Founded in 1912, Idlewild, Michigan emerged as a haven for African Americans seeking respite, leisure, and community drawing in middle-class professionals from throughout the Midwest for several decades. Collaborating with Chris CJ Kingdom Grier, a proud Idlewild local who knows the essence of this resort town, the Holland Museum will showcase Idlewild’s history, from its vibrant eras of bustling tourism to its remarkable journey of revival and rejuvenation.
“My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue”
Live Band • Vocal Artists • Juke-Joint Atmosphere
“My Idlewild! A Live Historical Musical Revue,” with original songs by Gezelle Grier Myers chronicles the people, famous and locally famous, who made Idlewild a very special place. A live band and vocal artists in a juke-joint atmosphere will bring to life historical Idlewild performers like the Four Tops, Dinah Washington, Fats Waller, and Sarah Vaughan. Attendees will also enjoy a cash bar and other refreshments during this once-in-a-lifetime musical experience. (90 minutes)
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Idlewild Historical Moments
Historic First Baptist Church of Idlewild, circa 1940s. First Baptist Church celebrated its 90th birthday on July 9, 2023. Rev. Andrea Mitchell is the Pastor. Curator Griers Mother, Dorothy Grier, was the pianist for the church during the 1970s and 1990s.
Vacation season in popular downtown Idlewild, summer 1954.
Novelty ashtray from the popular Phil Giles Flamingo Club, one of the most famous clubs in Idlewild.
A group of unidentified people as they pose on the beach outside the Idlewild Club House, Idlewild, Michigan, September 1938.
1969 Program booklet is an original from The Original Chicago Idlewilders Club.
Idlewild Community Choir directed by Yvonne Powell. This powerhouse young people’s community choir met in the 1970s at Tabernacle AME Church and performed throughout the area. Tabernacle AME Church is the first church in the Black Resort of Idlewild and is celebrating 100 years of continued worship and service August 2023-2024.
Meet Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier
Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier
Chris CJ Kingdom-Grier was born and raised in Idlewild and is a descendant of one of the first black owners and Philanthropists, Robert and Margaret Riffe. His African American memorabilia collection, which includes a sizable Idlewild portion, has been described as Tier 1 Museum Quality. Kingdom-Grier is CEO of Kingdom-Grier & Associates Diversity Equity & Inclusion Consulting Firm and is the current Yates Township/Idlewild Historian & Archivist.
Related News Posts
Read Now/Watch Videos: New Holland Museum exhibit explores history of Idlewild
Phil Pinarski | Wood TV 8 | Ottawa County | July 24, 2023
Read Now: Holland Museum announces upcoming exhibit on Idlewild
Cassandra Lybrink | Holland Sentinel | July 18, 2023
Exhibit Related Programming
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