Saturday, September 23, 2006
Membership Drive
Anybody have any idea's on how to increase The Detroit Idlewilder's Club membership?
How Can Idlewild Michigan Be Restored?
Idlewild Michigan was created for African American's how can we keep it?
Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles President
Mr. Peter Kyles
Leola Brock Reese
Madame C.J. Walker, the first self-made U.S. woman millionaire, owned property at Idlewild. 
Lela Wilson bought property about four miles from Idlewild at Paradise Lake, where she built a hotel, store and nightclub. THE HISTORY OF THE DETROIT IDLEWILDERS CLUB, INC.
Because a man had a dream and a purpose and believed in them with all his heart, the Detroit Idlewilders Club was formed. The man was Sunnie Wilson. He had become absorbed in the development of IDLEWILD and wanted to see it grow. His dream was of a clubhouse on the shimmering lake. He wanted his friends and acquaintances to gather there for recreation, social entertaining and enjoy the association of good companionship. His purpose was to provide avenues through which to promote the progress of civic, charitable and recreational endeavors.
And so, in May of 1954 Valma and Joe Branam opened their beautiful Arden Park home to those interested in forming an Idlewild club. Among those who came to enjoy the evening and make plans for a bright future in Idle wild were Mary Norman, Joseph Craigen, Iris Booker, Thelma Williams, Bob Austin, David Brantley, Sue Mills, Lottie Butler, Dr. Robert Bennett, Winola and John Conway, K.D. and Viola Davis, P. Rosmond Davis, Joy Ellis, Oscar Fite, Weaver and Gertrude Gibson, Phil and Bea Gils, Isola Graham, Willis Graves, James and Maewill Hickman, Bill Horton, Sadye and Lawrence Johnson, Marie Jones, Beatrice Fleming Jackson, Richard King, Dr. J.H. Mattocks, Brady Moss, Joseph and Evelyn Ratcliffe, Sulee Stinson, Floyd Thompson, Roscoe Wroten and others. The gathering resulted in Sunnie being elected the President, Joe Craigen, Vice-President, Joe Branam, Treasurer, Evelyn Monjoy, Financial Secretary, Isola Graham, Recording Secretary, and David Brantley, Chaplain.
On the second Sunday in June the first regular meeting was held at Daisy Elliott’s home. Olivia Swanson, Viola Davis, Lucille Alexander, Charlie Northern, and Winnie Dillard were hostesses with Daisy. Dr. Richard McGhee, Dr. J.H. Mattocks, Dr. W.H.
Orr, Arthur Cartwright, Asa Canadia and K.D. were the hosts. A discussion was held by the members concerning the rental of a house in Idlewild to be used as a place for our club activities. The club committee brought in the by-laws and constitution, other committees were appointed by Sunnie, and we were on our way. The first Board of Directors consisted of Beatrice Fleming Jackson, Brady Moss, Priscilla Davis, Joseph Craigen, Mary Norman, Joseph Ratcliffe, Richard King, Sulee Stinson, Dr. J.J. McClendon and P. Rosmond Davis. Other committees were Membership, Entertainment, Program, Benevolent, Extension, Public Relations, Housing, and Constitution. The following October meeting found us making plans enthusiastically for our very own clubhouse. A Monte Carlo Party held at Isola’s, a Cabaret Party at the Latin Quarter, a party at Daisy’s house, and another one at Dot Rose’s all helped to swell our treasury. We were ready now to look for a clubhouse. Sr. and Mrs. Penn agreed to sell us their cottage on the lake and a committee comprised of Joseph Craigen, Chauncey Davis, and Arthur Cartwright brought in all the details to us. We purchased the place in July of 1956 and at this time a very small balance is due.
Present officers are Sunnie Wilson, President (he declares he’s going to take a rest this year), Leroy Dues, Vice-President, Joe Branam, Treasurer, Millie Rayford, Financial Secretary, Evelyn Dangerfield, Recording Secretary, and David Brantley, Chaplain who is still on the sick list.
