Born on July 23, 1893 in Warren Point, New Jersey, Anthony Tunis was the son of Harry and Maud Hoek Shortway. Tunis was an athlete in one of the best pitchers in the metropolitan area. Everyone called him Tune. In his prime he pitched baseball against such greats at Honus Wagner and Jim Thorpe, famous major-league baseball players. He could have played in the major leagues, but salaries were so small that he couldn't make enough to support a family. He became a mason contractor and built houses. In 1913, Tune married Anna Aupperlee. They had two sons, Harry and Anthony, whom everyone knew as Tex. They lived in Paterson. In 1928, Tune bought land in Hawthorne, which was mostly farmland. There was a house, a gas station and a barn with a three car garage and two horse barns. During the prohibition years Tune made his own booze.Everyone convinced him to build a small bar and open it up as Shortway's Barn.Then he applied for a liquor license. In September 1933, the doors were opened legally. A bar without food did okay, but Tune decided to sell the now famous hot roast beef sandwiches on hard rolls and kept adding food to the menu.Shortway's was one of the most popular places in town. Tune passed away in December 1942. The Barn in the form were left to Harry and Tex.

Harry married Marjorie Holmes in 1936. Tex and Marge ran the barn while Harry worked at Curtis Wright Corporation. In the early 1950s, Harry bought his brothers share of the business. The Barn would go through many changes, always keeping up with the times. During the 50s it was a stop for truck drivers, coming in for the acclaimed hot roast beef sandwiches.

​

As the clientele changed, so did the Barn. The place was renovated into a larger bar and the back room booths were removed.In the 60s and 70s, go-go dancers were featured and the business boomed. Once again the place changed. Harry passed away on October 26, 1981, leaving Marge as the owner of the Barn. In 1982 there would be more changes in store, for the entire building was gutted and a new Shortway's Barn was born. Out with the pool table and go-go girls and in with a new decor. It has taken many years to replace the reputation of a "man's bar". Shortways's Barn sure has come along way.

​

Through the years, Marge was an avid Yankee fan, enjoying the game with her customers. Just as Yankee Stadium became known as the "House that Ruth Built". Shortway's Barn became the "House that Marge built", her love of family and friends have given the Barn a warm and friendly atmosphere for everyone. Her endless energy brought her to become the first woman elected to the Hawthorne council. She served the Borough for 15 years, from 1990 to 2005. Marge became known as the First Lady of Hawthorne. On September 21, 2005 her daughter Debra passed away leaving an emptiness felt by Marge and her other 10 children. Debra was a Hard-working bartender dealing with kidney disease. She lived her life to the fullest. 15 months later on December 20, 2006 Marge passed away, and a void was felt within the family. On September 6, 2009 Marge's son Tunie passed away he was everyone's "handy man" and always helped out with The Barn. Marge's wishes were to continue to Shortway's Barn tradition through her family.

​