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History of Idlewild: The Black American Eden:
Black Americans have always dealt with the ever pervasive beast of white supremacy, in all its forms. Naturally, at times we needed an escape but when most resorts where white only it was up to us to seek our own. Enter Idlewild.
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Idlewild, Michigan.
Idlewild, once known as 'the Black Eden' was famous in Black America throughout the 20th century, as a location where the Black elite were known to escape to, spending their days amongst like people and away from the constant of white racism at the time.
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Established in 1912, it was one of only 3 resort towns in the nation catering to Black Americans and grew into a national success, with many affluent Black Americans buying land, and purchasing vacation homes and businesses like resorts, boat clubs, & more, adding to its growth.
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Initially founded by white developers, the Black elite very quickly took lead in shaping the place, with Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, an internationally renowned Black surgeon, purchasing property there in 1915. Williams would become a prominent landowner and community member,
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even selling land in the community to W.E.B Du Bois. Amongst the famous in the Black American community, Idlewild was a must-be destination, with legends like Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong being known to perform there. Black families could enjoy a dip in the lakes, a day of
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roller-skating or even horseback riding, an afternoon canoe ride, and oftentimes a performance from whatever legend was in town that day. The hub of activity in Idlewild from the 20s to 40s, was Idlewild Park, an island at the center of Idlewild Lake. On its shores stood the
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Oakmere Hotel & the Purple Palace Supper Club, both beloved spots in the town. Some prominent figures who frequented the 'Black Eden' include Dr. Daniel Hale, millionaire C. J. Walker,Violette Nealey, and more. In 1921, Dubois would write the following about his beloved Idlewild:
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"For sheer physical beauty - for sheen of water and golden air, for nobleness of tree and flower of shrub, for shining river and song of bird and the low, moving whisper of the sun moon and star; it is the beautifulest stretch I have ever seen for 20 years. "
History of Idlewild: The Black American Eden:
Black Americans have always dealt with the ever pervasive beast of white supremacy, in all its forms. Naturally, at times we needed an escape but when most resorts where white only it was up to us to seek our own. Enter Idlewild.
2/8
Idlewild, Michigan.
Idlewild, once known as 'the Black Eden' was famous in Black America throughout the 20th century, as a location where the Black elite were known to escape to, spending their days amongst like people and away from the constant of white racism at the time.
3/8
Established in 1912, it was one of only 3 resort towns in the nation catering to Black Americans and grew into a national success, with many affluent Black Americans buying land, and purchasing vacation homes and businesses like resorts, boat clubs, & more, adding to its growth.
4/8
Initially founded by white developers, the Black elite very quickly took lead in shaping the place, with Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, an internationally renowned Black surgeon, purchasing property there in 1915. Williams would become a prominent landowner and community member,
5/8
even selling land in the community to W.E.B Du Bois. Amongst the famous in the Black American community, Idlewild was a must-be destination, with legends like Aretha Franklin and Louis Armstrong being known to perform there. Black families could enjoy a dip in the lakes, a day of
6/8
roller-skating or even horseback riding, an afternoon canoe ride, and oftentimes a performance from whatever legend was in town that day. The hub of activity in Idlewild from the 20s to 40s, was Idlewild Park, an island at the center of Idlewild Lake. On its shores stood the
7/8
Oakmere Hotel & the Purple Palace Supper Club, both beloved spots in the town. Some prominent figures who frequented the 'Black Eden' include Dr. Daniel Hale, millionaire C. J. Walker,Violette Nealey, and more. In 1921, Dubois would write the following about his beloved Idlewild:
8/8
"For sheer physical beauty - for sheen of water and golden air, for nobleness of tree and flower of shrub, for shining river and song of bird and the low, moving whisper of the sun moon and star; it is the beautifulest stretch I have ever seen for 20 years. "