After being entertained by the Cleveland-Idlewilders in April, we’ll settle down to the business of our annual meeting. We’ll plan for a gay time in Idlewild this summer and look forward to seeing the same happy people as we have in all the years before…
And so, in May of 1954 Valma and Joe Branam opened their beautiful Arden Park home to those interested in forming an Idlewild club. Among those who came to enjoy the evening and make plans for a bright future in Idle wild were Mary Norman, Joseph Craigen, Iris Booker, Thelma Williams, Bob Austin, David Brantley, Sue Mills, Lottie Butler, Dr. Robert Bennett, Winola and John Conway, K.D. and Viola Davis, P. Rosmond Davis, Joy Ellis, Oscar Fite, Weaver and Gertrude Gibson, Phil and Bea Gils, Isola Graham, Willis Graves, James and Maewill Hickman, Bill Horton, Sadye and Lawrence Johnson, Marie Jones, Beatrice Fleming Jackson, Richard King, Dr. J.H. Mattocks, Brady Moss, Joseph and Evelyn Ratcliffe, Sulee Stinson, Floyd Thompson, Roscoe Wroten and others. The gathering resulted in Sunnie being elected the President, Joe Craigen, Vice-President, Joe Branam, Treasurer, Evelyn Monjoy, Financial Secretary, Isola Graham, Recording Secretary, and David Brantley, Chaplain.
On the second Sunday in June the first regular meeting was held at Daisy Elliott’s home. Olivia Swanson, Viola Davis, Lucille Alexander, Charlie Northern, and Winnie Dillard were hostesses with Daisy. Dr. Richard McGhee, Dr. J.H. Mattocks, Dr. W.H.
Orr, Arthur Cartwright, Asa Canadia and K.D. were the hosts. A discussion was held by the members concerning the rental of a house in Idlewild to be used as a place for our club activities. The club committee brought in the by-laws and constitution, other committees were appointed by Sunnie, and we were on our way. The first Board of Directors consisted of Beatrice Fleming Jackson, Brady Moss, Priscilla Davis, Joseph Craigen, Mary Norman, Joseph Ratcliffe, Richard King, Sulee Stinson, Dr. J.J. McClendon and P. Rosmond Davis. Other committees were Membership, Entertainment, Program, Benevolent, Extension, Public Relations, Housing, and Constitution. The following October meeting found us making plans enthusiastically for our very own clubhouse. A Monte Carlo Party held at Isola’s, a Cabaret Party at the Latin Quarter, a party at Daisy’s house, and another one at Dot Rose’s all helped to swell our treasury. We were ready now to look for a clubhouse. Sr. and Mrs. Penn agreed to sell us their cottage on the lake and a committee comprised of Joseph Craigen, Chauncey Davis, and Arthur Cartwright brought in all the details to us. We purchased the place in July of 1956 and at this time a very small balance is due.
Present officers are Sunnie Wilson, President (he declares he’s going to take a rest this year), Leroy Dues, Vice-President, Joe Branam, Treasurer, Millie Rayford, Financial Secretary, Evelyn Dangerfield, Recording Secretary, and David Brantley, Chaplain who is still on the sick list.
After being entertained by the Cleveland-Idlewilders in April, we’ll settle down to the business of our annual meeting. We’ll plan for a gay time in Idlewild this summer and look forward to seeing the same happy people as we have in all the years before…
Detroit Idlewilder's Closing
Saturday, October 7th 2006 8:00 p.m. till 1:00 a.m.
This is when freinds family and club members come together one last time in Idlewild till spring.
Food and BYOB
Detroit Idlewild Club House, Idlewild Michigan
This is when freinds family and club members come together one last time in Idlewild till spring.
Food and BYOB
Detroit Idlewild Club House, Idlewild Michigan
Detroit Idlewilder's Western Round Up
Saturday, October 14, 2006 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
4381 Larkins @ Michigan
Donation $30.00
Food Served BYOB
Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles President
Miller McWilliams Chairman
Call for tickets 313 779-3879
KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS
4381 Larkins @ Michigan
Donation $30.00
Food Served BYOB
Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles President
Miller McWilliams Chairman
Call for tickets 313 779-3879
Michigan's Idlewild takes issue with new film
John Meeks stands in front of the Flamingo Club in the small, historic Michigan town. Meeks is the self-proclaimed "unpaid, unofficial Idlewild ambassador."F or moviegoers, "Idlewild" is the title of a new film starring platinum-selling hip-hop duo OutKast. For many others, however, Idlewild is a historical landmark.
