was sold and converted into a 9-hole golf course by the Westfield Golf Club. This marked a transition into the realm of sports and leisure, with the original farmhouse serving as the clubhouse, setting the stage for a future rich in golfing history.

Golf was gaining popularity in the U.S. during this period, symbolizing leisure and social status.
The original clubhouse was the farmhouse itself, showcasing a blend of history and modern leisure.