The MSU Map Library recently received a 1959 plat map of the Idlewild resort in Yates Township, Lake County, Michigan. The map delineates the boundaries and numbers for each of the thousands of lots. No other libraries are known to own a full plat map of the resort area, and the subdivision maps available online through the State of Michigan website are known to be incomplete.
The exact title of the map is the inharmonious "Tax map of Sec's 5-6-7 & 8 T. 17 N. R. 12 W. Yates Twp., Lake Co., Mich" compiled by George Blass. The map is a good example of a limited production working map that isn't prized for its beauty but for the unusually detailed and useful information it contains.
The map was generously donated by Mr. Morris Thomas of the MSU Geography Department. MSU Libraries thanks Mr. Thomas for parting with it. The map is kept in our locked cabinets, filed under Michigan city maps under "Idlewild" and is available for viewing upon request.
