RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 1
A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SPRING 2012
480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeadowBrook
Michigan’s Newest SALE! OWN A PIECE OF THE LANDMARK National Special to readers of Meadow Brook Be part of this year’s Tudor Revival theme and celebration of Meadow Brook’s Historic Magazine: National Historic Landmark designation with merchandise from The Hall’s own Landmark 25% off the Museum Store. The Store offers a number of items displaying the house and architectural series: its architecture, several pictured on this page. Stop by or shop online at: Mention this ad to meadowbrookhall.org (click on the “Shop” button) or call 248-364-6206. get the discount. Gift certificates are available. Sale good through Labor Day (in-store purchase only).
Watercolor print and matching note cards. Print 17"x11" (reg. $9.95, on sale for $7.45). Note cards, set of 8, 6-1/4" x 4-1/2" (reg. $9.95, on sale for $7.45).
Prints of 6 of the 12 Zodiac stone corbels seen on the exterior of the Sun Porch by artist Ken Tote bag (reg. $9.95, on Taylor. (Leo pictured). 11"x14" (reg. $29.95 sale for $7.45). Postcards, each, on sale for $22.45). set of 6 (reg. $5.95, on sale for $4.45). INSIDE: Servants Rooms Restored| Inside the Vaults | Donor Report RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 3
YourYour FinancialFFinainnanciaal FamilyFFaammillyy |Contents
14 18 8
2| Editor’s Column 8 | At your service A landmark achievement The Hall restores the Servants Dining and Sitting Rooms to their original functional splendor. 5| Around the Estate TheThe OaklandOaklaand UniversityUniversity BranchBrancch OU BRANCHBRANCHH MEMBERS A picture is worth . . . 10 | The making of a mansion Hall awarded state grant From inspiration to groundbreaking, the construction of a proudlyproudly supportsssupports OaklandOakland ENJOYENJOY THESETHESSE BENEFITSBENEFITS Prime time coverage future landmark building was a testament to good old UniversityUniversity and d its a liates.a lia l tes. • Home ImprovementImpprovement LoansLoans You won’t want to miss . . . American ingenuity, practicality and attention to detail. • MortgagesMortgagess First of two parts OurOur creditcrediit union is operatedoperated byby • LowLow RateRate AutoAuto LoansLoans 26| Behind the Ropes and forfor membersm of the OaklandOakland • SavingsSavings OptionsOp ptions Housemen at the “red”y 14 | Safe & sound • FREE TotallyTotally GreenGreen CheckingChecking UniversityUniversity community.community. What was so valuable that Matilda and Alfred Wilson were • FREE ATMATM AccessAccess 28| Last Page driven to install more vaults than most commercial banks? • FREE 24/7 AccountAccount AccessAccess Hats off to Meadow Brook 18 | “We didn’t have television back then...” VisitVisit the OaklandOa akland University BranchBranc ch OaklandOakland UniversityUniversity BranchBranch A conversation with the Wilson children, Richard and todaytoday to joinjoin the family!family! 3265 FiveFive PointsPoints DriveDr rive Barbara. Second of two parts AuburnAuburn Hills,Hills, MI 4832648 8326
MemberMember ServicesServices (248) 248) 364-4708 www.msufcu.orgwww.msufcu.org Toll-FreeTToll-Foll-Free 800-766-OUCU800-766-OOUCU • 800-766-6828 24 | 2011 Meadow Brook Report to Donors MondayMonday - FridayFriday 7:007: :00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.p.m. Friends, Guilders and Cornerstone Society members build a SaturdaySaturday 9:00 a.m. . - 3:00 p.m.p.m. base of support. BranchBranch Hours: MondayMonday - ThursdayThursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.p.m. FridayFriday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.p.m. SaturdaySaturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.p.m. 179*IHIVEP179*IHIVEP On the Cover: 'VIHMX9RMSR'VIHMX9RMSR Meadow Brook stands proud as it receives word in March of its designation as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior. For the back story, see the Editor's FFederallyederally insurinsureded Column on page 2. Photo by Kim Zelinski byby the NCUANCUA RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 3
YourYour FinancialFFinainnanciaal FamilyFFaammillyy |Contents
14 18 8
2| Editor’s Column 8 | At your service A landmark achievement The Hall restores the Servants Dining and Sitting Rooms to their original functional splendor. 5| Around the Estate TheThe OaklandOaklaand UniversityUniversity BranchBrancch OU BRANCHBRANCHH MEMBERS A picture is worth . . . 10 | The making of a mansion Hall awarded state grant From inspiration to groundbreaking, the construction of a proudlyproudly supportsssupports OaklandOakland ENJOYENJOY THESETHESSE BENEFITSBENEFITS Prime time coverage future landmark building was a testament to good old UniversityUniversity and d its a liates.a lia l tes. • Home ImprovementImpprovement LoansLoans You won’t want to miss . . . American ingenuity, practicality and attention to detail. • MortgagesMortgagess First of two parts OurOur creditcrediit union is operatedoperated byby • LowLow RateRate AutoAuto LoansLoans 26| Behind the Ropes and forfor membersm of the OaklandOakland • SavingsSavings OptionsOp ptions Housemen at the “red”y 14 | Safe & sound • FREE TotallyTotally GreenGreen CheckingChecking UniversityUniversity community.community. What was so valuable that Matilda and Alfred Wilson were • FREE ATMATM AccessAccess 28| Last Page driven to install more vaults than most commercial banks? • FREE 24/7 AccountAccount AccessAccess Hats off to Meadow Brook 18 | “We didn’t have television back then...” VisitVisit the OaklandOa akland University BranchBranc ch OaklandOakland UniversityUniversity BranchBranch A conversation with the Wilson children, Richard and todaytoday to joinjoin the family!family! 3265 FiveFive PointsPoints DriveDr rive Barbara. Second of two parts AuburnAuburn Hills,Hills, MI 4832648 8326
MemberMember ServicesServices (248) 248) 364-4708 www.msufcu.orgwww.msufcu.org Toll-FreeTToll-Foll-Free 800-766-OUCU800-766-OOUCU • 800-766-6828 24 | 2011 Meadow Brook Report to Donors MondayMonday - FridayFriday 7:007: :00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.p.m. Friends, Guilders and Cornerstone Society members build a SaturdaySaturday 9:00 a.m. . - 3:00 p.m.p.m. base of support. BranchBranch Hours: MondayMonday - ThursdayThursday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.p.m. FridayFriday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.p.m. SaturdaySaturday 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.p.m. 179*IHIVEP179*IHIVEP On the Cover: 'VIHMX9RMSR'VIHMX9RMSR Meadow Brook stands proud as it receives word in March of its designation as a National Historic Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior. For the back story, see the Editor's FFederallyederally insurinsureded Column on page 2. Photo by Kim Zelinski byby the NCUANCUA RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 2
MeadowBrook |Editor’s Column property by Oakland University the Advisory Board to the National through the building’s use as a cultural Park Service on May 25 at the head- MAGAZINE center and historic house museum . . . quarters ballroom of The National and to the support of hundreds of vol- Trust for Historic Preservation in Editor & Publisher unteers, community members and Washington, D.C. Sixteen other hope- Geoffrey C. Upward donors, including the foundation Mrs. ful properties would also present their Wilson established in the 1940s, the cases over the course of three days. Associate Editor Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Colleagues Kim Zelinski (The Hall’s Kimberly Zelinski ______The process for applying for land- director of museum services and ad- mark status began in 2005, when staff vancement) and Robin Gardner (The Art Direction at The Hall were contacted by a re- Hall’s director of administration and fi- Lynn Metzker gional representative of the National nance) and I made our case to the Graphic Design ______Park Service suggesting that the build- Landmarks Committee in front of a ing was thought to be worthy. large audience of preservationists from Photography Shortly thereafter we began a search the public and private sectors. After the Rick Smith ______for a qualified writer to research and 30-plus-minute presentation complete prepare the application. We found one with images and maps, the committee Contributing Writers of the best in Paula Mohr, an architec- (made up of historians, architectural Lisa Drummond tural historian who had written several historians, archaeologists, architects Madelyn Rzadkowolski ______similar applications and who came and professional preservationists from highly recommended. Paula made two around the country) asked a number of Business Manager trips to Meadow Brook from her home probing questions about the building, Robin Gardner base in Iowa, spending days at a time the property’s history and the business Ford Museum, the State Capitol and in The Hall’s Archives and engaging in model employed to support its preser- the Fisher Building. MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE is published twice a year for interviews with a variety of people as- vation and operation. The National Park Service will cast a friends of Meadow Brook Hall. sociated with the estate, past and pres- After a dramatic pause, they voted commemorative plaque that will be Reproduction without permission ent. She also consulted with national publicly and unanimously to support dedicated at The Hall in the coming is prohibited. ISSN 2161-2358 experts to get unbiased opinions of the the application moving to the next months. In fact, we have chosen Friday value of the building and associated stage . . . a review by the full Advisory July 20 as a day for the community to EDITORIAL OFFICES farm structures. Board. Both during the presentation celebrate the landmark that lives are located at Meadow Brook Hall Two years after she began we had and afterwards we received numerous in its own backyard. You will be hear- 480 S. Adams Road A landmark achievement our first draft . . . 101 pages of histori- compliments about the property and ing more about this as the date ap- Rochester, MI 48309-4401 cal background, critical analysis, build- the job the staff, volunteers and univer- proaches. HOW TO REACH US The old saying “Good things come to those who wait” may have been coined ing surveys and photographs. It was a sity were doing to both preserve it and To all who have supported Meadow Email: [email protected] in anticipation of Meadow Brook’s quest for National Historic Landmark desig- pleasure to read and encouraging in its interpret its history for various con- Brook’s mission over the years, please Phone: 248-364-6204 nation. While many of you reading this may have already heard the news (see re- conclusions. The “period of signifi- stituencies. Meadow Brook stood tall accept our gratitude and thanks. Your Fax: 248-364-6201 lated article about news coverage on page 6), you may find interesting the cance” was set at 1915-1947. 1915 nationally on that day. interest and assistance no doubt helped ADDRESS CHANGES background behind Meadow Brook Hall’s designation as a National Historic was the year that John Dodge began to The Advisory Board approved our The Hall attain National Historic Email: [email protected] Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior – the highest recognition for historic add buildings to the country retreat he application in early December of last Landmark status. I have a strong feel- Mail: Kelly Lenda properties in the United States. The National Park Service administers the pro- and Matilda had purchased in 1908, year, passing it on to the Secretary of ing that Matilda and Alfred Wilson Meadow Brook Hall 480 S. Adams Road gram, which includes less than 2,500 sites nationwide and now 35 in Michigan including the Tudor Revival clubhouse the Interior for final designation. We would be justly proud of their “old Rochester, MI 48309-4401 that are considered to be “nationally significant in American history and cul- and, two years later, a greenhouse and were notified of the Secretary’s ap- house” and the place it now holds on ture.” guard house. 1947 was chosen as the proval on March 6 of this year. The the national landscape. Meadow Brook was awarded designation for its exceptional architecture,* its end date for the “flourishing phase” of process was long and rigorous, but un- grand scale of 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms and the integrity of the build- estate and farm activity, notably with questionably worth the effort. ing as a centerpiece of a large early 20th-century country estate that still today in- construction of the Colt Pegasus Meadow Brook now joins such other cludes 37 associated farm buildings and structures. The owners’ almost exclusive Fountain in that year. National Historic Landmarks as The use of American craftsmen and materials and the integrity of the design of sup- The draft document was submitted White House, Pearl Harbor, the porting estate structures were also noted. to the National Park Service in 2009 Hoover Dam, the Empire State Build- This recognition is a testament to the achievements of John Dodge, his widow and a revised draft in January 2010. In ing and the military academies at West Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband Alfred Wilson, whose collective February of 2011, we received a for- Point and Annapolis. Michigan NHLs *The Hall was considered by peer reviewers work ethic and vision built one of our nation’s most significant historic and edu- mal invitation to present our applica- include Mackinac Island and the Grand to be the finest extant example of Tudor cational assets. It is also a testament to the preservation and stewardship of the tion to the Landmarks Committee of Hotel, Greenfield Village and Henry Revival architecture in the United States.
