Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan

Images of America: Michigan

by Ronald J. Stephens

Once considered the most famous African-American resort community in the country, Idlewild was referred to as the Black Eden of Michigan in the 1920s and '30s, and as the Summer Apollo of Michigan in the 1950s and '60s. Showcasing classy revues and interactive performances of some of the leading black entertainers of the period, Idlewild was an oasis in the shadows of legal segregation.

Idlewild: Black Eden of Michigan focuses on this illustrative history, as well as the decline and the community's contemporary renaissance, in over 200 rare photographs. The lively legacy of Lela G. and Herman O. Wilson, and Paradise Path is included, featuring images of the Paradise Club and Wilson's Grocery. Idlewild continued its role as a distinctive American resort throughout the 1950s, with photographs ranging from Phil Giles' Flamingo Club and Arthur Braggs's Idlewild Revue.

Genres: History

128 pages, Paperback

First published August 11, 2001

Reviews

[Jonny Parshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few spelling/grammatical errors aside, the only real problem with this book is the photographs. Some of them are too dark beyond recognition. I don't know if this is the fault of the printing, publishing, editing, or simply technology at the time (2000-not exactly ancient) but a little retouching could've done them some good. Other than that, it was a very insightful read on an important area in American history (that's only a few miles up the road from me).

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble rating this book. On the one hand, I truly did enjoy reading it and perusing the numerous photos. I am familiar with the area as well as some of its history and I wanted to learn more. On the other hand, it's very poorly written and does contradict itself in a place or two. The "Images of America" booklets aren't first class literature, but taken for what they are, a small glimpse at small areas, they are fun and educational - to a point. Idlewild just seems to me too historically important to not warrant a more indepth and better written book than what's offered here. I'm on to "Black Eden" by Lewis Walker and Ben C. Wilson to hopefully learn more.

[Alane Jewel · Rating 5 out of 5]

i have spent many summers of my life in rural michigan and a trip to baldwin for icecream or to lake michigan to pick blueberries would led me to pass idlewild in the car and hear awful racial stories,from embarrassingly,family members. this was the best read to personally help me face the wonderful truth, history and beauty of a place i had only been shown with an awful racist viewpoint. loved it and loved sharing what i learned with my family!

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting slice of Black and mid-Michigan history. Great photos as well. You can tell the community really took a part in contributing, and I love that. It’s a well-rounded picture this way. I could almost see a movie from this.

My only issue is the narrative thread could’ve been a bit stronger, I think they relied on photos and captions that don’t offer much information to advance the story. There were a few spelling errors as well, which I’ve noticed in other “Images of America” books and fault the series for rather than one individual book or author.

A well-researched, illuminating book.

Library | Physical copy

[Leslie Carnahan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cool book about the history of Idlewild Michigan! A place I didn't know anything about. Lots of cool history in this small town. I look forward to researching more about it!