A Place For Us...The Shady Rest Country Club is the oldest African-American golf clubhouse inthe United States of America. From its first opening, it was able to create an aura thatattracted African Americans to call the Shady Rest their home. While segregation prohibited black Americans from using facilities such as golf courses, tennis courts, etc., the Shady Rest was there for them. Besides being the first African American country club inthe United States, the Shady Rest was also a major center for 1920s jazz entertainment, and the residence of John Shippen Jr- the first American professionalgolfer.During that time, the Shady Rest developed into a hub for African American culture. Many well-known African Americans in the community called it home, and others were impressed by its capacity to help those in need. The Shady Rest became known as "A Place For Us" to Black Americans when people like WEB Dubois, Althea Gibson, and numerous African American musicians—including Ella Fitzgerald, Duke Ellington, and Billie Holiday—began spending a lot of time there. It was truly a safe space for the African-American community to be themselves.Preserve Shady Rest Country Club is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that isdedicated to promoting the history and preservation of Shady Rest Country Club. The organization is committed to the strong values of service to the black community, golf community, and their local community, while also preserving the historic building and educating the local community on its rich history.To learn more about Preserve Shady Rest Country Club, please check out our website for more details!
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