Idlewild in Lake County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Idlewild Lot Owners Association

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

1. Idlewild Lot Owners Association Marker

Inscription. In 1920 Idlewild’s founders, Wilbur Lemon, Alvin Wright, and brothers Erastus and Adelbert Branch, joined William Jennings to form the Idlewild Lot Owners Association (ILOA). The ILOA was responsible for public improvements and maintenance of the resort, in addition to promoting fellowship and community pride. Sunday forums featured speakers like fellow resorter and author Charles Chesnutt. In 1934 the Women’s Club of Idlewild merged with the ILOA, where women often assumed leadership roles. The ILOA hosted fashion and variety shows as fundraisers for improvement projects. In 1954 the ILOA purchased this site and began developing youth programs. This building, the Robert Riffe Youth Center, opened around 1962.

Erected 2009 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number L2206.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.

Location. 43° 53.242′ N, 85° 46.796′ W. Marker is in Idlewild, Michigan, in Lake County. It is at the intersection of Lake Drive and East

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Glade Street, on the right when traveling north on Lake Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11330 S Lake Dr, Idlewild MI 49642, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Idlewild Times (approx. 0.4 miles away); Daniel Hale Williams / Williams House (approx. 0.6 miles away); The Island / The Flamingo Club (approx. 0.6 miles away); Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Idlewild (approx. one mile away); Lake County (approx. 3.7 miles away); Brown Trout (approx. 3.9 miles away); Chase Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.1 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. Idlewild Lot Owners Association Marker

Robert Riffe Youth Center image. Click for full size.

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

3. Robert Riffe Youth Center

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 951 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 29, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.