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SPRING 2013

480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 Meado wBr ook

Museum Store – Robert Louis Stevenson

“WMeadoiwn Breoo ki is p lebasoedt tot laded d poetry .” ﬁve new private label wines to its Museum Store portfolio. All are produced and bottled for The Hall by Rose Valley Winery in Rose City, Michigan. Make sure you stop in to take home a bottle of each. We also carry a full line of creative accessories, a few of which are featured here.

LIGHT BLACKBERRY WINE /$16.95/$15.25 MEMBERS Washington State blackberries. Smooth, sweet and delicious.

MICHIGAN APPLE WINE /$10.95/$9.85 MEMBERS 100% Michigan-grown apples. Semi-dry and very fruity.

RUBY CASK PORT /$30.95/$27.85 MEMBERS Five varieties of Michigan-grown cold hearty hybrid grapes. Aged in oak for two years.

BRIANNA WHITE TABLE WINE /$14.95/$13.45 MEMBERS 100% Brianna grapes. Semi-dry with strong citrus notes and a smooth apricot ﬁnish.

CABERNET FRANC /$15.95/$14.35 MEMBERS Spicy and fruity with subtle oak. Pairs nicely with hearty dishes such as beef and venison. Dressed BOTTLE COASTER (SILVER -PLATED BRASS )/ ASSORTED STYLES /$23.95/$21.55 MEMBERS CORKSCREW DESIGN FABRIC NAPKINS IN POUCH , SET 6/$13.95/$12.55 MEMBERS for Success ANTIQUE CORKSCREW (SILVER -PLATED BRASS )/ ASSORTED STYLES /$34.95/$31.45 MEMBERS

MEADOW BROOK MEMBERS SAVE 10%

To purchase Meadow Brook wine, visit the Museum Store or call (248) 364-6206. INSIDE: Master of The Manor | Danny’s Cabin on the Move | Donor Report |Contents

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2| Editor’s Column 9 | On the move Gentleman farmer Danny Dodge’s 1926/1937 log cabin and workshop and a late 1940s sheep barn ﬁnd new homes on the Meadow Brook 4| Around the Estate property. Hall wins state grant +HOSLQJPHPEHUV IXOÀOO WKHLU Upstairs, downstairs 12 | Dressed for success Hall appoints new curator From a young working woman to matron of Meadow Brook, GUHDPVZLWK JUHDW SURGXFWV The Belles of Meadow Brook Matilda Wilson stylishly sported the fashion trends of Simply the BEST tumultuous times in America. DQGPHPEHU VHUYLFH Men on a mission Summer’s Sizzlin’ 18 | Master of the manor World’s Greatest feted t-PXDPTU "VUP -PBOT Alfred Wilson, a quiet, unassuming husband, stepfather and t4BWJOHT 0QUJPOT father, worked hand-in-hand with Matilda Dodge Wilson to t'3&& 0OMJOF BOE .PCJMF #BOLJOH t'3&& 55PPUBMMZ (SFFO $IFDLJOH 28| Last Page build a family life . . . and the Meadow Brook legacy. t4VSDIBSHF'3&& ""55. BDDFTT What a send-off! t-PX3BUF 7JTB $SFEJU $BSET 22 | Royal ﬂush t)PNF &RVJUZ -PBOT BC |Museum Store t.PSUHBHFT Indoor bathrooms were rare in 1920s America, but Meadow Wine is bottled poetry Brook’s spaces are even today models of design and functionality. 26 | Report to donors /PUB NFNCFS 5IFSFBSF NBOZXBZTUP KPJO$POUBDUVT UPEBZ Friends, Guilders, Cornerstone and Heritage Society members build a strong base of support for Meadow Brook.

