Bitely in Newaygo County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Woodland Park

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021

1. Woodland Park Marker

Inscription. During the 1920s, investors Wilber Lemon, A.E. Wright, Marion and Ella Auther, and others purchased land at Brookings, a former logging community. Here they platted Woodland Park as a summer resort for African Americans. These investors were also involved in developing the nearby resort Idlewild. Woodland Park, known for its quiet, residential atmosphere, had a clubhouse for property owners and lodging establishments, including the Royal Breeze Hotel. The Authers built the hotel around the original Brookings Lumber Company mill. Federal Civil Rights legislation passed during the 1960s gave African Americans equal access to public accommodations. This access allowed people to vacation where they pleased and lessened the need for resorts like Woodland Park.

Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2200.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list.

Location. 43° 42.772′ N, 85° 51.475′ W. Marker is in Bitely, Michigan, in Newaygo County. It is on 11 Mile Road near 27th Avenue, on the

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right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2316 11 Mile Rd, Bitely MI 49309, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Brown Trout (approx. 10.2 miles away); White Cloud & Community Honor Roll (approx. 12 miles away); Idlewild Lot Owners Association (approx. 12.7 miles away); Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House (approx. 12.8 miles away); Idlewild Times (approx. 12.8 miles away); Lake County (approx. 12.9 miles away); Daniel Hale Williams / Williams House (approx. 13.1 miles away); The Island / The Flamingo Club (approx. 13.2 miles away).

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021

2. Woodland Park Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,567 times since then and 86 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.