Idlewild, Michigan
Four white land dealers saw dollar signs in 1912 when they noticed middle class Black folks had money but nowhere to spend it on vacation. The Idlewild Resort Company was born.
But what started as real estate venture soon became “Black Eden,” a place where black Americans, including famous names like W.E.B. Du Bois and Madam C.J. Walker, could finally relax away from Jim Crow.
Here’s the story.
Four White Couples Form The Idlewild Resort Company
Four white couples started the Idlewild Resort Company in 1912. The Branch brothers, Erastus and Adelbert, with their wives Flora and Isabelle came from White Cloud, Michigan.
Their partners Wilbur and Mayme Lemon joined with A.E. and Modolin Wright from Chicago. Erastus Branch lived in a cabin on the land for three years to secure legal ownership rights.
Through his real estate company, he gained title to the property. Their business acquired over 2,700 acres around what was then called Crooked Lake.
Marketing To Black Professionals During Jim Crow
The Idlewild Resort Company aimed its sales at Black professionals in Midwest cities. A growing Black middle class had formed in Chicago, Detroit, and Cleveland despite widespread racism.
These successful Black doctors, lawyers, and business owners had money to spend but faced rejection at white vacation spots. The company saw this gap in the market and placed ads in Black newspapers like the Chicago Defender.
They hired Black salespeople who could better connect with potential buyers and build trust in the new community.
The Sales Pitch
A 1919 sales booklet called “Beautiful Idlewild” praised the area as a “hunter’s paradise.” It highlighted the clean lakes and abundant fish to attract city people who craved outdoor activities.
The company offered an amazing deal: lots for just “$1 down and $1 per month.” This made land ownership possible for middle-class Black families who struggled to buy property elsewhere.
Most importantly, ads promised freedom from racial hatred, a place where Black Americans could feel like true citizens.
Organized Excursions To Attract Buyers
The company arranged group trips so potential buyers could see Idlewild firsthand. Black professionals from Chicago, Detroit, Cleveland and other cities traveled by train to visit the lakeside property.
Sales agents led tours through the wooded community, showing off the peaceful setting. After experiencing the natural beauty of forests and lakes, many visitors bought lots before heading home.
These group excursions helped transform Idlewild from a business plan into a real community with eager new landowners.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams – The First Famous Resident
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams bought property in Idlewild in 1915, giving the resort instant status. Williams had performed the first successful heart surgery in 1893 and founded Chicago’s Provident Hospital, the first racially integrated hospital in America.
His presence drew other accomplished Black professionals who respected his achievements. Williams later retired to his Idlewild cottage called Oakmere. When he died there in 1931, the community halted all activities for a day to honor him.
The Idlewild Improvement Association Forms
By the mid-1920s, the company had sold much of its land and turned the island in Idlewild Lake over to prominent Black owners. Dr. Williams joined with Louis Anderson, Robert Riffe, and William Green to create the Idlewild Improvement Association. They built the community clubhouse that became central to social life.
This group took charge of developing roads, bridges, and other needs as more people bought property. Their leadership created a framework for self-governance that helped Idlewild grow.
W.E.B. Du Bois And The Black Intelligentsia Arrive
W.E.B. Du Bois, co-founder of the NAACP, bought land in Idlewild in 1920. As a leading Black intellectual and editor of The Crisis magazine, his arrival attracted other prominent thinkers.
Du Bois wrote about Idlewild with great admiration, calling it “the beautifulest stretch I have seen for twenty years.” He praised both the natural setting and the company of fellow Black professionals.
Idlewild gave Black thinkers a rare space to exchange ideas freely, away from the daily burden of racism.
Madam C.J. Walker Joins The Community
Madam C.J. Walker, the first self-made female millionaire in America, bought property in early Idlewild. She had built her fortune with hair care products for Black women sold through a nationwide network.
In a 1918 letter, Walker called Idlewild “a great national progressive movement.” She saw beyond its vacation appeal, viewing it as a meeting place where Black leaders could gather to address important issues.
Walker recognized the value of a Black-controlled space during a time of intense segregation.
Island Park Becomes The Community Hub
Island Park, surrounded by Idlewild Lake, served as the center of community life from 1920 to 1945. Footbridges connected this gathering place to the mainland. The Idlewild Clubhouse on the island hosted dances, meetings, and social events.
The Oakmere Hotel and Purple Palace Supper Club offered additional spaces for residents and guests to gather. Island Park brought the community together, creating a shared space that fostered friendships and a sense of belonging away from the segregated outside world.
Ownership Transfers To Black Community
In 1921, the white founders transferred control to the Idlewild Lot Owners Association. This change made Idlewild truly Black-owned and operated, not just a resort that welcomed Black visitors.
Reverend Robert Bradby Sr. of Detroit’s Second Baptist Church helped develop this owners’ group. His large church brought organizational skills and new members to Idlewild.
Visiting Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center
The Idlewild Historic & Cultural Center is located at 7025 Broadway Avenue in Idlewild, Michigan. Call (231) 745-3940 to arrange a visit outside regular hours. Admission is free, though donations are appreciated.
The center offers self-guided driving tours of historic sites including remains of the Flamingo Club and former homes of prominent residents.
For outdoor recreation, visit Williams Island on Idlewild Lake, which features a sandy beach, picnic tables, and boat launch.
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