Matilda and Alfred Wilson Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 3 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 2
MeadowBrook |Editor’s Column property by Oakland University the Advisory Board to the National through the building’s use as a cultural Park Service on May 25 at the head- MAGAZINE center and historic house museum . . . quarters ballroom of The National and to the support of hundreds of vol- Trust for Historic Preservation in Editor & Publisher unteers, community members and Washington, D.C. Sixteen other hope- Geoffrey C. Upward donors, including the foundation Mrs. ful properties would also present their Wilson established in the 1940s, the cases over the course of three days. Associate Editor Matilda R. Wilson Fund. Colleagues Kim Zelinski (The Hall’s Kimberly Zelinski ______The process for applying for land- director of museum services and ad- mark status began in 2005, when staff vancement) and Robin Gardner (The Art Direction at The Hall were contacted by a re- Hall’s director of administration and fi- Lynn Metzker gional representative of the National nance) and I made our case to the Graphic Design ______Park Service suggesting that the build- Landmarks Committee in front of a ing was thought to be worthy. large audience of preservationists from Photography Shortly thereafter we began a search the public and private sectors. After the Rick Smith ______for a qualified writer to research and 30-plus-minute presentation complete prepare the application. We found one with images and maps, the committee Contributing Writers of the best in Paula Mohr, an architec- (made up of historians, architectural Lisa Drummond tural historian who had written several historians, archaeologists, architects Madelyn Rzadkowolski ______similar applications and who came and professional preservationists from highly recommended. Paula made two around the country) asked a number of Business Manager trips to Meadow Brook from her home probing questions about the building, Robin Gardner base in Iowa, spending days at a time the property’s history and the business Ford Museum, the State Capitol and in The Hall’s Archives and engaging in model employed to support its preser- the Fisher Building. MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE is published twice a year for interviews with a variety of people as- vation and operation. The National Park Service will cast a friends of Meadow Brook Hall. sociated with the estate, past and pres- After a dramatic pause, they voted commemorative plaque that will be Reproduction without permission ent. She also consulted with national publicly and unanimously to support dedicated at The Hall in the coming is prohibited. ISSN 2161-2358 experts to get unbiased opinions of the the application moving to the next months. In fact, we have chosen Friday value of the building and associated stage . . . a review by the full Advisory July 20 as a day for the community to EDITORIAL OFFICES farm structures. Board. Both during the presentation celebrate the landmark that lives are located at Meadow Brook Hall Two years after she began we had and afterwards we received numerous in its own backyard. You will be hear- 480 S. Adams Road A landmark achievement our first draft . . . 101 pages of histori- compliments about the property and ing more about this as the date ap- Rochester, MI 48309-4401 cal background, critical analysis, build- the job the staff, volunteers and univer- proaches. HOW TO REACH US The old saying “Good things come to those who wait” may have been coined ing surveys and photographs. It was a sity were doing to both preserve it and To all who have supported Meadow Email: [email protected] in anticipation of Meadow Brook’s quest for National Historic Landmark desig- pleasure to read and encouraging in its interpret its history for various con- Brook’s mission over the years, please Phone: 248-364-6204 nation. While many of you reading this may have already heard the news (see re- conclusions. The “period of signifi- stituencies. Meadow Brook stood tall accept our gratitude and thanks. Your Fax: 248-364-6201 lated article about news coverage on page 6), you may find interesting the cance” was set at 1915-1947. 1915 nationally on that day. interest and assistance no doubt helped ADDRESS CHANGES background behind Meadow Brook Hall’s designation as a National Historic was the year that John Dodge began to The Advisory Board approved our The Hall attain National Historic Email: [email protected] Landmark by the Secretary of the Interior – the highest recognition for historic add buildings to the country retreat he application in early December of last Landmark status. I have a strong feel- Mail: Kelly Lenda properties in the United States. The National Park Service administers the pro- and Matilda had purchased in 1908, year, passing it on to the Secretary of ing that Matilda and Alfred Wilson Meadow Brook Hall 480 S. Adams Road gram, which includes less than 2,500 sites nationwide and now 35 in Michigan including the Tudor Revival clubhouse the Interior for final designation. We would be justly proud of their “old Rochester, MI 48309-4401 that are considered to be “nationally significant in American history and cul- and, two years later, a greenhouse and were notified of the Secretary’s ap- house” and the place it now holds on ture.” guard house. 1947 was chosen as the proval on March 6 of this year. The the national landscape. Meadow Brook was awarded designation for its exceptional architecture,* its end date for the “flourishing phase” of process was long and rigorous, but un- grand scale of 88,000 square feet and 110 rooms and the integrity of the build- estate and farm activity, notably with questionably worth the effort. ing as a centerpiece of a large early 20th-century country estate that still today in- construction of the Colt Pegasus Meadow Brook now joins such other cludes 37 associated farm buildings and structures. The owners’ almost exclusive Fountain in that year. National Historic Landmarks as The use of American craftsmen and materials and the integrity of the design of sup- The draft document was submitted White House, Pearl Harbor, the porting estate structures were also noted. to the National Park Service in 2009 Hoover Dam, the Empire State Build- This recognition is a testament to the achievements of John Dodge, his widow and a revised draft in January 2010. In ing and the military academies at West Matilda Dodge Wilson and her second husband Alfred Wilson, whose collective February of 2011, we received a for- Point and Annapolis. Michigan NHLs *The Hall was considered by peer reviewers work ethic and vision built one of our nation’s most significant historic and edu- mal invitation to present our applica- include Mackinac Island and the Grand to be the finest extant example of Tudor cational assets. It is also a testament to the preservation and stewardship of the tion to the Landmarks Committee of Hotel, Greenfield Village and Henry Revival architecture in the United States.
Matilda and Alfred Wilson Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 3 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 4
|Around the Estate A picture is worth... OU Student Architectural Photography Exhibit Meadow Brook Hall featured a public exhibition this Spring in a collabora- Hall awarded tive effort with Oakland University’s Art and Art History Department. The exhibit, appropriately titled “In Focus,” showcased the artistic work of students State grant in the department’s Advanced Photography class. Utilizing objects from The Hall as their subject matter, students were required to first pre-visualize the Meadow Brook Hall has been image and then formulate the desired lighting exposure to achieve the artistic awarded a grant of $8,000 from the results – all in black and white. We think they deserved an “A.” State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 233 appli- cations to compete for MCACA fiscal Westinghouse year 2012 funding. Oven The grant dollars will directly support Braley Bullard maintenance projects identified in a 13x10 in. comprehensive preservation assessment. 5x4 in. silver “The support of the state’s premier gelatin negative, cultural organization for our mainte- printed permanent nance projects is a big boost to our ef- inkjet. forts” said Geoff Upward, Meadow Brook’s executive director. “This grant is much needed and appreciated.” Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dol- lars. Local support of the project in- Garden Chairs cluded a matching grant from The Julia Wieting Matilda R. Wilson Fund, a foundation 11x14 in. established by Meadow Brook and Oak- 4x5 in. silver gelatin land University founder Matilda Dodge negative, printed Wilson in the 1940s. permanent inkjet. The MCACA peer review process al- lows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through leg- Birdcage islative appropriations, and all other visi- Explore the reasons why Cooley is an excellent choice in legal education. Missy Hansen tors or residents in Michigan will have 10 x10 cm access to the highest quality arts and cul- At Cooley, many people are finding that it is possible to fit law school into their busy lives. With four campuses 6x6 cm silver gelatin tural experiences. across Michigan – Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor – Cooley offers classes year-round, days, negative, printed silver A complete list of grant awards evenings, and weekends. Students receive a legal education that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and gelatin. around the state is available through ethics that distinguishes our over 14,000 graduates worldwide. Find out more at cooley.edu. the MCACA website at www.michi- Knowledge. Skills. Ethics. ganadvantage.org/arts.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 5 color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.” cooley.edu
ICG.0910.034.AD RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 4
|Around the Estate A picture is worth... OU Student Architectural Photography Exhibit Meadow Brook Hall featured a public exhibition this Spring in a collabora- Hall awarded tive effort with Oakland University’s Art and Art History Department. The exhibit, appropriately titled “In Focus,” showcased the artistic work of students State grant in the department’s Advanced Photography class. Utilizing objects from The Hall as their subject matter, students were required to first pre-visualize the Meadow Brook Hall has been image and then formulate the desired lighting exposure to achieve the artistic awarded a grant of $8,000 from the results – all in black and white. We think they deserved an “A.” State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 233 appli- cations to compete for MCACA fiscal Westinghouse year 2012 funding. Oven The grant dollars will directly support Braley Bullard maintenance projects identified in a 13x10 in. comprehensive preservation assessment. 5x4 in. silver “The support of the state’s premier gelatin negative, cultural organization for our mainte- printed permanent nance projects is a big boost to our ef- inkjet. forts” said Geoff Upward, Meadow Brook’s executive director. “This grant is much needed and appreciated.” Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dol- lars. Local support of the project in- Garden Chairs cluded a matching grant from The Julia Wieting Matilda R. Wilson Fund, a foundation 11x14 in. established by Meadow Brook and Oak- 4x5 in. silver gelatin land University founder Matilda Dodge negative, printed Wilson in the 1940s. permanent inkjet. The MCACA peer review process al- lows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through leg- Birdcage islative appropriations, and all other visi- Explore the reasons why Cooley is an excellent choice in legal education. Missy Hansen tors or residents in Michigan will have 10 x10 cm access to the highest quality arts and cul- At Cooley, many people are finding that it is possible to fit law school into their busy lives. With four campuses 6x6 cm silver gelatin tural experiences. across Michigan – Lansing, Auburn Hills, Grand Rapids, and Ann Arbor – Cooley offers classes year-round, days, negative, printed silver A complete list of grant awards evenings, and weekends. Students receive a legal education that provides them with the knowledge, skills, and gelatin. around the state is available through ethics that distinguishes our over 14,000 graduates worldwide. Find out more at cooley.edu. the MCACA website at www.michi- Knowledge. Skills. Ethics. ganadvantage.org/arts.
Thomas M. Cooley Law School is committed to a fair and objective admissions policy. Subject to space limitations, Cooley offers the opportunity for legal education to all qualified applicants. Cooley abides by all federal and state laws against discrimination. In addition, Cooley abides by American Bar Association Standard 211(a), which provides that “a law school shall foster and maintain equality of opportunity in legal education, including employment of faculty and staff, without discrimination or segregation on the basis of race, Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 5 color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.” cooley.edu
ICG.0910.034.AD RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 6
|Around the Estate |Around the Estate
Prime time coverage architecture. No reservations re- When news was released on March of the estate deserve congratulations quired, but space is limited. 6 by Secretary of the Interior Ken and great credit for today’s announce- JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Salazar that Meadow Brook had been ment,” Levin said. “They worked hard JUNE 21, JULY 19, AUGUST 15 designated a National Historic Land- to help the site earn this designation, 7 P.M.-10 P.M. mark, local and national media which is a great victory for the public $30 PER PERSON quickly jumped on the story as well.” Summer sizzles at Meadow Brook In the two days following the an- And, a handwritten note from U.S. with live cool jazz in the garden, a nouncement, dozens of articles and Rep. Gary Peters from Michigan’s 9th summer concert series featuring local mentions were jazz musicians. The evening includes made through You won’t want to miss... light hors d' oeuvres and a main floor TV, radio, online tour of The Hall. Cash bar. Reserva- news sites, blogs HUG THE HALL Bring friends and family to experience tions required (248-364-6263). and print news- JULY 20, 12-2 P.M. | FREE these special evenings of self-guided YOUTH WRITING CAMP papers, including Come celebrate our new designation house and garden tours and enjoy SESSIONS: JUNE-AUGUST (SEE WEBSITE major stories in with a free picnic lunch, tours, fam- refreshments, scenic views and back- FOR SESSION DATES AND FEES) both The Detroit ily activities and a group “hug” of ground music on the Loggia Terrace. PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE News and The Michigan's newest National Historic (Wine and snacks available for pur- Discover and write about secret Detroit Free Press. Landmark. chase in the Museum Store.) Four local televi- Reservations not required. staircases, amazing playhouses and sion stations car- SUMMER TOUR PROGRAM one of America’s grandest architec- ried the story, MAY 29-SEPTEMBER 2 BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR tural structures. along with four DAILY 11:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., MAY-OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY NEW THIS YEAR, Meadow Brook Michigan radio 1:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. | ADULTS $15, AND SUNDAY | 12 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. Writing Project is networks. SENIORS 62 AND OLDER $10; $15, SENIORS 62 AND OLDER $10; offering a class for adults! National coverage CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE For more information and to regis- included the National Geographic District, which includes Meadow Free for Meadow Brook Hall Explore Meadow Brook Hall “behind ter, visit www.oakland.edu/youth- Daily News, Architect (the magazine Brook Hall: “Congratulations on the members! the ropes” in this guided tour of writingcamps of the American Institute of Archi- great news! Meadow Brook Hall is The Great Estate tour, the ultimate rarely seen areas including the ser- CHILDREN IN BLOOM tects) and the following statements very deserving of the title ‘National way to experience Meadow Brook vants’ quarters, closets, playrooms JUNE 23 | 10 A.M.-12:30 P.M. | $10 from national elected Historic Landmark.’” Hall, is led by a trained interpreter and the secret staircase. No reserva- This delightful morning of playing officials: Twelve other historic properties in and focuses on the fascinating his- tions required, but space is limited. and planting flowers includes tours “Meadow Brook Hall is a piece of eight states were designated along with tory of the family, the collections NEW! ARCHITECTURE TOUR of the gardens and Knole Cottage Detroit’s automotive history,” U.S. Meadow Brook on March 6. Fewer and life in a grand manor. This JUNE-OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY (Frances Dodge playhouse), crafts, Sen. Carl Levin (Michigan) said. than 2,500 sites have been named Na- summer, the tour will also incorpo- AND SUNDAY | 1 P.M. snacks and fun. This year’s program “The huge estate gives visitors some tional Historic Landmarks; only 35 in rate architectural-themed stories and ADULTS $15; SENIORS 62 AND will focus on how animals and bugs insight into the lives of the pioneers Michigan. exhibits. The tour lasts approxi- OLDER $10; CHILDREN 12 AND use nature's architecture! of the auto industry in the early 20th mately 1.5 hours, but leave time to UNDER FREE Reservations are required. century. By designating the estate as a browse in The Hall’s Museum Discover The Hall’s architectural Call (248) 364-6252 or email National Historic Landmark, we can Store. Reservations not required. ANATIONALHISTORICLANDMARK magnificence in this new interior and [email protected] be sure that the historic structure will TWILIGHT TUESDAYS exterior guided tour that highlights continue to be enjoyed by visitors for JUNE 26, JULY 31, AUGUST 28 the fascinating design and construc- For additional information on tour- years to come. 6 P.M.-9 P.M. tion process that distinguishes ing and community events, please call “The management team and board ADULTS $10 PER PERSON; Meadow Brook as one of the coun- 248-364-6263 or visit our website at
