Photo and Video Gallery

Step into a visual journey through the storied fairways of Shady Rest Country Club, America's first Black-owned golf course, with our exclusive Photo and Video Gallery. Each image and film captures the essence of a rich heritage, from historical milestones to present-day triumphs.


Immerse yourself in the vibrant legacy of Shady Rest, where every snapshot and footage tells a story of pioneering spirits, community gatherings, and landmark events. Explore our curated collection to witness the enduring impact of this iconic club on the world of golf and beyond.

America's Golf Pioneer

Dive into the legacy of Shady Rest Country Club in this documentary by Lawrence Londino, capturing the essence of America's first African-American golf course.

Swing Legacy Duke Ellington

Step back to 1943 with Duke Ellington's orchestra at Shady Rest, where the iconic tune "It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)" echoes through history as a jazz standard that defined an era.

Althea Gibson's Legacy

Celebrate Althea Gibson at Shady Rest, where her spirit prevails, as the USTA honors her groundbreaking legacy with a statue at the US Open's Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

A Journey Through Shady Rest

Join the exploration of Black golf history at Shady Rest in this episode of the BWG Show, featuring Sheenah Pegeron and the tales that shaped America's first Black-owned golf course.

The University of South Carolina golfers relishing a day at Shady Rest, Scotch Plains - a historic moment captured from the University of South Carolina Newsfilm Archives.

Children enjoying golf in the 1920s near Plainfield Ave. at Shady Rest, a glimpse into the early days of this historic golf course.

Photo from July 12, 1925, capturing a moment on the now-demolished veranda of the Shady Rest clubhouse, preserved by the University of South Carolina Newsfilm Archives

Vintage 1921 Picture Post Card showcasing the historic charm of Shady Rest.

The Zeta Boule (New York) hosting the Grand Boule of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity at Shady Rest, a momentous gathering.

Members gather at Shady Rest, Westfield, NJ, circa 1921 — celebrating one year and 200 members at this historic nine-hole golf course.

James Baker, a founding member of Shady Rest from Plainfield, NJ, in a 1922 interview highlighted the club's popularity, with 2,500 visitors on July 4th. His account, captured by a New York Sun reporter, showcased the vibrant social scene of the time.

Photo Credit: University of South Carolina Newsfilm Archives

Dr. H.F. Brock, esteemed member of the Shady Rest Board of Directors, alongside the Wright Family in the 1930s, embodying the club's community spirit

John Matthew Shippen Jr. competing in the 1896 U.S. Open, a pioneering moment in golf history.

Celebrating

John Shippen Jr.

John Shippen (third from left) with the Royal Golf Club of Washington D.C., circa 1960, during the USCGA era, which formed in response to PGA's exclusionary practices. Contributor: Ethel M. Washington.

John Shippen Jr.'s final resting place in Rosedale Cemetery, Linden, NJ, now marked with a granite headstone, courtesy of Thurman P. Simmons and the John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation.

Support Our Mission To Preserve Shady Rest

Join us in our commitment to safeguarding the legacy of Shady Rest, a beacon of golf history and community heritage. 


Your support empowers us to maintain and enhance this historic site for future generations. Whether through membership, donations, or volunteering, your contribution makes a vital difference. Help us honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of Shady Rest.

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