Idlewild, Michigan ~ 2022

This historic area was founded in 1912 by white developers and it became known as "Black Eden." From the 1920s up to 1964, it was a major entertainment location and summer resort for African Americans. It drew more than 25,000 people each summer and a couple of famous people who owned homes here include W.E.B. DuBois and Louis Armstrong. It was a unique, safe place for relaxation, entertainment, and community in a time when those places were rare.

Dr. Williams' house built in 1920 still stands.

The Flamingo Club opened in 1955 and brought in top African-American entertainers. By 1968, it had closed.

There's a party store for sale.

The seasonal Morton's Motel was built around 1950 and remained open until 2008. In 2011, Idlewild residents purchased the property and restored the motel.

Fewer than 1000 people currently reside in Idlewild but there is more talk and interest in revitalization of the area. For now, it feels more like a ghost town, albeit one with a fascinating history.

Here's hoping for a great comeback!

 

Lake Bluff Farms, 2890 Lakeshore Drive, Manistee, Michigan ~ May & August, 2022

Do you want to see a giant sequoia tree without traveling to California? This is the place 😊

Sometime around 1900, a Danish immigrant (John Marius Petersen) purchased several acres of land north of Manistee and created a very successful orchard. In 1936, Petersen sold the property to Gertrude and Eddie Gray who transformed the orchard into a working farm. They also built a two story brick home there. In 1948, the Grays planted six small (6 inch) sequoia seedlings and three of those trees survive today.

Down a short trail we found the Champion.

We visited again in August and had more people with us 😊

The other two sequoias can be found a short distance from the Champion.

There are a few labels here and there but otherwise you are on your own for tree identification on the grounds.

As the name implies, the property is on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, and the view is spectacular.

Off of the small parking lot is a path through a meadow that leads down to Lake Michigan.

When we were here in May, all access to the beach was fenced off.

But in August, the fencing was gone and someone had hooked up a rope.

We did not use it 😊

Back at what was the family home, we found the Champion Sycamore Maple tree.

Around 1987 or 1988 the Grays donated what was now 75 acres to the Michigan Audubon Society who ran it as a bird sanctuary until 2016. It remained closed until 2021 when the Audubon Society transferred seven acres to the newly formed non-profit Lake Bluff Farms, Inc. Michigan Audubon retains ownership of the rest of the acreage, including 1500 feet of beachfront.

Overall, the property is in rough shape but it's still a beautiful location, and you can wrap your arms around a giant sequoia tree.