Idlewild Heritage Trail by Merrell
This is a proposed heritage trail preserving the stories of the people, places, businesses, and landmarks that shaped Idlewild. The Black Footwear Forum brings it to Detroit as an example of what's to come; the real trail will be in Idlewild and will grow well beyond the 20 stops.
Stop 13 of 20

Charles W. Chesnutt Home

Listen to the Story
Narrated by Chris J. Grier, Historian & Yates Township Supervisor
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Charles W. Chesnutt Home

Celebrated author, educator and civil-rights advocate Charles W. Chesnutt discovered Idlewild in 1921 and made it part of his family’s summers for years. He purchased this lakeside property in 1924, and the family cabin was completed in 1926. Chesnutt’s presence connects Idlewild to a national history of Black literature, activism and intellectual life.

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