Stonewall Inn, 53 Christopher St, New York

Fifty-four years ago this week, the Stonewall uprising took place (1969) and became a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ rights. On our 2021 visit to New York City, we made our way to the historic inn, which is, along with Christopher Park, part of the Stonewall National Monument.

Gay Liberation, a sculpture by George Segal, consists of four figures relaxing in Christopher Park.

Happy Pride Month, everyone!

Quaker Cemetery, Maple Grove Township, MI ~ April 27, 2023

Just south of Nashville off Guy Road, you will find this small, historic cemetery. It's not marked on Guy Road so look for a two track road that will lead you to the place. Most of the gravestones are illegible and the cemetery is not well-maintained.

Eli Lapham, a Quaker minister, was the first settler here when he bought the land in 1837 from John Mott, a Quaker from Jackson. More Quakers followed and a small settlement was formed. Nothing is left of the settlement and this cemetery is all that remains to indicate their presence (other than Quaker Brook in Nashville).

Nathaniel Newton was born in Vermont in 1804 and died here in 1855.

The only doctor in the initial Quaker settlement was Dr. Archelaus Harwood and there are six Harwoods buried here, four of them dying in 1855.

Thomas Mayo died in Andersonville in 1864 and was a member of Company H, 6th Michigan Cavalry.

Frank Downs (1855-1938) has one of the few modern markers because he requested that he be buried here among his ancestors.

Levi Biggs died in 1864 and was a member of Company B, 28th Michigan Infantry.

The most renowned burial in this cemetery is that of John Quick (1762-1851). He crossed the Delaware with George Washington, was wounded in the Battle of Trenton, encamped at Valley Forge, and fought in the Battle of Monmouth. He later came to Maple Grove to live with his son Abram. Abram Quick  had married Eli Lapham's (the settlement's founder) daughter. 

Baby Frankie McCartney lived July 4, 1870 - September 23, 1871.

Here lies an infant whose name I couldn't find.

Jacob Emmons, May 15, 1843 - August 25, 1855.

Harvey Carnell died as a toddler (Jan 7, 1856 - June 26, 1860).

According to Internment.com, there are 61 burials here and they have a list of the 61 names. This is a peaceful place albeit with many worn down and broken grave stones. 

 

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!