The resort that segregation built

[sarahmichigan]

Last night, I learned a lot more about Idlewild than I ever knew before. I feel bad that I was so ignorant about such an interesting piece of Michigan's history. The declining lumber industry and the rise of an affluent middle class among black folks led to the establishment of a resort for African Americans on the west side of the lower peninsula of Michigan. The idea came from a couple of white guys, but African Americans made it their own.

An article from the Detroit News:
http://info.detnews.com/history/story/index.cfm?id=121&category=locations

More info and photos here:
http://www.iaacc.com/history.html

Comments

[dionysus1999.livejournal.com]

Remember the feature about it we saw in the Kzoo Museum?

[sarahmichigan.livejournal.com]

Actually, I don't. I remember an exhibit on AFrican American quilts, but nothing about Idlewild. Interesting that you remembered!

[livinginoctober.livejournal.com]

I love the name and the history of that town.