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE try’s finest examples of Tudor Revival meadowbrookhall.org MB
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|Around the Estate |Around the Estate
Prime time coverage architecture. No reservations re- When news was released on March of the estate deserve congratulations quired, but space is limited. 6 by Secretary of the Interior Ken and great credit for today’s announce- JAZZ IN THE GARDEN Salazar that Meadow Brook had been ment,” Levin said. “They worked hard JUNE 21, JULY 19, AUGUST 15 designated a National Historic Land- to help the site earn this designation, 7 P.M.-10 P.M. mark, local and national media which is a great victory for the public $30 PER PERSON quickly jumped on the story as well.” Summer sizzles at Meadow Brook In the two days following the an- And, a handwritten note from U.S. with live cool jazz in the garden, a nouncement, dozens of articles and Rep. Gary Peters from Michigan’s 9th summer concert series featuring local mentions were jazz musicians. The evening includes made through You won’t want to miss... light hors d' oeuvres and a main floor TV, radio, online tour of The Hall. Cash bar. Reserva- news sites, blogs HUG THE HALL Bring friends and family to experience tions required (248-364-6263). and print news- JULY 20, 12-2 P.M. | FREE these special evenings of self-guided YOUTH WRITING CAMP papers, including Come celebrate our new designation house and garden tours and enjoy SESSIONS: JUNE-AUGUST (SEE WEBSITE major stories in with a free picnic lunch, tours, fam- refreshments, scenic views and back- FOR SESSION DATES AND FEES) both The Detroit ily activities and a group “hug” of ground music on the Loggia Terrace. PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE News and The Michigan's newest National Historic (Wine and snacks available for pur- Discover and write about secret Detroit Free Press. Landmark. chase in the Museum Store.) Four local televi- Reservations not required. staircases, amazing playhouses and sion stations car- SUMMER TOUR PROGRAM one of America’s grandest architec- ried the story, MAY 29-SEPTEMBER 2 BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR tural structures. along with four DAILY 11:30 A.M., 12:30 P.M., MAY-OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY NEW THIS YEAR, Meadow Brook Michigan radio 1:30 P.M., 2:30 P.M. | ADULTS $15, AND SUNDAY | 12 P.M. & 1:30 P.M. Writing Project is networks. SENIORS 62 AND OLDER $10; $15, SENIORS 62 AND OLDER $10; offering a class for adults! National coverage CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE CHILDREN 12 AND UNDER FREE For more information and to regis- included the National Geographic District, which includes Meadow Free for Meadow Brook Hall Explore Meadow Brook Hall “behind ter, visit www.oakland.edu/youth- Daily News, Architect (the magazine Brook Hall: “Congratulations on the members! the ropes” in this guided tour of writingcamps of the American Institute of Archi- great news! Meadow Brook Hall is The Great Estate tour, the ultimate rarely seen areas including the ser- CHILDREN IN BLOOM tects) and the following statements very deserving of the title ‘National way to experience Meadow Brook vants’ quarters, closets, playrooms JUNE 23 | 10 A.M.-12:30 P.M. | $10 from national elected Historic Landmark.’” Hall, is led by a trained interpreter and the secret staircase. No reserva- This delightful morning of playing officials: Twelve other historic properties in and focuses on the fascinating his- tions required, but space is limited. and planting flowers includes tours “Meadow Brook Hall is a piece of eight states were designated along with tory of the family, the collections NEW! ARCHITECTURE TOUR of the gardens and Knole Cottage Detroit’s automotive history,” U.S. Meadow Brook on March 6. Fewer and life in a grand manor. This JUNE-OCTOBER, EVERY SATURDAY (Frances Dodge playhouse), crafts, Sen. Carl Levin (Michigan) said. than 2,500 sites have been named Na- summer, the tour will also incorpo- AND SUNDAY | 1 P.M. snacks and fun. This year’s program “The huge estate gives visitors some tional Historic Landmarks; only 35 in rate architectural-themed stories and ADULTS $15; SENIORS 62 AND will focus on how animals and bugs insight into the lives of the pioneers Michigan. exhibits. The tour lasts approxi- OLDER $10; CHILDREN 12 AND use nature's architecture! of the auto industry in the early 20th mately 1.5 hours, but leave time to UNDER FREE Reservations are required. century. By designating the estate as a browse in The Hall’s Museum Discover The Hall’s architectural Call (248) 364-6252 or email National Historic Landmark, we can Store. Reservations not required. ANATIONALHISTORICLANDMARK magnificence in this new interior and [email protected] be sure that the historic structure will TWILIGHT TUESDAYS exterior guided tour that highlights continue to be enjoyed by visitors for JUNE 26, JULY 31, AUGUST 28 the fascinating design and construc- For additional information on tour- years to come. 6 P.M.-9 P.M. tion process that distinguishes ing and community events, please call “The management team and board ADULTS $10 PER PERSON; Meadow Brook as one of the coun- 248-364-6263 or visit our website at
CHILDREN 12 & UNDER FREE try’s finest examples of Tudor Revival meadowbrookhall.org MB
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lighting and display, and communica- uing commitment from the foundation tion technology capabilities. Mrs. Wilson established in the 1940s With the exception of a few items, to our efforts to preserve her legacy,” the rooms’ original furnishings were Upward said. “The Motor Cities or- no longer in The Hall’s possession. But ganization continues to rally support through a gift from longtime Meadow for this icon of the early automotive Brook friends and supporters Gary and aristocracy.” Ann Laidlaw and a grant from the “And the Laidlaws’ gift is particularly Motor Cities National Heritage area, meaningful coming from an OU alum, the project further ad- Gary Laidlaw, who dressed outfitting the actually played cards
rooms with 1940s pe- with Matilda Wilson SMITH RICK riod furniture, floor and fellow students Project donors and Meadow Brook Hall coverings and acces- on the Sun Porch.” staff came together in April to recognize sories as well as the re- The Laidlaws’ gift completion of the servants wing project. maining collection will also fund the re- Fittingly, they had the first meal in the items that had been in search and develop- Staff Dining Room (below) since Matilda storage – notably con- ment of educational Wilson’s passing in the late 1960s. serving and re-hang- materials by an in- ing the original tern that will en- Above, left to right: Robin Oosterveen draperies. hance the historical (program director) and David Stephens “The Wilson Fund RCA Victor entertainment console, interpretation of (trustee) from the Matilda R. Wilson contribution to the c. 1947. domestic service at Fund, and longtime supporters Gary and service rooms project, Meadow Brook Ann Laidlaw. “For me, Meadow Brook Servants Sitting Room. PHOTOS BY THERESA FINCK part of their challenge match for the Hall. Future projects on the topic will has been the cornerstone of my Oakland preservation, maintenance and inter- include articles, publications, lectures University years,” Laidlaw said. At your service pretation of The Hall, shows a contin- and exhibits. MB The Hall restores the Servants Dining and Sitting Rooms to their original functional splendor
Beginning in the Fall of 2011 their working spaces. The restoration Meadow Brook Hall embarked on a project will allow us to convey to our new project to restore a portion of the visitors and guests a more accurate and east wing, specifically the Servants Din- complete picture of how the estate ac- ing Room, Sitting Room and adjacent tually worked.” service hallway. Sometime in the early With grant funding from the Matilda 1970s these spaces had been renovated R. Wilson Fund, The Hall has returned to provide a larger and more functional the area back to an authentic represen-
space for conference room rental pur- tation of its original design and func- poses. tion. The construction component of “The focus of much of our interpre- the project included replacement of tive effort to date has been on the the wall that originally separated the owners and builders of the house and two rooms, removal of non-original their family,” Geoff Upward, The embellishments and fixtures; restora- Hall’s executive director, said. “But a tion of original linoleum floors, wall large portion of Meadow Brook – both finishes, woodwork, cabinetry and
in square footage and in daily life – lighting scheme; and the discreet addi- took place in the staff quarters and tion of climate control, supplemental One of six interpretive panels hung in the
Service Hallway as part of the project. 8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 9 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 8
lighting and display, and communica- uing commitment from the foundation tion technology capabilities. Mrs. Wilson established in the 1940s With the exception of a few items, to our efforts to preserve her legacy,” the rooms’ original furnishings were Upward said. “The Motor Cities or- no longer in The Hall’s possession. But ganization continues to rally support through a gift from longtime Meadow for this icon of the early automotive Brook friends and supporters Gary and aristocracy.” Ann Laidlaw and a grant from the “And the Laidlaws’ gift is particularly Motor Cities National Heritage area, meaningful coming from an OU alum, the project further ad- Gary Laidlaw, who dressed outfitting the actually played cards
rooms with 1940s pe- with Matilda Wilson SMITH RICK riod furniture, floor and fellow students Project donors and Meadow Brook Hall coverings and acces- on the Sun Porch.” staff came together in April to recognize sories as well as the re- The Laidlaws’ gift completion of the servants wing project. maining collection will also fund the re- Fittingly, they had the first meal in the items that had been in search and develop- Staff Dining Room (below) since Matilda storage – notably con- ment of educational Wilson’s passing in the late 1960s. serving and re-hang- materials by an in- ing the original tern that will en- Above, left to right: Robin Oosterveen draperies. hance the historical (program director) and David Stephens “The Wilson Fund RCA Victor entertainment console, interpretation of (trustee) from the Matilda R. Wilson contribution to the c. 1947. domestic service at Fund, and longtime supporters Gary and service rooms project, Meadow Brook Ann Laidlaw. “For me, Meadow Brook Servants Sitting Room. PHOTOS BY THERESA FINCK part of their challenge match for the Hall. Future projects on the topic will has been the cornerstone of my Oakland preservation, maintenance and inter- include articles, publications, lectures University years,” Laidlaw said. At your service pretation of The Hall, shows a contin- and exhibits. MB The Hall restores the Servants Dining and Sitting Rooms to their original functional splendor
Beginning in the Fall of 2011 their working spaces. The restoration Meadow Brook Hall embarked on a project will allow us to convey to our new project to restore a portion of the visitors and guests a more accurate and east wing, specifically the Servants Din- complete picture of how the estate ac- ing Room, Sitting Room and adjacent tually worked.” service hallway. Sometime in the early With grant funding from the Matilda 1970s these spaces had been renovated R. Wilson Fund, The Hall has returned to provide a larger and more functional the area back to an authentic represen-
space for conference room rental pur- tation of its original design and func- poses. tion. The construction component of “The focus of much of our interpre- the project included replacement of
tive effort to date has been on the the wall that originally separated the owners and builders of the house and two rooms, removal of non-original their family,” Geoff Upward, The embellishments and fixtures; restora- Hall’s executive director, said. “But a tion of original linoleum floors, wall large portion of Meadow Brook – both finishes, woodwork, cabinetry and
in square footage and in daily life – lighting scheme; and the discreet addi- took place in the staff quarters and tion of climate control, supplemental One of six interpretive panels hung in the
Service Hallway as part of the project. 8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 9 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 10
The Making of a Mansion BY KIM ZELINSKI Original rendering, T.E. King, 1926.
IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE BEAUTY FIRST OF TWO PARTS Brook Hall on the farm property was Brothers to as farm “improvements.” The inclu- any final decision about the details of not quickly realized. After the death of Motor Car sion of farm groups, stables, bridle the farm “improvements,” including a OF THE SETTING, THE APPEAL OF The creation of Meadow Brook John Dodge in 1920, the widowed Company paths, a large lake, boathouse and new residence. In fact, it would not be A SECLUDED EXISTENCE OR Hall – from the ceremonial ground- Matilda and her children, Frances, (making placement of a new residence would until February of 1926 that Fred breaking on October 19, 1926 to the Daniel and Anna Margaret Dodge, Matilda one reveal the magnitude of what those Smith of the Detroit architectural MERELY “FOR THE SAKE OF THE housewarming party on November 19, would move from their Detroit home of the wealthi- “improvements” could be. This plan firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls CHILDREN”… BUT WHATEVER 1929 – was an incredible undertaking, on Boston Boulevard to an elegant est women in would also signal that the Grosse (SH&G) and the Wilsons would first involving the collaborative efforts of house on Lincoln Avenue. While the world) and Pointe home, projected to be “the last meet to discuss the Leavitt plan, THEIR MOTIVATION, MATILDA owners, architects, engineers, builders, Matilda debated whether to finish the her marriage word in residences” would not be specifically the construction of the AND ALFRED WILSON’S DECISION craftsmen, designers, artists and labor- Grosse Pointe mansion that she and to Alfred Wil- completed. new residence. ers. Its inspiration was an amalgama- John Dodge had started, the country son in June While much has been spec- TO DEVELOP THE MEADOW tion of architectural designs gathered farm of 320 acres she and John came together ulated about the from American and English proto- purchased in Rochester in 1908 would Wilsons’ honeymoon BROOK FARMS PROPERTY INTO William Kapp, architect to inspire the types, selected specifically by the remain “home” to the family. trip to Europe of Meadow Brook Hall. making of a A GRAND COUNTRY ESTATE Wilsons during their travels both home grand country wherein their archi- WOULD CENTER AROUND THE and abroad. Contemplation estate… an enterprise consisting of tect presumably trav- Documenting the construction and inspiration beautiful landscapes, impressive agri- eled with them to CREATION OF A MAGNIFICENT process are thousands of records, in- cultural and equestrian complexes, collect design ideas cluding letters, invoices, memos, finan- Beginning in July of 1924, Matilda recreational facilities, and an incredible from the great Eng- RESIDENCE THAT WOULD ULTI- cial records, daily logs and blueprints. would purchase eight surrounding residence. lish manor homes, MATELY BECOME ONE OF THE From the minutest of details to the farm properties, expanding her hold- The first planning initiative occurred there is no credible most complex building components, it ings from 787 acres to around 1,200 prior to the Wilsons’ honeymoon trip documentation or FINEST EXAMPLES OF TUDOR is evident that the Wilsons were deeply by the end of 1925, which would turn to Europe in May, 1925. Charles Leav- probable reason to REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE involved in The Hall’s design and its out to be pivotal year in the Meadow itt, a well-known landscape engineer support this idea. The construction from start to finish. Brook story. The accumulation of the from New York, was commissioned to Wilsons were months COUNTRY. Yet, the decision to build Meadow farm property, the sale of Dodge create a master plan, modestly referred away from making Smith, Hinchman & Grylls office.
