IDLEWILD — Juneteenth celebrations are happening across the country, and here in Northern Michigan Thursday, including Idlewild in Lake County.
Idlewild is just east of Baldwin and was once a summer vacation spot for African Americans before desegregation.
It was known as a safe haven, attracting many well-known African American entertainers like Louis Armstrong, Aretha Franklin, BB King and many, many others.
Community advocate Mark Watts said the Idlewild African American Chamber of Commerce is hosting ‘Black Eden Weekend’.
“Today is the official kickoff day, and each day is something lined up at different locations, some of them here at Lindsey Park,” said Watts.
Some of the activities includes camping, yoga and concerts featuring several African American artists.
“We’ve got a few buses coming from Detroit, and there should be quite a few people coming in,” said Watts.
Idlewild was called the Black Eden of Michigan before desegregation.
Watts said several Juneteenth events will happen at historical places in Idlewild including Lindsey Park, a private park where the Paradise Club once stood that had artists coming from all over the U.S.
“A lot of different live entertainment. performers have been coming to Idlewild since back in the day. So, from Louis Armstrong to Della Reese to a lot of the old greats have been here,” said Watts.
The park, the Old Wilson House, and Wilson Grocery are historic landmarks and have been owned by the Lindsey family for decades.
Eric Lindsey, son of the owners, said he had the pleasure of growing up in the historic Old Wilson House.
“After I left off and went to college, I started hearing more and more history about Idlewild, even though I lived here. Because I lived in it, it’s different than being on the outside hearing what it’s about,”
Eric lives in LA but comes back every summer to help his family run the properties. He said he understands now just how special Idlewild was and continues to be.
“This is a special place that should be preserved and remembered, and it just makes it special. Back in the day, blacks weren’t allowed to go to other places. There was a group for white people that actually decided that they would build an area that was for blacks. So then they created Idlewild, and it became a Mecca for black people to come during the summertime,” said Eric.
Watts said it’s the older generations responsibility to let the younger ones know about their past.
“They need to remember to carry on the torch and keep the legacy going and make sure that this place is always well kept and all of the information is passed on correctly,” said Watts.