Idlewild in Lake County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Daniel Hale Williams / Williams House
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
1. Daniel Hale Williams Marker
Despite prevailing racial discrimination during the early twentieth century, Daniel Hale Williams, an African American, was a leading Chicago surgeon. In 1891 he founded Provident Hospital as a training hospital for black nurses and doctors. Three years later U.S. president Grover Cleveland named him surgeon-in-chief of Freedman’s Hospital in Washington, DC. An auditorium and atrium at Northwestern University’s medical school bear Williams’ name.
Dr. Daniel Hale Williams (1858-1931) and his wife, Alice (1866-1924), were among Idlewild’s earliest residents. Williams’ stature as a leading Chicago physician encouraged other black professionals to spend leisure time here. The Williamses built this cottage, Oakmere, with its laboratory around 1920. When “Dr. Dan” died at Oakmere in 1931 all activities in Idlewild were canceled for the day. Williams left much of his estate to the NAACP and to hospitals and medical schools.
Erected 2008 by Michigan Historical Commission - Michigan Historical Center. (Marker Number S0712.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: African Americans. In addition, it is included in
this page online
Location. 43° 53.666′ N, 85° 47.126′ W. Marker is in Idlewild, Michigan, in Lake County. Marker is at the intersection of Lake Drive and Essex Drive, on the right when traveling north on Lake Drive. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15712 Lake Dr, 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. The Island / The Flamingo Club (approx. 0.2 miles away); Herman & Lela Wilson / Wilson House (approx. half a mile away); Idlewild Lot Owners Association (approx. 0.6 miles away); Idlewild (approx. 0.8 miles away); Idlewild Times (approx. 0.8 miles away); Lake County (approx. 3.3 miles away); Brown Trout (approx. 4 miles away); Chase Veterans Memorial (approx. 7.4 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. Williams House Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
3. Daniel Hale Williams / Williams House Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 28, 2021
4. Williams 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 432 times since then and 118 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.