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The Making of a Mansion BY KIM ZELINSKI Original rendering, T.E. King, 1926.
IT MAY HAVE BEEN THE BEAUTY FIRST OF TWO PARTS Brook Hall on the farm property was Brothers to as farm “improvements.” The inclu- any final decision about the details of not quickly realized. After the death of Motor Car sion of farm groups, stables, bridle the farm “improvements,” including a OF THE SETTING, THE APPEAL OF The creation of Meadow Brook John Dodge in 1920, the widowed Company paths, a large lake, boathouse and new residence. In fact, it would not be A SECLUDED EXISTENCE OR Hall – from the ceremonial ground- Matilda and her children, Frances, (making placement of a new residence would until February of 1926 that Fred breaking on October 19, 1926 to the Daniel and Anna Margaret Dodge, Matilda one reveal the magnitude of what those Smith of the Detroit architectural MERELY “FOR THE SAKE OF THE housewarming party on November 19, would move from their Detroit home of the wealthi- “improvements” could be. This plan firm of Smith, Hinchman and Grylls CHILDREN”… BUT WHATEVER 1929 – was an incredible undertaking, on Boston Boulevard to an elegant est women in would also signal that the Grosse (SH&G) and the Wilsons would first involving the collaborative efforts of house on Lincoln Avenue. While the world) and Pointe home, projected to be “the last meet to discuss the Leavitt plan, THEIR MOTIVATION, MATILDA owners, architects, engineers, builders, Matilda debated whether to finish the her marriage word in residences” would not be specifically the construction of the AND ALFRED WILSON’S DECISION craftsmen, designers, artists and labor- Grosse Pointe mansion that she and to Alfred Wil- completed. new residence. ers. Its inspiration was an amalgama- John Dodge had started, the country son in June While much has been spec- TO DEVELOP THE MEADOW tion of architectural designs gathered farm of 320 acres she and John came together ulated about the from American and English proto- purchased in Rochester in 1908 would Wilsons’ honeymoon BROOK FARMS PROPERTY INTO William Kapp, architect to inspire the types, selected specifically by the remain “home” to the family. trip to Europe of Meadow Brook Hall. making of a A GRAND COUNTRY ESTATE Wilsons during their travels both home grand country wherein their archi- WOULD CENTER AROUND THE and abroad. Contemplation estate… an enterprise consisting of tect presumably trav- Documenting the construction and inspiration beautiful landscapes, impressive agri- eled with them to CREATION OF A MAGNIFICENT process are thousands of records, in- cultural and equestrian complexes, collect design ideas cluding letters, invoices, memos, finan- Beginning in July of 1924, Matilda recreational facilities, and an incredible from the great Eng- RESIDENCE THAT WOULD ULTI- cial records, daily logs and blueprints. would purchase eight surrounding residence. lish manor homes, MATELY BECOME ONE OF THE From the minutest of details to the farm properties, expanding her hold- The first planning initiative occurred there is no credible most complex building components, it ings from 787 acres to around 1,200 prior to the Wilsons’ honeymoon trip documentation or FINEST EXAMPLES OF TUDOR is evident that the Wilsons were deeply by the end of 1925, which would turn to Europe in May, 1925. Charles Leav- probable reason to REVIVAL ARCHITECTURE IN THE involved in The Hall’s design and its out to be pivotal year in the Meadow itt, a well-known landscape engineer support this idea. The construction from start to finish. Brook story. The accumulation of the from New York, was commissioned to Wilsons were months COUNTRY. Yet, the decision to build Meadow farm property, the sale of Dodge create a master plan, modestly referred away from making Smith, Hinchman & Grylls office.
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Groundbreaking Shovel would shoulder the load of ex- After much speculation and cavating continuously for the next sev- contemplation, Matilda, Alfred, eral months, in sometimes freezing Frances, Danny and a few friends and conditions, to prepare for the family gathered on October 19, 470-foot-long foundation. 1926, Matilda’s 43rd birthday, for a S&H Shovel would be one of 132 ceremonial groundbreaking event. trades that Bryant & Detwiler, Each took his or her turn with the sil- SH&G’s general contractor, would Above: Bonnycrest, home of Stuart ver spade, recorded in the col- sub-contract with over the next few Duncan, Newport, Rhode Island. lection of family films. years. Additionally, the Wilsons would Left: Allen Lehman house, SH&G would develop separately contract with another 40 Tarrytown, New York. hundreds of blueprints and businesses for the special finishes of the drawings, including nearly home. Hall’s design. The following month, eighty that are now housed in The contract signed by Bryant & SH&G would commission T.E. King Meadow Brook Hall’s Archives. Detwiler (B&D) on October 4, 1926, to create artistic renderings of Meadow Given the aggressive schedule of would specify an immediate start date, Brook Hall’s north and south façades, a two-year completion date, require they begin work based on revealing for the first time what would blueprints were mostly submit- “preliminary” drawings, perform the be its grand size and incredible archi- ted in intervals as the project work with reasonable speed consistent tecture. The illustrations would also progressed; a design-as-you-go with good workmanship and execute prove to be a persuasive tool in gaining approach. Beginning a project within a two-year time frame. Also their client’s acceptance. the magnitude of Meadow contained in the contract was reference During the summer of 1926, Brook Hall without final- to the anticipated cost of the dwelling Matilda and Alfred would turn their at- ized plans is unimaginable and attached garage of between tention to other aspects of the estate’s today, but conceivably not $1,000,000 and $1,200,000. The Although Fred Smith would stay in- improvements. Two playhouses for the out of the ordinary in the project was neither completed in two volved throughout the project, it children were constructed, Knole Cot- 1920s. years, nor at the estimated cost. In the would be the company’s head of de- tage for Frances and a log cabin for Critical to the unique design of end, it would take nearly three years to sign, architect William Kapp, who Danny (Anna Margaret had died in The Hall would be the materials and complete and the cost would more would manage the construction of 1924). They would also begin to ex- furnishings salvaged from the Grosse than triple. MB Meadow Brook Hall. He, along with a pand the agricultural operation with Pointe house. Included on a long list END OF PART ONE Up next (Fall team of up to 50 additional architects the construction of numerous barns were lumber; stone; plumbing and 2012): A colossal construction project and engineers, would devote significant and related facilities into an assemblage light fixtures; vault doors; portions of time over the next few years preparing of farm groups. the gutter system; bronze sashes, in- the necessary drawings. cluding those with Tiffany May of 1926 would prove insets; and an Aeolian to be an important month organ. The Wilsons would for the future Meadow need to construct a 4,500- Brook Hall. At Leavitt’s sug- square-foot steel barn near gestion, the Wilsons spent the job site to store the ma- most of the month traveling terials until they were inte- to robust estates, primarily grated into the those with Tudor-Revival ar- construction. chitecture. Accompanied by William Kapp, they worked Construction their way from Cleveland to As the job site was read- New York’s Gold Coast to ied for the enormous task Newport, Rhode Island, vis- ahead, a single steam shovel iting dozens of estate man- contracted through S&H sions. From these visits, Kapp amassed numerous photographs and architec- Alfred, Matilda, tural plans that would pro- Frances, Danny, Early construction, winter 1926-1927. vide the inspiration for The groundbreaking, 1926.
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Groundbreaking Shovel would shoulder the load of ex- After much speculation and cavating continuously for the next sev- contemplation, Matilda, Alfred, eral months, in sometimes freezing Frances, Danny and a few friends and conditions, to prepare for the family gathered on October 19, 470-foot-long foundation. 1926, Matilda’s 43rd birthday, for a S&H Shovel would be one of 132 ceremonial groundbreaking event. trades that Bryant & Detwiler, Each took his or her turn with the sil- SH&G’s general contractor, would Above: Bonnycrest, home of Stuart ver spade, recorded in the col- sub-contract with over the next few Duncan, Newport, Rhode Island. lection of family films. years. Additionally, the Wilsons would Left: Allen Lehman house, SH&G would develop separately contract with another 40 Tarrytown, New York. hundreds of blueprints and businesses for the special finishes of the drawings, including nearly home. Hall’s design. The following month, eighty that are now housed in The contract signed by Bryant & SH&G would commission T.E. King Meadow Brook Hall’s Archives. Detwiler (B&D) on October 4, 1926, to create artistic renderings of Meadow Given the aggressive schedule of would specify an immediate start date, Brook Hall’s north and south façades, a two-year completion date, require they begin work based on revealing for the first time what would blueprints were mostly submit- “preliminary” drawings, perform the be its grand size and incredible archi- ted in intervals as the project work with reasonable speed consistent tecture. The illustrations would also progressed; a design-as-you-go with good workmanship and execute prove to be a persuasive tool in gaining approach. Beginning a project within a two-year time frame. Also their client’s acceptance. the magnitude of Meadow contained in the contract was reference During the summer of 1926, Brook Hall without final- to the anticipated cost of the dwelling Matilda and Alfred would turn their at- ized plans is unimaginable and attached garage of between tention to other aspects of the estate’s today, but conceivably not $1,000,000 and $1,200,000. The Although Fred Smith would stay in- improvements. Two playhouses for the out of the ordinary in the project was neither completed in two volved throughout the project, it children were constructed, Knole Cot- 1920s. years, nor at the estimated cost. In the would be the company’s head of de- tage for Frances and a log cabin for Critical to the unique design of end, it would take nearly three years to sign, architect William Kapp, who Danny (Anna Margaret had died in The Hall would be the materials and complete and the cost would more would manage the construction of 1924). They would also begin to ex- furnishings salvaged from the Grosse than triple. MB Meadow Brook Hall. He, along with a pand the agricultural operation with Pointe house. Included on a long list END OF PART ONE Up next (Fall team of up to 50 additional architects the construction of numerous barns were lumber; stone; plumbing and 2012): A colossal construction project and engineers, would devote significant and related facilities into an assemblage light fixtures; vault doors; portions of time over the next few years preparing of farm groups. the gutter system; bronze sashes, in- the necessary drawings. cluding those with Tiffany May of 1926 would prove insets; and an Aeolian to be an important month organ. The Wilsons would for the future Meadow need to construct a 4,500- Brook Hall. At Leavitt’s sug- square-foot steel barn near gestion, the Wilsons spent the job site to store the ma- most of the month traveling terials until they were inte- to robust estates, primarily grated into the those with Tudor-Revival ar- construction. chitecture. Accompanied by William Kapp, they worked Construction their way from Cleveland to As the job site was read- New York’s Gold Coast to ied for the enormous task Newport, Rhode Island, vis- ahead, a single steam shovel iting dozens of estate man- contracted through S&H sions. From these visits, Kapp amassed numerous photographs and architec- Alfred, Matilda, tural plans that would pro- Frances, Danny, Early construction, winter 1926-1927. vide the inspiration for The groundbreaking, 1926.
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Safes and vaults have been symbols of secrets, wealth and mystery for centuries. But what was so valuable that drove Matilda and Alfred Wilson to install more safes than most SafeBY KIM ZELINSKI & Sound commercial banks? ncluded on a lengthy list of extravagant amenities incorporated into the design of Meadow Brook Hall are a number of room-sized wall cavities protected by massive steel doors, accessed by a single, and in one case a double, combination lock. In all, 15 safes and vaults ofI varying type, size and purpose are scattered throughout three of The Hall’s four floors. Evidence can be found in the most likely places: the vaults themselves. Several still contain some of their original contents, silver, jewelry, china...and keys. Eleven, including four vault doors, one floor safe and six wall safes, were cannibalized from the unfinished home Matilda and John Dodge were building in Grosse Pointe. Yet, apparently 11 still came up short, as the Wilsons installed an additional three vault doors and a safe. Given the lavish lifestyle of the Dodge and Wilson families and the magnitude of valuables needing safekeeping, the number and capacity was probably about right. But here’s a question: Where was the “safe” place that Matilda kept the combinations to all of these safes and vaults? No doubt, her best kept secret.
Morning Room Vault, Diebold The most impressive of the 15 safes, the triple-door system on this vault included a dual custody combi- nation lock. Such locks are typically configured so that both must be dialed open at the same time for the door to be unlocked. Ideally, no single person is given both combinations, requiring two people to cooperate to open the door. If such a door is con- figured so either dial will unlock it, lessened security is the trade-off for convenience. This vault housed the estate’s key inventory and included built-in fil- ing cabinets and shelves for important documents, financial records and most likely, cash.
