The Black Eden

Yesterday I decided to write and share the stories and insight into Idlewild, Michigan. http://www.mapquest.com/maps/map.adp?address=&city=Idlewild&state=MI&zipcode=&country=US&cid=lfmaplink#a/maps/l:::Idlewild:MI::US:43.886902:-85.802498:city:Lake+County/m:hyb:14:43.887186:-85.799082:0::/io:0:::::f:EN:M:/e

Yesterday I turned 50 years of age. Most of those years I have been connected in some shape or form with Idlewild. Recently returned from New York I feel compelled to speak on the subject of Idlewild. I will intermix the historical then, with the present day remnant and prayers of a future shared...

Most recently there was a big screen media production called Idlewild. Of course this incensed the local folks of Idlewild, Michigan because many elements of the movie Idlewild were gleaned from the Historical site the Black Eden, Idlewild Michigan. While today a remnant of memories and blood kin remain.

Most notable for published stories of historical facts:

Ronald J. Stephens, Idlewild: The Black Eden of Michigan. Chicago, Illinois: Arcadia Publishing, 2001.

Lewis Walker and Ben C. Wilson, The Idlewild Community: Black Eden. East Lansing, Michigan: Michigan State University Press, 2002.

Ted Talbert, Idlewild: A Place in the Sun, WDIV-TV (Channel 4), Detroit, Michigan.

Idlewild is many things to many people. Some carry the historical sentiment while others claim a form of entitlement based on having generations of family ties to the area. There are year round inhabitants and there are the Lot Owners and Vacation Homeowners. (those who reside elsewhere) There is a local government made up of year-round residents. I wish to describe the background to present day problems concerning my home, Idlewild Michigan.