Idlewild Michigan Community Development Corporation

Idlewild is a historic community founded in 1912. It was one of only a few resorts in the country where African-Americans could vacation and purchase property before this discrimination became illegal in 1964. It was for a period, the most popular resort in The American Midwest. As many as 25,000 visitors would come during the height of the summer season. Activities such as camping, swimming, boat

ing, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, and roller skating were just the tip of the ice berg of family fun to be had. There was also some of the best musical entertainment west of New York City. Famous entertainers like Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Sarah Vaughn, Della Reese, Sammy Davis Jr., Jackie Wilson, Aretha Franklin, The Four Tops, and many others were regular performers at Idlewild’s once-thriving nightspots. People traveled 500 to 600 miles to be a part the cool and the hip of Idlewild. The Flamingo was known for it hot acts, its bright pink decor and mirrors covered with flamingos. Many were drawn to Idlewild by Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, the most influential black man in the world of medicine and the first surgeon to perform open-heart surgery. He bought 27 acres in Idlewild Michigan, and sold lots to his friends and associates. One of them was NAACP co-founder W.E.B. In 1979 Idlewild was placed on The National Register of Historic Places and deemed worthy of preservation. There are also several properties of historical note that were placed on Michigan’s Historical Registry in 2008