Idlewild in Lake County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
1. Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House Marker
Side 1
In 1915 Herman and Lela Wilson came to Yates Township with twenty-five people from Chicago to inspect the real estate that would become the African American resort of Idlewild. The Wilsons promoted and sold property in Idlewild. In 1921 they moved here permanently. Between July 1922 and August 1925 the couple platted three subdivisions, giving the streets names such as Paradise Path, Righteous Road, Wisdom Way and Kindness Avenue.
Built in 1927, this fieldstone bungalow reflects the prominence of its first occupants, Herman and Lela Wilson, who were among Idlewild’s early promoters and developers. The Wilsons owned motels, seasonal cottages, and a grocery store located behind their house until they built a market kitty-corner from here in 1948. The Wilsons also owned the Paradise Club, which stood directly across Wilson Drive. The club’s Fiesta Room featured the Idlewild Revue, a nationally known floorshow.
Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2203.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Settlements & Settlers
this page online
Location. 43° 53.5′ N, 85° 47.694′ W. Marker is in Idlewild, Michigan, in Lake County. Marker is at the intersection of Paradise Path and East Wilson Drive, on the right when traveling south on Paradise Path. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6583 Paradise Path, Idlewild MI 49642, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Daniel Hale Williams / Williams House (approx. half a mile away); The Island / The Flamingo Club (approx. 0.7 miles away); Idlewild Lot Owners Association (approx. 0.8 miles away); Idlewild Times (approx. 1.1 miles away); Idlewild (approx. 1.3 miles away); Lake County (approx. 2.9 miles away); Brown Trout (approx. 3½ miles away); Chase Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Idlewild.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker.
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
2. Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House Marker
Side 2
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
3. Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House Marker
Looking toward Paradise Lake
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
4. Wilson House
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 649 times since then and 107 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.
