Herman & Lela Wilson / House
N 43° 53.502 W 085° 47.695
16T E 596792 N 4860550
Located at corner of Wilson and Paradise Palace.
Waymark Code: WMP6D3
Location: Michigan, United States
Date Posted: 07/09/2015
Views: 5
In 1915 Herman and Lela Wilson came to Yates Township with twenty-five people from Chicago to inspect the real estate that would become the African American resort of Idlewild. The Wilsons promoted and sold property in Idlewild. In 1921 they moved here permanently. Between July 1922 and August 1925 the couple platted three subdivisions, giving the streets names such as Paradise Path, Righteous Road, Wisdom Way, and Kindness Avenue.
Built in 1927, this fieldstone bungalow reflect the prominence of its first occupants, Herman and Lela Wilson, who were among Idlewild's early promoters and developers. The Wilsons owned motels, seasonal cottages, and a grocery store located behind their house until the built a market kitty-corner from here in 1948. The Wilsons also owned the Paradise Club, which stood directly across Wilson Drive. The Club's Fiesta Room featured the Idlewild Revue, a nationally known floorshow.
Parking nearby?: yes
Registered Site #: L2203
Historical Date: Not listed
Historical Name: Not listed
Description: Not listed
D/T ratings: Not listed
website: Not listed
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