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Safes and vaults have been symbols of secrets, wealth and mystery for centuries. But what was so valuable that drove Matilda and Alfred Wilson to install more safes than most SafeBY KIM ZELINSKI & Sound commercial banks? ncluded on a lengthy list of extravagant amenities incorporated into the design of Meadow Brook Hall are a number of room-sized wall cavities protected by massive steel doors, accessed by a single, and in one case a double, combination lock. In all, 15 safes and vaults ofI varying type, size and purpose are scattered throughout three of The Hall’s four floors. Evidence can be found in the most likely places: the vaults themselves. Several still contain some of their original contents, silver, jewelry, china...and keys. Eleven, including four vault doors, one floor safe and six wall safes, were cannibalized from the unfinished home Matilda and John Dodge were building in Grosse Pointe. Yet, apparently 11 still came up short, as the Wilsons installed an additional three vault doors and a safe. Given the lavish lifestyle of the Dodge and Wilson families and the magnitude of valuables needing safekeeping, the number and capacity was probably about right. But here’s a question: Where was the “safe” place that Matilda kept the combinations to all of these safes and vaults? No doubt, her best kept secret.
Morning Room Vault, Diebold The most impressive of the 15 safes, the triple-door system on this vault included a dual custody combi- nation lock. Such locks are typically configured so that both must be dialed open at the same time for the door to be unlocked. Ideally, no single person is given both combinations, requiring two people to cooperate to open the door. If such a door is con- figured so either dial will unlock it, lessened security is the trade-off for convenience. This vault housed the estate’s key inventory and included built-in fil- ing cabinets and shelves for important documents, financial records and most likely, cash.
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FurVault, Diebold The Fur Vault, located on the entertainment level, was equipped with a cooling system that regulated temperature and humidity levels, preserving both Matilda’s furs and Oriental rugs. THERESA FINCK THERESA Silver Vault, Yale Installed in the Butler’s Pantry, this small room stored the silver service pieces. The vault was ac- Linen Room Vault, Yale Cleverly concealed in the Linen Room’s wood cabi- cessed only by the Butler and only for special occa- netry and almost hidden from sight, this large double- sions. The collection contains over 150 pieces. door safe was used for the most “valuable” linens. Many of the linens were custom made for Matilda’s many tables, most of which included an embroidered monogram (“MRW”).
China Vault, Yale Matilda Wilson stored her numerous sets of china in the center section of a trio of side-by-side vaulted rooms on the entertain- ment level. In the memoir of Beatrice Whitaker, Meadow Brook Hall’s head maid, Mrs. Wilson and her personal maid, Mary Mathews, personally brought the china service up the family elevator on a teacart, always followed by Ming Toy, Matilda’s champion Pekingese. Beatrice noted that it took three men about three days to inventory and appraise all of the table settings.
Dining Room Vault, Jewelry Safe, Diebold Shaw Walker The butler could access this vault, which was used to store Tucked away in Matilda’s dressing everyday china and special porcelain centerpieces for the Wall Safe, Yale room closet, this safe housed the smaller-sized dinner parties held for family and friends. MB One of six wall safes brought from the Grosse Pointe jewels of Meadow Brook, includ- home and installed in each of The Hall’s guest bedrooms. ing this Marcasite filigree cameo These guest wall safes were a gesture of hospitality and necklace. respect for their guests’ valuables.
Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 17 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 16
FurVault, Diebold The Fur Vault, located on the entertainment level, was equipped with a cooling system that regulated temperature and humidity levels, preserving both Matilda’s furs and Oriental rugs. THERESA FINCK THERESA Silver Vault, Yale Installed in the Butler’s Pantry, this small room stored the silver service pieces. The vault was ac- Linen Room Vault, Yale Cleverly concealed in the Linen Room’s wood cabi- cessed only by the Butler and only for special occa- netry and almost hidden from sight, this large double- sions. The collection contains over 150 pieces. door safe was used for the most “valuable” linens. Many of the linens were custom made for Matilda’s many tables, most of which included an embroidered monogram (“MRW”).
China Vault, Yale Matilda Wilson stored her numerous sets of china in the center section of a trio of side-by-side vaulted rooms on the entertain- ment level. In the memoir of Beatrice Whitaker, Meadow Brook Hall’s head maid, Mrs. Wilson and her personal maid, Mary Mathews, personally brought the china service up the family elevator on a teacart, always followed by Ming Toy, Matilda’s champion Pekingese. Beatrice noted that it took three men about three days to inventory and appraise all of the table settings.
Dining Room Vault, Jewelry Safe, Diebold Shaw Walker The butler could access this vault, which was used to store Tucked away in Matilda’s dressing everyday china and special porcelain centerpieces for the Wall Safe, Yale room closet, this safe housed the smaller-sized dinner parties held for family and friends. MB One of six wall safes brought from the Grosse Pointe jewels of Meadow Brook, includ- home and installed in each of The Hall’s guest bedrooms. ing this Marcasite filigree cameo These guest wall safes were a gesture of hospitality and necklace. respect for their guests’ valuables.
Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 17 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 18 “We didn’t have television back then...”
MBM: Since Meadow Brook was A conversation with the Wilson out in the country, what was your family life like? What did you do as children, Richard and Barbara a family? BWE: We’d play bridge or canasta or backgammon or checkers, whatever, Second of Two Parts: Matilda and Alfred Wilson’s children usually after dinner in the den. And then we’d play croquet out by the and longtime residents of Meadow Brook Hall, Richard Wil- Rock Garden off the sun room during the summer. Dad and I would partner son and Barbara Wilson Eccles, are a rich source for stories of and Dick and Mother would partner. And it went that way through cards the times and characters of the estate’s heyday. Richard (now and everything. Cards gave us something to do. You 83) was adopted in 1930 and Barbara (81) in 1931 by Alfred have to remember that we didn’t have television back then. Dad had a radio and Matilda Wilson from the same orphanage, The Cradle, in the den (Alfred’s study) and we’d lis- ten to the radio in Chicago. Their lives were markedly differ- and play cards maybe for an hour ent from the lives of the two living children and then Matilda’d go to bed because from Matilda’s first marriage to automaker she had to get up and go to her office in the Fisher Build- John Dodge, Frances and Dan Dodge, who ing in Detroit the next day. (Matilda were already teenagers when the Wilson chil- Wilson was the sec- ond tenant in the dren came to Meadow Brook. Richard and Barbara gra- Fisher Building after it was built.) We were all in bed by 9:30 or 10:00. ciously allowed MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE to interview them We’d listen to “The Shadow,” “Inner Sanctum Mysteries,” “Gang in August of 2011 on a variety of topics, many of which are Busters,” “The Lone Ranger,” “The Green Hornet” . . . all of those shows. shared on these pages as well as in the Fall 2011 issue. Part I They were on Sunday afternoons and evenings. And of course there were covered going away to school, friends, chores and growing up “Tin Pan Alley” and “Fibber McGee and Molly” during the week. “The on the estate during the Depression and World War II. Edi- Bob Hope Show” was on occasionally. But that was the first time I heard seri- als. Dad used to drive to Detroit and tor’s notes of clarification are shown in italics. – ed. he’d be listening to “Stella Dallas” and Matilda, Alfred, Barbara and Richard Wilson, c. 1935.
18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 19 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 18 “We didn’t have television back then...”
MBM: Since Meadow Brook was A conversation with the Wilson out in the country, what was your family life like? What did you do as children, Richard and Barbara a family? BWE: We’d play bridge or canasta or backgammon or checkers, whatever, Second of Two Parts: Matilda and Alfred Wilson’s children usually after dinner in the den. And then we’d play croquet out by the and longtime residents of Meadow Brook Hall, Richard Wil- Rock Garden off the sun room during the summer. Dad and I would partner son and Barbara Wilson Eccles, are a rich source for stories of and Dick and Mother would partner. And it went that way through cards the times and characters of the estate’s heyday. Richard (now and everything. Cards gave us something to do. You 83) was adopted in 1930 and Barbara (81) in 1931 by Alfred have to remember that we didn’t have television back then. Dad had a radio and Matilda Wilson from the same orphanage, The Cradle, in the den (Alfred’s study) and we’d lis- ten to the radio in Chicago. Their lives were markedly differ- and play cards maybe for an hour ent from the lives of the two living children and then Matilda’d go to bed because from Matilda’s first marriage to automaker she had to get up and go to her office in the Fisher Build- John Dodge, Frances and Dan Dodge, who ing in Detroit the next day. (Matilda were already teenagers when the Wilson chil- Wilson was the sec- ond tenant in the dren came to Meadow Brook. Richard and Barbara gra- Fisher Building after it was built.) We were all in bed by 9:30 or 10:00. ciously allowed MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE to interview them We’d listen to “The Shadow,” “Inner Sanctum Mysteries,” “Gang in August of 2011 on a variety of topics, many of which are Busters,” “The Lone Ranger,” “The Green Hornet” . . . all of those shows. shared on these pages as well as in the Fall 2011 issue. Part I They were on Sunday afternoons and evenings. And of course there were covered going away to school, friends, chores and growing up “Tin Pan Alley” and “Fibber McGee and Molly” during the week. “The on the estate during the Depression and World War II. Edi- Bob Hope Show” was on occasionally. But that was the first time I heard seri- als. Dad used to drive to Detroit and tor’s notes of clarification are shown in italics. – ed. he’d be listening to “Stella Dallas” and Matilda, Alfred, Barbara and Richard Wilson, c. 1935.