Andre Benjamin and Antwan Patton, known to rap fans as "Andre 3000" and "Big Boi," respectively, star in the film, which is a musical drama set in the 1930s in Idlewild, Ga.
But, there's one thing -- Idlewild doesn't exist. At least not in Georgia.
There is an Idlewild, Mich., and some who have frequented it aren't happy because outside of the name, the movie has nothing to do with the small town in northwest Michigan.
"It's an insult," says Coy W. Davis Jr., a Grandville filmmaker who directed the historical documentary "Whatever Happened to Idlewild?"
As a child, Davis spent many summers from the 1950s through the '70s in the Lake County town where his family owned a cottage.
"They take something with such historical significance as Idlewild, take the peripheral aspects of it, and turn it into a shoot-'em-up, bang-bang minstrel show," he recently told the Grand Rapids Press. "It demeans me as an African American.
"I understand it's just entertainment," Davis adds. "But call it 'Mishawaka,' call it 'Schenectady.' Don't call it 'Idlewild.' "
Idlewild, Mich., about 60 miles south of Traverse City, was a haven for black entertainment during the segregation era. Its rich, storied history is remembered mostly in glowing nostalgic terms. It was a place where black professionals from all over the Midwest vacationed and saw performances by legendary entertainers such as Louis Armstrong and B.B. King.
According to Ronald J. Stephens, a Detroit native and author of "Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan," the movie draws a few parallels to the real Idlewild, but nothing more.
"Its biggest asset is it puts the name in the public's imagination in ways the small town of Idlewild, Mich., couldn't do," Stephens says.
John Meeks, owner of the Morton Motel in Idlewild and the self-proclaimed "unpaid, unofficial Idlewild ambassador," says prospective filmmakers have been sniffing around the town for years, but the makers of "Idlewild" never came by.
"A lot of people are disappointed when they find out it isn't about Idlewild at all," he says. "It's unfortunate that the name is being exploited, that it has no connection to the history of one of the most famous black resorts."
Mildred A. Kyles' Letter to Francis X. Donnelly
February 15, 2002
Detroit News
Francis X Donnelly
615 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226
RE: Article, Sunday February 3, 2002, Black History: Remembering Idlewild Good-time ghost haunt 'Black Eden'
Dear Mr. Donnelly:
First let's start out with my name, I am Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles. I live and work in the City of Detroit. My family has owned property in Idlewild for more than 40 years. I have owned property since 1979. Idlewild is not a big community but rather a small community with more than four churches and they are not chasing a ghost. Some have returned there because of the small town atmosphere, lots of space and good air.
Sure the night clubs are long gone and the after hour places are long gone, but the beauty of Idlewild Lake, Paradise Lake, The Twin Lake, Little Idlewild Lake, Water Mill Lake and other lakes are most enjoyed by us year round. In the summer water skiing, boating, fishing, sunning or just relaxing on the beach, watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening is very relaxing.
In the winter there is snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. This is all part of living in idlewild. We start opening our cottages in April and we are there until Labor Day and others are there until after deer hunting season.
I am President of the Detroit Idlewilders Club, Inc. Chapter. Most of the members have been going to Idlewild for more than 50 years. Our National Idlewilders is made up of Chapters from Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Mid-Michigan and St. Louis. Members also live in Las Vegas, Kansas City, California, Minnesota, Florida and New Jersey.
The Detroit Idlewilders has invested in the community by adding an addition to the original structure of the Detroit Idlewilders' Clubhouse on Lake Drive, where many gather for entertainment & fellowship.
The Lot Owners' Clubhouse is where many events take place all year long, for those that stay year round or those that come up only for a season with Board of Director members from all over the country.
There is the newly renovated Morton Motel, the Idlewild Party store and The Red Rooster Bar & Lounge.
The Idlewild Historical Museum has opened and it is a place to gather to view the displays of idlewild's rich history.
The Mid-Michigan Chapter had the Contours perfoi7n at the Lot Owners' Clubhouse and a book signing with Mr. Ossie Davis and Ms. Ruby Dee.
