For generations of Midwestern African-Americans,
Idlewild in Lake County was the place to go for summer vacations, from its beginnings in 1915 all the way up into the 1960s.
It was one of the few resorts in segregationist times that African-Americans could plan a vacation to, and also was known for its active nightlife, with famous black entertainers taking the stage at the rural northwestern Michigan tourism destination.
Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office announced recently that Idlewild's National Register of Historic Places designation has been expanded. Formerly, it was listed as the Idlewild Historic District, and included several specific properties in a small core around Idlewild and Paradise Lake.
Now, the historic site includes the entire Idlewild resort, and continues the period of historic significance through more recent decades, versus the former designation, which included development of the resort only up to 1930. It also will include adding five more historical markers to those existing.
The register listing was expanded with the help of a federal
Preserve America grant, and allows more property owners in the area to apply for federal tax credits to preserve or rehabilitate historic buildings and locations.
State Historic Preservation Officer Brian Conway says the designation should help preserve Idlewild as a one-of-a-kind community.
"Our hope is that the recognition of Idlewild's national significance by the National Register of Historic Places will raise awareness that the historic character and sense of place Idlewild offers is unique, and should be preserved," Conway says.
Writer: Sam EgglestonSource: Brian Conway, Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
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