By Sally Barber

Sally Barber | Cadillac News The Red Rooster Lounge is one of 35 historic sites within Idlewild. A partnership between local, state and federal groups is working to preserve IdlewildÕs past and generate economic development.

Cadillac News

IDLEWILD — Live music drifted across the glassy surface of Idlewild Lake as children patiently built sand castles where the water lapped the shore and jazz fans stretched along a grassy hillside. The moment offered a crack in time to a Lake County community’s past reputation as the nation’s premier African American resort of the 20th century.

Across the street from the music stage, the long shuttered Flamingo Club stands concealed behind concession stands selling Coke and caramel corn. It’s dance floor layered with years of grime and peeling mural walls left no clues as to the talent which once entertained audiences there — talent like Count Basie, Billy Eckstine, The Four Tops and others.

Today, the past and present are colliding in a creative burst to revitalize Idlewild. Local, state and federal partners are focusing efforts on historic preservation and economic growth to revive the energy and joy which once characterized the remarkable community.

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IDLEWILD — Ceiling fans spun a slow dance to the hum of bar chatter, moving the inescapable July heat from one corner of the room to the other. It was one of the busiest days of the year at Red Rooster Lounge.

In the kitchen, hidden behind a wall decorated with a tarnished trumpet and saxophone, owner Bill Mcclure filled orders for the jazz festival crowd who had come to absorb the Idlewild magic.

During Idlewild’s heyday, between 1912 and the mid 1960s, before desegregation, Idlewild’s serene beauty was a magnet for the nation’s black community’s brightest minds and top talent. The list of the famous who once made pilgrimage to Idlewild, owned property or performed at its clubs is mind-boggling. Louis Armstrong, B.B. King, Duke Ellington, Aretha Franklin, Sammy Davis Jr., Joe Louis and W.E.B. Dubois are just a few of those who added to Idlewild’s fertile creative ground and mystique.

Idlewild’s legacy was recognized in the 1970s when the National Register of Historic Places added the community to its roll. Today, the Yates Township community’s enduring legend is inspiring a move to celebrate Idlewild’s past and secure its future.

Mcclure, 79, bought Idlewild’s only surviving restaurant from world champion boxer Joe Louis’ manager 13 years ago. Mcclure is involved with a nonprofit citizens group working with county, state and federal agencies to revive the area.

“We’re trying to bring Idlewild back to where it should be,” he said. “People deserted it and we want tor revitalize it.”

In its heyday, 14 motels, nine nightclubs and at least a half-dozen restaurants thrived. While the Red Rooster is the only remaining restaurant, 35 sites are on the list of historic places. But few signs of its illustrious past are evident. Instead, dilapidated buildings draw a forlorn landscape for the 700 year-round residents and 5,000 seasonal visitors.

However, revitalization is stirring new hope.

“It’s long overdue,” said Denise Bellamy, co-owner of Road Runners convenience/variety store. “This didn’t happen overnight. It’s going to take a lot of time and patience.”

After 40 years of decline, the pace of reconstruction is gaining momentum. Earlier this month, Governor Jennifer Granholm appeared in Idlewild to present the community a ceremonial check for $94,000 including state and federal grants for the revitalization effort. “We’re moving fast since people realized how serious we are,” said Sam Rogers, Planning and Zoning Board member.

The planning commission is shepherding a community vision with benchmarks established through 2011. Top priority is removing blight, Rogers said. More than 150 properties are identified for cleanup or removal. Committees will also address downtown development, historic preservation, zoning and mapping and ordinances.

Idlewild’s quiet northern beauty and remarkable heritage give the community a lot to bank on for its future, yet what defines it still is the soul of black intellectual and artistic power birthed there.

“The draw is the kindred spirits,” said Vanessa Lofton, visitor from Detroit. “W.E.B. DuBois, Sarah Vaughan, Billy Eckstine — their spirits spread to you.”

Celebrations like the annual Music Fest and Jazz Festival revive that spirit and provide a reminder of how a previous generation refused to allow racial injustice to quiet their voice.

“People found a way -— when there was a no way,” said Gad Holland, jazz festival organizer and community advocate. “The purpose of the festival is to increase awareness of the historical value of Idlewild in hopes it will serve as a magnet for people to learn about its unique social significance.”

For more information, visit www.historicidlewild.com.

sbarber@cadillacnews.com 775-NEWS (6397)

Your Local Connection

Funding Idlewild’s revitalization

Federal dollars

Preserve America grant: $35,000

National Trust for Historic Preservation grant: $2,500

State dollars

Michigan Economic Development Corporation: $30,000

Michigan Council for the Arts and Humanities: $15,000

Michigan Historic Marker Fund: $11,285

What the dollars will accomplish

Revision of the National Register of Historic places designation for Idlewild to accurately reflect its national significance.

Development of a cultural resource management plan to ensure appropriate preservation of this nationally significant historic and cultural resource.

Posting of five Michigan Historic Markers to illustrate the Idlewild story.

Development of a walking/driving tour to encourage more cultural tourism.