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he’d get very involved in it. Meadow Brook For my graduation from enough nice things much. He was a fun guy to be around, RW: On Sundays, the governess Farms – my folks Culver, I picked out a pea- about her. just driving around with him in a con- took us to the Congregational Church continued to call green Dodge convertible. RW: All-time vertible and having him spin it. He was in Rochester and later Christ Church each farm by the Soon afterwards, a couple sweetheart. She so smart. He put a diesel engine in a Cranbrook. When we got a little older, name of the of friends and I went was the nicest, car. He moved a motor from the front we went with our folks to the Presbyte- people they had 10,000 miles in 28 days. most considerate to the back of a car when he was only rian Church in Detroit, where they bought it from – We left Detroit, drove to woman in the 16. I mean, he was a whiz, just like his were both elders. and we’d look at St. Louis, up through world . . . misun- father (John Dodge). And, in fact, he Once in a while on the way home we this, look at that. Minnesota, up through derstood by a lot of had just purchased an interest in a would eat at Hedge’s Wigwam on Everybody did it the Badlands, down the people because she diesel engine company before he Woodward in Royal Oak. But, usually all together and coast. We stayed at my was shy. At an early passed. we would eat at home and have the it was always cousin Dennis Morgan’s age, given her place BWE: Well, he was a boy! He was same old chicken, potatoes and peas fun. Alfred in Hollywood for three in society and with very outdoors-ish. He liked to hunt, and then go for a drive. We’d stop at would drive and days. He was a movie an over-protective fish and all that kind of stuff. He liked the different farms that made up then they finally actor, and was in “God is mother, she never to prank us and kid around with us. let me drive a lit- My Copilot” and “The Frances, c. 1936. really knew who We had very little other contact with tle. Desert Song” and a lot of liked her just be- him because he was dating age. Then MBM: Did you have your own others. He showed us all around and cause of her money. And, she was al- he would go up to his place on Lake cars? even took us to lunch at Riviera Coun- say, I put on a great performance. I ways warned to be careful because of Huron and do his thing. So I didn’t RW: No, but I would borrow one. try Club. He was my father’s sister’s was 13 or 14, before I had started at- the threat of kidnappings. So, she had see him because he was a boy. I saw I got an old Plymouth when I was boy from Wisconsin. We came back tending Culver. it tough. But, she was a super person. Frances because she was here with the about 16. My favorite thing to do was through Phoenix, New Orleans, St. BWE: Yes, when Dick and I were In her adult years, every Christmas at horses and that was a huge part drive between the stables and garage, Louis, where I had a girlfriend, and growing up, we were assigned ponies Castleton Farms (purchased by Frances of her life. where the road dipped left and right, back to Detroit. Quite a trip in my lit- and then horses, but nobody else rode in the 1940s and developed into one of Danny would prance around the about 60 miles an hour. But I got all tle green convertible. them. We had to exercise them; if not, the country’s finest Standardbred horse house banging on a gong that was that from my brother Dan (Dodge). MBM: Barbara, how about they’d hook them up to a carriage and farms) she would send out a letter to I was 8 or 9 when he died. He’d take you . . . did you have a car? exercise them that way. My dad had his her employees telling them you out and do things like that. He BWE: (Laughter) C’mon, remember horse, Matilda had hers because she to pick out both something Danny, right, with friends, c. 1937. was a nut . . . in a good way. I was a girl! rode side-saddle, and you had to have a to wear and a toy for each of RW: Well, we did have our own special horse for that. She didn’t ride their kids. If they put down Richard, c. 1938. horses, though. I rode almost every very often, but occasionally she’d go to a bicycle, she’d send them a day and really liked it. I had a Shetland the side door, use the mounting block, bicycle. She’d spend thou- pony named Sunny Boy and Barbara ride around the house and then get off sands of dollars. They had Sunny Girl. We each had three- and come back in. She didn’t ride in started asking for more all gaited horses. Barbara’s was Mistletoe the rings and she didn’t exercise her the time, but she never said and mine was Dusty Maid. We used to horses like we did. She never rode in a no. show them at the Bloomfield Hills show, but she drove ponies in shows. BWE: Frances would horse show, the Grosse Pointe show She was always competing with bring a horse to the front and the Northville Fairgrounds. Our Frances. Frances did all kinds of things door and into the living sister Frances said to me one time, and that Matilda tried to do, but couldn’t. room at Meadow Brook for remember she was the best horse- MBM: Tell me about Frances. Christmas, usually giving it woman in the country, “I’m going to BWE: Frances was 17 years older to Matilda as a present. teach you how to ride five-gaited.” So, than me. I didn’t really get to know Frances had the nerve that she taught me and she said to our her until I was a teenager, and I used nobody else in the family mother, we’re going to the horse show to accompany her to the horse shows did. She had a wild air about at Madison Square Garden (in New and we had a lot of fun. She was one of her. She had a sense of York City). My mother didn’t know I those people who hated to be alone. humor and sometimes she was going to be in the ring with a five- So, I had no problem because I didn’t was just plain fun. gaited horse. There were three of us in care to be alone either. We did a lot of MBM: What was Danny the class. I took third of course. things together. She was one of the like? Frances took first and second was Mary sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever RW: I was 9 years old, so Barbara, c. 1939. Fisher, Frances’ biggest rival. I must known. Incredible, really. I can’t say I don’t remember him that
Richard and Barbara Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 21 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 20
he’d get very involved in it. Meadow Brook For my graduation from enough nice things much. He was a fun guy to be around, RW: On Sundays, the governess Farms – my folks Culver, I picked out a pea- about her. just driving around with him in a con- took us to the Congregational Church continued to call green Dodge convertible. RW: All-time vertible and having him spin it. He was in Rochester and later Christ Church each farm by the Soon afterwards, a couple sweetheart. She so smart. He put a diesel engine in a Cranbrook. When we got a little older, name of the of friends and I went was the nicest, car. He moved a motor from the front we went with our folks to the Presbyte- people they had 10,000 miles in 28 days. most considerate to the back of a car when he was only rian Church in Detroit, where they bought it from – We left Detroit, drove to woman in the 16. I mean, he was a whiz, just like his were both elders. and we’d look at St. Louis, up through world . . . misun- father (John Dodge). And, in fact, he Once in a while on the way home we this, look at that. Minnesota, up through derstood by a lot of had just purchased an interest in a would eat at Hedge’s Wigwam on Everybody did it the Badlands, down the people because she diesel engine company before he Woodward in Royal Oak. But, usually all together and coast. We stayed at my was shy. At an early passed. we would eat at home and have the it was always cousin Dennis Morgan’s age, given her place BWE: Well, he was a boy! He was same old chicken, potatoes and peas fun. Alfred in Hollywood for three in society and with very outdoors-ish. He liked to hunt, and then go for a drive. We’d stop at would drive and days. He was a movie an over-protective fish and all that kind of stuff. He liked the different farms that made up then they finally actor, and was in “God is mother, she never to prank us and kid around with us. let me drive a lit- My Copilot” and “The Frances, c. 1936. really knew who We had very little other contact with tle. Desert Song” and a lot of liked her just be- him because he was dating age. Then MBM: Did you have your own others. He showed us all around and cause of her money. And, she was al- he would go up to his place on Lake cars? even took us to lunch at Riviera Coun- say, I put on a great performance. I ways warned to be careful because of Huron and do his thing. So I didn’t RW: No, but I would borrow one. try Club. He was my father’s sister’s was 13 or 14, before I had started at- the threat of kidnappings. So, she had see him because he was a boy. I saw I got an old Plymouth when I was boy from Wisconsin. We came back tending Culver. it tough. But, she was a super person. Frances because she was here with the about 16. My favorite thing to do was through Phoenix, New Orleans, St. BWE: Yes, when Dick and I were In her adult years, every Christmas at horses and that was a huge part drive between the stables and garage, Louis, where I had a girlfriend, and growing up, we were assigned ponies Castleton Farms (purchased by Frances of her life. where the road dipped left and right, back to Detroit. Quite a trip in my lit- and then horses, but nobody else rode in the 1940s and developed into one of Danny would prance around the about 60 miles an hour. But I got all tle green convertible. them. We had to exercise them; if not, the country’s finest Standardbred horse house banging on a gong that was that from my brother Dan (Dodge). MBM: Barbara, how about they’d hook them up to a carriage and farms) she would send out a letter to I was 8 or 9 when he died. He’d take you . . . did you have a car? exercise them that way. My dad had his her employees telling them you out and do things like that. He BWE: (Laughter) C’mon, remember horse, Matilda had hers because she to pick out both something Danny, right, with friends, c. 1937. was a nut . . . in a good way. I was a girl! rode side-saddle, and you had to have a to wear and a toy for each of RW: Well, we did have our own special horse for that. She didn’t ride their kids. If they put down Richard, c. 1938. horses, though. I rode almost every very often, but occasionally she’d go to a bicycle, she’d send them a day and really liked it. I had a Shetland the side door, use the mounting block, bicycle. She’d spend thou- pony named Sunny Boy and Barbara ride around the house and then get off sands of dollars. They had Sunny Girl. We each had three- and come back in. She didn’t ride in started asking for more all gaited horses. Barbara’s was Mistletoe the rings and she didn’t exercise her the time, but she never said and mine was Dusty Maid. We used to horses like we did. She never rode in a no. show them at the Bloomfield Hills show, but she drove ponies in shows. BWE: Frances would horse show, the Grosse Pointe show She was always competing with bring a horse to the front and the Northville Fairgrounds. Our Frances. Frances did all kinds of things door and into the living sister Frances said to me one time, and that Matilda tried to do, but couldn’t. room at Meadow Brook for remember she was the best horse- MBM: Tell me about Frances. Christmas, usually giving it woman in the country, “I’m going to BWE: Frances was 17 years older to Matilda as a present. teach you how to ride five-gaited.” So, than me. I didn’t really get to know Frances had the nerve that she taught me and she said to our her until I was a teenager, and I used nobody else in the family mother, we’re going to the horse show to accompany her to the horse shows did. She had a wild air about at Madison Square Garden (in New and we had a lot of fun. She was one of her. She had a sense of York City). My mother didn’t know I those people who hated to be alone. humor and sometimes she was going to be in the ring with a five- So, I had no problem because I didn’t was just plain fun. gaited horse. There were three of us in care to be alone either. We did a lot of MBM: What was Danny the class. I took third of course. things together. She was one of the like? Frances took first and second was Mary sweetest, kindest people I’ve ever RW: I was 9 years old, so Barbara, c. 1939. Fisher, Frances’ biggest rival. I must known. Incredible, really. I can’t say I don’t remember him that
Richard and Barbara Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 21 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 22
I then got involved with Frances, who never had children, and here was his women’s groups, but it was usually for was so good at the horse business, and opportunity to have a couple kids. 48 tea in the afternoon in the summer. worked my way up. I worked all over or 50 is a little late, but he was great. The only time I knew them to enter- the country in racetrack management He was the one to put us in school, tain in the winter was for New Year’s and finally retired in 1996. who came to our rescue when we got Eve. They always had the same sets of MBM: What are your favorite into trouble. He was always there to couples. There were three sets of four, memories of each other? help. 12 people, and they played bridge. RW: Barbara was very protective of He was a tennis player and he had They’d usually have a lobster dinner me, even though she was younger. fun doing it, as well as being a very av- and a midnight supper. Some of them I remember sitting on the steps of the erage golfer. And, of course, he was in would go home if the weather permit- main stair one time and she and I got the lumber business. He provided a lot ted; or they’d stay the night if it didn’t. into something. We were probably 10 of the wood for cars when cars were Most of them came from Grosse and 12. I stood up and stomped on made out of wood. And, he found the Pointe; only one set came from Birm- her hands and she started yelling. Al- suppliers for all the materials in The ingham. fred was going to whip hell out of me, Hall. He used to tell us at the dinner RW: When they did have parties, like but she started grabbing and fighting table where it all came from. He does- Barbara’s debut or Frances’ 25th birth- with him and said, “You can’t touch n’t get the credit for it, but it was all day, they never put up a tent outside or him!” So, that was good enough. Richard, c. 1944. him. things like that. They had the ballroom And, I’ll let my sister have the last RW: Alfred was fun to be around. downstairs. For Frances’ surprise 25th word. used to announce meals. He’d upset He was strict and Presbyterian and very birthday in 1939, they got Tommy Matilda, Frances, Barbara, Richard, c. 1959. BWE: Dick and I had a lot of com- Matilda and she’d get hysterical. He strait-laced, but once in a while he’d Dorsey to play. He owed my folks a petitions and we had parties and gath- did all kinds of things just to annoy crack some off-color joke. He was favor . . . they’d flown him somewhere. Mother had a big fund-raiser out come back to Meadow Brook. After a erings with our friends, but it wasn’t her. And she reacted the way he smart and had a college education. They had bands in the Rock Garden here for Madame Chiang Kai-shek and few years, Tom went into real estate often. He and I always came back to wanted her to, so he kept doing it. I remember going around with him for Barbara’s debut . . . remember the nationalist Chinese war relief, who and real estate prospects at the time Meadow Brook for vacations in the MBM: How about your mother to buy cattle at auction, cheap. We’d Barb? Frances’ wedding in 1938 was in were our allies at that time. She sup- were in the Scottsdale, Arizona, area. summer and at Christmas. We hung and father? dress really bad. He’d get an old car to the living room and down the staircase. ported all those things, like the USO I’ve lived there for 50 years. I love it. out together when we could, but it’s RW: When they got married, my drive. He was a lot of fun. He took me I wasn’t here for Dan’s wedding in in Detroit. They also had a fund-raiser That’s home for me. hard to explain because we were sepa- father had about $500,000 and he was to my first baseball game at Briggs Sta- 1938; I was at summer camp. Dan’s for Wendell Willkie’s campaign for RW: In those days, if you were a rated most of the time. But we sure funeral was here that year, too. The the most eligible bachelor in Detroit. dium in Detroit. Dick Bartell gave me president against Roosevelt in 1940. strict Presbyterian, you never dated or shared a lot, too. MB And they all said what a good-looking, a baseball and we sat right on the first casket was on the staircase landing. I had a blinking sign in my bedroom married people who were Jewish or fun guy he was. And he was, and he baseline. I went to one of the first window that said “WW.” Catholic, and that was strict. Well of had a good sense of humor. Lions games with him at the old U MBM: When did the two of you course, they weren’t going to tell me Mother wasn’t quite the sweet little of D stadium. He was a good guy. leave Meadow Brook for your “life what to do. I had Catholic girlfriends, old lady that everybody’s made her out Of course, fathers tend to get after?” and I married a Catholic girl. My fa- to be. After Dan died (in 1938), she along with daughters and mothers BWE: I married a man named Tom ther first of all said you’re disowned; changed completely. And then when with sons. My mother and I always Eccles, who was from New Jersey. His you’re out of the house. In fact, we she got sued by Dan’s wife, she really played Barbara and him in bridge, father was a banker. His sister was a want you to change your name. My changed and didn’t trust anybody. beginning at ages 8 or 10, and very close friend of mine. I dated Tom best man was here at the house from BWE: I rarely saw her. You have to we’d play every night. Mothers for six or seven years before we were St. Louis. We put on our tuxedos that realize that back then things were very and sons . . . I wasn’t quite as close married because he was in the Korean morning, shook hands with my folks, stuffy, and also that Matilda was 48 or to him as Barbara. He was proba- War. He was also three-and-a-half years walked out the door and that was it. 50 when she adopted me. That’s bly the one who, with Frances’ older than me, so he was graduating They didn’t come to the wedding. grandparent age. Her family was half urging, got us to Meadow Brook. from college as I was getting out of Frances came, with her husband, but The Wilsons have graciously offered grown by the time Dick and I showed He was a little more kindly, even high school. Then he went into the not them. to answer Meadow Brook Magazine up. John Dodge had had three kids though he was strict. She made the ROTC and then the service. We dated My wife and I bought a two-bed- readers’ questions about life on The from his first marriage that she helped rules and he had to be the bad on and off when we could. When I got room house near the corner of Square raise, and she had three of her own guy. out of college, I went back to New Jer- Lake and Woodward in Bloomfield Great Estate. Send your questions to with him (Anna Margaret died at age MBM: Did your folks enter- sey and worked as a dietician in my Hills. I worked for Sinclair Oil Com- the “How to Reach Us” contacts on 4 from the measles). Frances was 17 tain a lot? school for a year before I got married. pany, Ortho, Acme Quality Paint and page 2 and we’ll pass them along. years older than me and Dan 15 years. BWE: Not really. Matilda enter- We married when I was 22, in 1953. Ford Tractor. All the time I was also Make sure you include your own But Dad had never married and had tained Salvation Army and Barbara’s debut, 1947 with Dad and Mom. And that was it; I didn’t expect to working at night at local racetracks. contact information. – ed.