Dr. Ronald J. Stephens' book signing of his book Images of America, The Black Eden of Michigan.
The Art League of Michigan, Harlem Renaissancelldlewild Performance, August 2001 at the Detroit Clubhouse.
The Poetry in the Woods group had Mr. Dick Gregory signing books and records.
The Five Caps, Inc. Enterprise Board has built many new homes in Idlewild. They will be adding others in the future.
This is just to give you an overview of what happens in our Great Idlewild Resort Community; also known as the Black Eden.
We do enjoy going to Baldwin, MI. There is Jones' Ice Cream, Kat's Meow, Pandora's Box, Ben Franklin, Sporties and our newly renovated Lake Oceola State Bank. Sometime just drive to Traverse City or Ludington for a day.
I invite you to come up to Idlewild when the season opens and spend a weekend. From that visit, perhaps you can write another article on Idlewild with the another point of view.
If you'd like to discuss this in more detail, I can be reached at (313) 368-1917.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles, President Detroit Idlewilders, Inc.
Detroit News
Francis X Donnelly
615 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226
RE: Article, Sunday February 3, 2002, Black History: Remembering Idlewild Good-time ghost haunt 'Black Eden'
Dear Mr. Donnelly:
First let's start out with my name, I am Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles. I live and work in the City of Detroit. My family has owned property in Idlewild for more than 40 years. I have owned property since 1979. Idlewild is not a big community but rather a small community with more than four churches and they are not chasing a ghost. Some have returned there because of the small town atmosphere, lots of space and good air.
Sure the night clubs are long gone and the after hour places are long gone, but the beauty of Idlewild Lake, Paradise Lake, The Twin Lake, Little Idlewild Lake, Water Mill Lake and other lakes are most enjoyed by us year round. In the summer water skiing, boating, fishing, sunning or just relaxing on the beach, watching the sun rise in the morning and set in the evening is very relaxing.
In the winter there is snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing. This is all part of living in idlewild. We start opening our cottages in April and we are there until Labor Day and others are there until after deer hunting season.
I am President of the Detroit Idlewilders Club, Inc. Chapter. Most of the members have been going to Idlewild for more than 50 years. Our National Idlewilders is made up of Chapters from Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit, Mid-Michigan and St. Louis. Members also live in Las Vegas, Kansas City, California, Minnesota, Florida and New Jersey.
The Detroit Idlewilders has invested in the community by adding an addition to the original structure of the Detroit Idlewilders' Clubhouse on Lake Drive, where many gather for entertainment & fellowship.
The Lot Owners' Clubhouse is where many events take place all year long, for those that stay year round or those that come up only for a season with Board of Director members from all over the country.
There is the newly renovated Morton Motel, the Idlewild Party store and The Red Rooster Bar & Lounge.
The Idlewild Historical Museum has opened and it is a place to gather to view the displays of idlewild's rich history.
The Mid-Michigan Chapter had the Contours perfoi7n at the Lot Owners' Clubhouse and a book signing with Mr. Ossie Davis and Ms. Ruby Dee.
Dr. Ronald J. Stephens' book signing of his book Images of America, The Black Eden of Michigan.
The Art League of Michigan, Harlem Renaissancelldlewild Performance, August 2001 at the Detroit Clubhouse.
The Poetry in the Woods group had Mr. Dick Gregory signing books and records.
The Five Caps, Inc. Enterprise Board has built many new homes in Idlewild. They will be adding others in the future.
This is just to give you an overview of what happens in our Great Idlewild Resort Community; also known as the Black Eden.
We do enjoy going to Baldwin, MI. There is Jones' Ice Cream, Kat's Meow, Pandora's Box, Ben Franklin, Sporties and our newly renovated Lake Oceola State Bank. Sometime just drive to Traverse City or Ludington for a day.
I invite you to come up to Idlewild when the season opens and spend a weekend. From that visit, perhaps you can write another article on Idlewild with the another point of view.
If you'd like to discuss this in more detail, I can be reached at (313) 368-1917.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Mildred A. Kyles, President Detroit Idlewilders, Inc.
Fun At The Beach 1940
The summer of 1940 can anyone recognize any of these people? CLICK TO PICTURE ENLARGE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)