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…