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I then got involved with Frances, who never had children, and here was his women’s groups, but it was usually for was so good at the horse business, and opportunity to have a couple kids. 48 tea in the afternoon in the summer. worked my way up. I worked all over or 50 is a little late, but he was great. The only time I knew them to enter- the country in racetrack management He was the one to put us in school, tain in the winter was for New Year’s and finally retired in 1996. who came to our rescue when we got Eve. They always had the same sets of MBM: What are your favorite into trouble. He was always there to couples. There were three sets of four, memories of each other? help. 12 people, and they played bridge. RW: Barbara was very protective of He was a tennis player and he had They’d usually have a lobster dinner me, even though she was younger. fun doing it, as well as being a very av- and a midnight supper. Some of them I remember sitting on the steps of the erage golfer. And, of course, he was in would go home if the weather permit- main stair one time and she and I got the lumber business. He provided a lot ted; or they’d stay the night if it didn’t. into something. We were probably 10 of the wood for cars when cars were Most of them came from Grosse and 12. I stood up and stomped on made out of wood. And, he found the Pointe; only one set came from Birm- her hands and she started yelling. Al- suppliers for all the materials in The ingham. fred was going to whip hell out of me, Hall. He used to tell us at the dinner RW: When they did have parties, like but she started grabbing and fighting table where it all came from. He does- Barbara’s debut or Frances’ 25th birth- with him and said, “You can’t touch n’t get the credit for it, but it was all day, they never put up a tent outside or him!” So, that was good enough. Richard, c. 1944. him. things like that. They had the ballroom And, I’ll let my sister have the last RW: Alfred was fun to be around. downstairs. For Frances’ surprise 25th word. used to announce meals. He’d upset He was strict and Presbyterian and very birthday in 1939, they got Tommy Matilda, Frances, Barbara, Richard, c. 1959. BWE: Dick and I had a lot of com- Matilda and she’d get hysterical. He strait-laced, but once in a while he’d Dorsey to play. He owed my folks a petitions and we had parties and gath- did all kinds of things just to annoy crack some off-color joke. He was favor . . . they’d flown him somewhere. Mother had a big fund-raiser out come back to Meadow Brook. After a erings with our friends, but it wasn’t her. And she reacted the way he smart and had a college education. They had bands in the Rock Garden here for Madame Chiang Kai-shek and few years, Tom went into real estate often. He and I always came back to wanted her to, so he kept doing it. I remember going around with him for Barbara’s debut . . . remember the nationalist Chinese war relief, who and real estate prospects at the time Meadow Brook for vacations in the MBM: How about your mother to buy cattle at auction, cheap. We’d Barb? Frances’ wedding in 1938 was in were our allies at that time. She sup- were in the Scottsdale, Arizona, area. summer and at Christmas. We hung and father? dress really bad. He’d get an old car to the living room and down the staircase. ported all those things, like the USO I’ve lived there for 50 years. I love it. out together when we could, but it’s RW: When they got married, my drive. He was a lot of fun. He took me I wasn’t here for Dan’s wedding in in Detroit. They also had a fund-raiser That’s home for me. hard to explain because we were sepa- father had about $500,000 and he was to my first baseball game at Briggs Sta- 1938; I was at summer camp. Dan’s for Wendell Willkie’s campaign for RW: In those days, if you were a rated most of the time. But we sure funeral was here that year, too. The the most eligible bachelor in Detroit. dium in Detroit. Dick Bartell gave me president against Roosevelt in 1940. strict Presbyterian, you never dated or shared a lot, too. MB And they all said what a good-looking, a baseball and we sat right on the first casket was on the staircase landing. I had a blinking sign in my bedroom married people who were Jewish or fun guy he was. And he was, and he baseline. I went to one of the first window that said “WW.” Catholic, and that was strict. Well of had a good sense of humor. Lions games with him at the old U MBM: When did the two of you course, they weren’t going to tell me Mother wasn’t quite the sweet little of D stadium. He was a good guy. leave Meadow Brook for your “life what to do. I had Catholic girlfriends, old lady that everybody’s made her out Of course, fathers tend to get after?” and I married a Catholic girl. My fa- to be. After Dan died (in 1938), she along with daughters and mothers BWE: I married a man named Tom ther first of all said you’re disowned; changed completely. And then when with sons. My mother and I always Eccles, who was from New Jersey. His you’re out of the house. In fact, we she got sued by Dan’s wife, she really played Barbara and him in bridge, father was a banker. His sister was a want you to change your name. My changed and didn’t trust anybody. beginning at ages 8 or 10, and very close friend of mine. I dated Tom best man was here at the house from BWE: I rarely saw her. You have to we’d play every night. Mothers for six or seven years before we were St. Louis. We put on our tuxedos that realize that back then things were very and sons . . . I wasn’t quite as close married because he was in the Korean morning, shook hands with my folks, stuffy, and also that Matilda was 48 or to him as Barbara. He was proba- War. He was also three-and-a-half years walked out the door and that was it. 50 when she adopted me. That’s bly the one who, with Frances’ older than me, so he was graduating They didn’t come to the wedding. grandparent age. Her family was half urging, got us to Meadow Brook. from college as I was getting out of Frances came, with her husband, but The Wilsons have graciously offered grown by the time Dick and I showed He was a little more kindly, even high school. Then he went into the not them. to answer Meadow Brook Magazine up. John Dodge had had three kids though he was strict. She made the ROTC and then the service. We dated My wife and I bought a two-bed- readers’ questions about life on The from his first marriage that she helped rules and he had to be the bad on and off when we could. When I got room house near the corner of Square raise, and she had three of her own guy. out of college, I went back to New Jer- Lake and Woodward in Bloomfield Great Estate. Send your questions to with him (Anna Margaret died at age MBM: Did your folks enter- sey and worked as a dietician in my Hills. I worked for Sinclair Oil Com- the “How to Reach Us” contacts on 4 from the measles). Frances was 17 tain a lot? school for a year before I got married. pany, Ortho, Acme Quality Paint and page 2 and we’ll pass them along. years older than me and Dan 15 years. BWE: Not really. Matilda enter- We married when I was 22, in 1953. Ford Tractor. All the time I was also Make sure you include your own But Dad had never married and had tained Salvation Army and Barbara’s debut, 1947 with Dad and Mom. And that was it; I didn’t expect to working at night at local racetracks. contact information. – ed.
22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Richard and Barbara RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 24
FRIENDS OF MEADOW BROOK Susan Riley GIFTS IN KIND HALL ($100 – $249) Rochester Junior Woman’s Club 20/20 Vision THERESA FINCK THERESA Jane Bingham Ron & Frances Roman Joyce Anderson Megan & Jeffrey Bovee John & Miriam Samani Susan Auther Doug Burley & Cheri Trefney Larry & Fran Smith Bass Pro Shop Grace Campbell Nancy Smith Roger Buchanan Frank & Janet Cassise Don & Mary Ann Strange Theodore Cunningham James & Jane Cerano Peter & Irene Townsend Curves Robert & Gwen Cesario Robert & Susan Ufer Dennis Eurich Marilyn Creelman Donald & Audrey Upward David Evans Michael & Carolyn Cregar Cheryl Verbruggen Dragonfly Boutique Gerry & Lyle Detterman Bob Vetter Anthony Dulio Eugene Diggs Ronald & Litha Wadle Ernest DuMouchelle Daniel & Dorothy Dziedzic Christopher & Toni Wiley Erhard BMW Margaret Twyman Eustice Richard & Jane Wilson George & Annie Frisch Frank Fisher William Wozniak Ruth Ann Frantz Cherrill Flynn Kim Zelinski Galaxy Puzzles Dr. Christopher W. Ford The Godfather Cigar Robin & Bud Gardner SUPPORTERS OF MEADOW & Martini Lounge 2011 Meadow Brook Donor Report Wilson & Virginia Garner BROOK HALL (UP TO $99) Gold, Etc. Sharon Gmerick Ruthann Bajorek & Ken Taylor Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Cora Hanson Diane Berry P.R. Haig Jewelers Peggy Harbaugh Jon & Donna Block Hunters Ridge Hunt Club Just Baked TUDOR CIRCLE THE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY Roberta & Paul Bresette James Hargett Louise Braun Kruse & Muer Quality Foods ($10,000 AND HIGHER) ($1,000 – $2,499) Claudette & Eric Brown Gregory Heleski Bill & Mary Cichowski Paula D’Ambrosio Limelight Music Inc. Edwin & Gretchen Adler Christine Burnard & Greydon Hyde Carol & Jay Herbst Joseph & Denise Doyle Ted Lindsay International Paper Company Mary Ann & Robert Baer Sharon Cregg Shirley Ann Holt Nelson Dworack Meredith Long Foundation – Roger B. Richard & Janice Caloia Frances Dodge Family Fund Jane Iacobelli Betty Emmert Russell Losicki and Barbara R. Smith Jim Causley Buick-GMC, Inc. Sharon Duffy & Onorio Catenacci Independent Expressions LLC Elizabeth Fidler Margots European Day Spa The Kresge Foundation Crissman Lincoln Mercury, Inc. Bette Gomez Nadine Jakobowski Arthur & Joanne Griggs Barbara Markham The W.J. and Lillian Kemler Nancy Cross Donna Hall Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Francoise Harrod Mitchell’s Fish Market Foundation – Margaret K. Savage John R. Green Lois & Lloyd Harsh Kerry John Michele Lange Pine Trace Golf Club John F. & Julie Van Lennep Bruce & Chris Harris Hopkins Burns Design Studio George & Trudy Karas Kelly Lenda Tim Quinn Matilda R. Wilson Fund Charles & Tolina Hennighausen Patrick & Nadine Milostan John Lohmeier Leslie Littell Ristorante Lino James & Anne Howlett Michael Niemiec Paul Luurtsema Sheila Marin Charles & Dairdre McGlothlin Nino Salvaggio PEGASUS CIRCLE Richard & Sharon Koenig Dr. Susan Phelps Willaim Michaels International Market Place ($5,000 – $9,999) Deborah & Richard Lee Allen & Deborah Pyc Donald & Lila McMechan Tracy Mentier Laura Mutz Alice Siehda Jerry & Emilie Dancik John Mohr, Jr. Bradley Rush Jill Craig Miner Laura Raisch Ken Taylor Gary & Ann Laidlaw Lloyd & Maurcine Reuss Dr. Richard & Jan Somerlott Jeffery Salwach Denise Warren Frank & Kathy Rewold Stoney Creek Questers #203 Emajane Myers Lynn Oates Mildred Smith Weingartz Supply Company TIFFANY CIRCLE Michael Schuchard Deborah Syme Joanne & Jack Stroebel Wild Birds Unlimited Mary Sloan Janet Varner & Robert Goldsmith John & Rebecca Oetjens ($2,500 – $4,999) Phyllis Zerner David Vartanian Corrine Passarelli Dr. Ronald Sudol William & Story John Geoffrey Upward Williams Business Services Inc. Shih-Chen & Ruth Peng Charlene & Daniel Sutherby Mosaic Foundation of R & P Heydon Joann Polick Lisa Yarema THE GUILDERS OF MEADOW Daniel & Annie Williams OU–MSU Federal Credit Union Alton & Yvonne Rice Rudy Ziehl BROOK ($250 – $999) Larry & Debbie Wilson Larry & Kathryn Baber Women’s National HERITAGE SOCIETY (ESTATE GIFTS) Keith & Barbara Bennett Farm and Garden Association NEW IN 2011: John & Lynn Boehmer DEBRA K. AND WILLIAM J. SHEA
24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 25 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:02 AM Page 24
FRIENDS OF MEADOW BROOK Susan Riley GIFTS IN KIND HALL ($100 – $249) Rochester Junior Woman’s Club 20/20 Vision THERESA FINCK THERESA Jane Bingham Ron & Frances Roman Joyce Anderson Megan & Jeffrey Bovee John & Miriam Samani Susan Auther Doug Burley & Cheri Trefney Larry & Fran Smith Bass Pro Shop Grace Campbell Nancy Smith Roger Buchanan Frank & Janet Cassise Don & Mary Ann Strange Theodore Cunningham James & Jane Cerano Peter & Irene Townsend Curves Robert & Gwen Cesario Robert & Susan Ufer Dennis Eurich Marilyn Creelman Donald & Audrey Upward David Evans Michael & Carolyn Cregar Cheryl Verbruggen Dragonfly Boutique Gerry & Lyle Detterman Bob Vetter Anthony Dulio Eugene Diggs Ronald & Litha Wadle Ernest DuMouchelle Daniel & Dorothy Dziedzic Christopher & Toni Wiley Erhard BMW Margaret Twyman Eustice Richard & Jane Wilson George & Annie Frisch Frank Fisher William Wozniak Ruth Ann Frantz Cherrill Flynn Kim Zelinski Galaxy Puzzles Dr. Christopher W. Ford The Godfather Cigar Robin & Bud Gardner SUPPORTERS OF MEADOW & Martini Lounge 2011 Meadow Brook Donor Report Wilson & Virginia Garner BROOK HALL (UP TO $99) Gold, Etc. Sharon Gmerick Ruthann Bajorek & Ken Taylor Green Mountain Coffee Roasters Cora Hanson Diane Berry P.R. Haig Jewelers Peggy Harbaugh Jon & Donna Block Hunters Ridge Hunt Club Just Baked TUDOR CIRCLE THE CORNERSTONE SOCIETY Roberta & Paul Bresette James Hargett Louise Braun Kruse & Muer Quality Foods ($10,000 AND HIGHER) ($1,000 – $2,499) Claudette & Eric Brown Gregory Heleski Bill & Mary Cichowski Paula D’Ambrosio Limelight Music Inc. Edwin & Gretchen Adler Christine Burnard & Greydon Hyde Carol & Jay Herbst Joseph & Denise Doyle Ted Lindsay International Paper Company Mary Ann & Robert Baer Sharon Cregg Shirley Ann Holt Nelson Dworack Meredith Long Foundation – Roger B. Richard & Janice Caloia Frances Dodge Family Fund Jane Iacobelli Betty Emmert Russell Losicki and Barbara R. Smith Jim Causley Buick-GMC, Inc. Sharon Duffy & Onorio Catenacci Independent Expressions LLC Elizabeth Fidler Margots European Day Spa The Kresge Foundation Crissman Lincoln Mercury, Inc. Bette Gomez Nadine Jakobowski Arthur & Joanne Griggs Barbara Markham The W.J. and Lillian Kemler Nancy Cross Donna Hall Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Francoise Harrod Mitchell’s Fish Market Foundation – Margaret K. Savage John R. Green Lois & Lloyd Harsh Kerry John Michele Lange Pine Trace Golf Club John F. & Julie Van Lennep Bruce & Chris Harris Hopkins Burns Design Studio George & Trudy Karas Kelly Lenda Tim Quinn Matilda R. Wilson Fund Charles & Tolina Hennighausen Patrick & Nadine Milostan John Lohmeier Leslie Littell Ristorante Lino James & Anne Howlett Michael Niemiec Paul Luurtsema Sheila Marin Charles & Dairdre McGlothlin Nino Salvaggio PEGASUS CIRCLE Richard & Sharon Koenig Dr. Susan Phelps Willaim Michaels International Market Place ($5,000 – $9,999) Deborah & Richard Lee Allen & Deborah Pyc Donald & Lila McMechan Tracy Mentier Laura Mutz Alice Siehda Jerry & Emilie Dancik John Mohr, Jr. Bradley Rush Jill Craig Miner Laura Raisch Ken Taylor Gary & Ann Laidlaw Lloyd & Maurcine Reuss Dr. Richard & Jan Somerlott Jeffery Salwach Denise Warren Frank & Kathy Rewold Stoney Creek Questers #203 Emajane Myers Lynn Oates Mildred Smith Weingartz Supply Company TIFFANY CIRCLE Michael Schuchard Deborah Syme Joanne & Jack Stroebel Wild Birds Unlimited Mary Sloan Janet Varner & Robert Goldsmith John & Rebecca Oetjens ($2,500 – $4,999) Phyllis Zerner David Vartanian Corrine Passarelli Dr. Ronald Sudol William & Story John Geoffrey Upward Williams Business Services Inc. Shih-Chen & Ruth Peng Charlene & Daniel Sutherby Mosaic Foundation of R & P Heydon Joann Polick Lisa Yarema THE GUILDERS OF MEADOW Daniel & Annie Williams OU–MSU Federal Credit Union Alton & Yvonne Rice Rudy Ziehl BROOK ($250 – $999) Larry & Debbie Wilson Larry & Kathryn Baber Women’s National HERITAGE SOCIETY (ESTATE GIFTS) Keith & Barbara Bennett Farm and Garden Association NEW IN 2011: John & Lynn Boehmer DEBRA K. AND WILLIAM J. SHEA
24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 25 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:03 AM Page 26
|Behind the Ropes
Housemen at the “red”y It’s a good bet that the people visi- tors see in red Meadow Brook shirts are the housemen and women who set up and tear down equipment for events, provide safety for guests and the Hall, clean, and provide assistance September 20, 2012 to virtually every department. Five of THE STUDENTS: Left to right: Eric Zimmerman, Billy Rogers, Dylan Hunt, these doing such yeoman work are cur- Nick Ventimiglia, Tom Fietko. rently students at Oakland University. Eric Zimmerman (Communications responds and adapts so that when a he explained. “The best things are the major) was originally hired as a gar- problem arises the guests never know.” history and the atmosphere.” Tom’s dener. It wasn’t long before he helped At Meadow Brook for a year, Nick main focus is security. “If there is a set up for a wedding, and sensing po- Ventimiglia (Nursing) likes the work- problem during an event, it’s my job to tential, facilities manager Nikki ing atmosphere. “It’s relaxed despite help calm everyone, get the situation Thomas offered him a houseman posi- the ridiculously busy schedule.” Nick’s under control and restore the balance tion. According to the two-year vet- favorite event is “Dinner and a Movie. to reassure the guests.” His favorite Meadow Brook Hall’s annual eran, his first surprise was the size of The crowd is easy-going, and we get room in The Hall? “Alfred Wilson’s the building. “It looks big from the to sneak a peek at the film being bedroom. It has a hidden staircase and Wild Game Dinner and Auction outside, but once I explored the inside, shown.” a cool multi-head shower.” I realized how much bigger and more The newest student to join the staff As Matilda Wilson no doubt would extravagant it really is,” Eric admitted. is Tom Fietko (Sociology). “I discov- have noted, many hands make light to benefit the preservation “I get to see places most people don’t. ered the Hall when I was a freshman,” work. – Lisa Drummond One of my favorites is the 4th-floor of The Hall balcony.” “When the weddings are outside we THE PROS interact more with the guests because Meadow Brook’s full-time veteran housemen, Ken we’re a bit more visible,” houseman Booker and Roderick Amos, echoed the students’ assess- Tickets on Sale Now! Billy Rogers (Exercise Science) ex- ment of Meadow Brook’s positive, cooperative working plained. “It’s amazing to see how environment. “We look out for each other, communicate Call (248) 364-6263 weddings keep getting more and more and help each other, and do little things for each other,” elaborate. Like the Indian wedding Ken says. He especially enjoys the teaching aspect of train- last year where the groom arrived on a ing the student housemen. “School work comes first,” Roderick Amos baby elephant.” Ken asserts. “But when they’re here, I try to What Dylan Hunt (Business Ac- explain things so they understand, so they can do the job. counting) likes most about working at Because when we work together, it makes all our jobs easier.’ Meadow Brook is “…meeting new “This is a good opportunity for students to learn something guests. Every event is different,” he other than the field they are studying,” Roderick Amos adds. said. “At one wedding the officiate “Physical work isn’t for everyone. And it isn’t as easy as some was 30 minutes late. When the organist people might think it would be.” His favorite time of year is started running out of songs to play, wedding season. “I love the set-up part. And I take pride in the decision was made to start the my work. That’s something the students need to see.” cocktail hour, so the guests wouldn’t Roderick Amos has worked at Meadow Brook since 2002;
realize anything was wrong. I’m Ken Booker Kenyatte Booker since 2003. – L.D. MB always impressed how quickly the staff meadowbrookhall.org 26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:03 AM Page 26
|Behind the Ropes
Housemen at the “red”y It’s a good bet that the people visi- tors see in red Meadow Brook shirts are the housemen and women who set up and tear down equipment for events, provide safety for guests and the Hall, clean, and provide assistance September 20, 2012 to virtually every department. Five of THE STUDENTS: Left to right: Eric Zimmerman, Billy Rogers, Dylan Hunt, these doing such yeoman work are cur- Nick Ventimiglia, Tom Fietko. rently students at Oakland University. Eric Zimmerman (Communications responds and adapts so that when a he explained. “The best things are the major) was originally hired as a gar- problem arises the guests never know.” history and the atmosphere.” Tom’s dener. It wasn’t long before he helped At Meadow Brook for a year, Nick main focus is security. “If there is a set up for a wedding, and sensing po- Ventimiglia (Nursing) likes the work- problem during an event, it’s my job to tential, facilities manager Nikki ing atmosphere. “It’s relaxed despite help calm everyone, get the situation Thomas offered him a houseman posi- the ridiculously busy schedule.” Nick’s under control and restore the balance tion. According to the two-year vet- favorite event is “Dinner and a Movie. to reassure the guests.” His favorite Meadow Brook Hall’s annual eran, his first surprise was the size of The crowd is easy-going, and we get room in The Hall? “Alfred Wilson’s the building. “It looks big from the to sneak a peek at the film being bedroom. It has a hidden staircase and Wild Game Dinner and Auction outside, but once I explored the inside, shown.” a cool multi-head shower.” I realized how much bigger and more The newest student to join the staff As Matilda Wilson no doubt would extravagant it really is,” Eric admitted. is Tom Fietko (Sociology). “I discov- have noted, many hands make light to benefit the preservation “I get to see places most people don’t. ered the Hall when I was a freshman,” work. – Lisa Drummond One of my favorites is the 4th-floor of The Hall balcony.” “When the weddings are outside we THE PROS interact more with the guests because Meadow Brook’s full-time veteran housemen, Ken we’re a bit more visible,” houseman Booker and Roderick Amos, echoed the students’ assess- Tickets on Sale Now! Billy Rogers (Exercise Science) ex- ment of Meadow Brook’s positive, cooperative working plained. “It’s amazing to see how environment. “We look out for each other, communicate Call (248) 364-6263 weddings keep getting more and more and help each other, and do little things for each other,” elaborate. Like the Indian wedding Ken says. He especially enjoys the teaching aspect of train- last year where the groom arrived on a ing the student housemen. “School work comes first,” Roderick Amos baby elephant.” Ken asserts. “But when they’re here, I try to What Dylan Hunt (Business Ac- explain things so they understand, so they can do the job. counting) likes most about working at Because when we work together, it makes all our jobs easier.’ Meadow Brook is “…meeting new “This is a good opportunity for students to learn something guests. Every event is different,” he other than the field they are studying,” Roderick Amos adds. said. “At one wedding the officiate “Physical work isn’t for everyone. And it isn’t as easy as some was 30 minutes late. When the organist people might think it would be.” His favorite time of year is started running out of songs to play, wedding season. “I love the set-up part. And I take pride in the decision was made to start the my work. That’s something the students need to see.” cocktail hour, so the guests wouldn’t Roderick Amos has worked at Meadow Brook since 2002;
realize anything was wrong. I’m Ken Booker Kenyatte Booker since 2003. – L.D. MB always impressed how quickly the staff meadowbrookhall.org 26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 |Last Page
Exhibit dates: May 29, 2012 through September 2, 2012
No additional charge Hats off for touring guests to Meadow Brook Theresa Finck Photography In the 1920s it was the “cloche” and the “toque” that were all the rage. Just as the “snood” made a fashionable comeback in the ‘30s, it was the “pillbox” that was the fad of the ‘40s. And, although the ‘50s revived the trusty “turban,” it was the precar- iously perched feathered "fascinator" that took center stage, once again, in the 1960s. IMELESS F LEGANT F ERFECT These stylish headdresses appropriately named for their form and often embellished T E P with ribbons, feathers, jewels and flowers, are well represented in Meadow Brook Hall’s costume collection – a collection that includes some 75 hats and accessories worn by Matilda Dodge Wilson throughout her 60 hat-wearing years. This summer, The Hall will “unveil” The Architecture of the Hat, with the assis- tance of Southfield based milliner, Luke Song, who gained international attention for his felt bow hat worn by Aretha Franklin during her performance at President Obama’s inauguration. The exhibit is partially funded through a grant from The Village Woman’s Club Foundation of Bloomfield Hills; a charitable organization that Matilda Wilson was
affiliated with for many years. MB
www.meadowbrookhall.org 28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:03 AM Page 28 |Last Page
Exhibit dates: May 29, 2012 through September 2, 2012
No additional charge Hats off for touring guests to Meadow Brook Theresa Finck Photography In the 1920s it was the “cloche” and the “toque” that were all the rage. Just as the “snood” made a fashionable comeback in the ‘30s, it was the “pillbox” that was the fad of the ‘40s. And, although the ‘50s revived the trusty “turban,” it was the precar- iously perched feathered "fascinator" that took center stage, once again, in the 1960s. IMELESS F LEGANT F ERFECT These stylish headdresses appropriately named for their form and often embellished T E P with ribbons, feathers, jewels and flowers, are well represented in Meadow Brook Hall’s costume collection – a collection that includes some 75 hats and accessories worn by Matilda Dodge Wilson throughout her 60 hat-wearing years. This summer, The Hall will “unveil” The Architecture of the Hat, with the assis- tance of Southfield based milliner, Luke Song, who gained international attention for his felt bow hat worn by Aretha Franklin during her performance at President Obama’s inauguration. The exhibit is partially funded through a grant from The Village Woman’s Club Foundation of Bloomfield Hills; a charitable organization that Matilda Wilson was
affiliated with for many years. MB
www.meadowbrookhall.org 28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2012 A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK
RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:03 AM Page 28 RevisedSpring2012_Layout 1 5/24/12 10:01 AM Page 1
A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK SPRING 2012
480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeadowBrook
Michigan’s Newest SALE! OWN A PIECE OF THE LANDMARK National Special to readers of Meadow Brook Be part of this year’s Tudor Revival theme and celebration of Meadow Brook’s Historic Magazine: National Historic Landmark designation with merchandise from The Hall’s own Landmark 25% off the Museum Store. The Store offers a number of items displaying the house and architectural series: its architecture, several pictured on this page. Stop by or shop online at: Mention this ad to meadowbrookhall.org (click on the “Shop” button) or call 248-364-6206. get the discount. Gift certificates are available. Sale good through Labor Day (in-store purchase only).
Watercolor print and matching note cards. Print 17"x11" (reg. $9.95, on sale for $7.45). Note cards, set of 8, 6-1/4" x 4-1/2" (reg. $9.95, on sale for $7.45).
Prints of 6 of the 12 Zodiac stone corbels seen on the exterior of the Sun Porch by artist Ken Tote bag (reg. $9.95, on Taylor. (Leo pictured). 11"x14" (reg. $29.95 sale for $7.45). Postcards, each, on sale for $22.45). set of 6 (reg. $5.95, on sale for $4.45). INSIDE: Servants Rooms Restored| Inside the Vaults | Donor Report