On the Cover: Matilda Wilson would have made quite a statement in this cream wool day dress with collar of em - 'JWF 1PJOUT %SJWF broidered chiffon and lace and mother-of-pearl buttons, designed by Peggy Hoyt, c. 1924. The "VCVSO)JMMT .* hat featured a wide brim with elaborate crown of white chiffon ﬂowers and leaves, designed by Crocker, c. 1920. The off-white wool day coat with stand-up collar of white fox was also designed by Peggy Hoyt, c. 1927. Photo by Rick Smith, styling by Debra Lashbrook

'FEFSBMMZJOTVSFE CZUIF /$6" t 06$6 t XXXNTVGDVPSH |Contents

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'FEFSBMMZJOTVSFE CZUIF /$6" t 06$6 t XXXNTVGDVPSH Meado wBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher The good old days... Geoffrey C. Upward Gentleman Associate Editor Kimberly Zelinski Farmer ______As we work with our archival re - Art Direction sources on various communications Lynn Metzker projects, it has been apparent for some Graphic Design ______time that we know far less about Alfred Photography than Matilda Wilson. And, because of Rick Smith the dearth of published resources and ______possibly due in part to his reserved per - Contributing Writers sonality, he gets less credit than his Lisa Drummond more celebrated wife for all things Shannon O’Berski Meadow Brook. ______We hope Alfred emerges from Business Manager Matilda’s shadow to some extent with Robin Gardner the publication of the article that be - gins on page 18. It speaks of the many

MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE roles of an “old-fashioned” gentleman is published twice a year for who in middle age married into incred - friends of Meadow Brook Hall. ible wealth and, along with it, became Reproduction without permission not only a husband but a stepfather is prohibited. ISSN 2161-2358 and ultimately a father and grandfather in his own right. EDITORIAL OFFICES Richard Wilson, Alfred Wilson and Frances The writer, Karel Bond Lucander, are located at Meadow Brook Hall Dodge, c.1932. 480 S. Adams Road deftly filled in the blanks from pub - Rochester, MI 48309-4401 lished accounts of his life with insight and recollections from family members. Alfred clearly played a major part in the building and operation of Meadow Brook Hall HOW TO REACH US and Farms, even if often in a Email: [email protected] supporting role to a strong Phone: 248-364-6204 “H E WAS A SUPER FATHER AND WE Fax: 248-364-6201 woman, but a woman he HAD LOVE AND RESPECT FOR HIM . adored. And, just as clearly, he ADDRESS CHANGES was a father figure to four Email: [email protected] WE DIDN ’T WANT TO DO ANYTHING TO Mail: Kelly Lenda young people, a role he han - Meadow Brook Hall DISAPPOINT HIM . H E WAS A GOOD ROLE dled commendably in an era 480 S. Adams Road MODEL .” – Barbara Wilson Eccles when children of the wealthy Rochester, MI 48309-4401 were typically raised by staff and boarding schools. MEADOW BROOK Alfred’s story is joined in this issue by articles on the recent move of his stepson Danny Dodge’s cabin down to the Meadow Brook property and a retrospective on ONE OF AMERICA ’S GREATEST his wife’s decades of fashion. Given the number of outfits Matilda must have worn ESTATE HOMES , AN ICON OF THE during their marriage, one can only imagine how many times he must have carefully AUTOMOTIVE ARISTOCRACY , AND said, “Dearie, you look wonderful in that dress.” A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK The former home of Alfred and . Matilda Dodge Wilson, founders of are ba ck Join the Friends of Meadow Brook and experience the best of Oakland University, Meadow Brook Hall is located on Oakland’s 1,400-acre campus. Americana. Check out all of our membership benefits and activities at The self-supporting auxiliary of the univer - sity serves as an internationally renowned historic house museum and cultural center. meadowbrookhall.org Meado wBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

Hall wins state grant ON EXHIBIT :

Meadow Brook has been awarded a this country estate Volunteer support from The Belles of The Hall grant of $18,000 from the State of of the automotive the community includes Michigan Council for Arts and Cul - aristocracy,” said more than 300 individuals tural Affairs (MCACA). The grant was Geoff Upward, ex - who work as tour guides, awarded through the MCACA peer re - ecutive director of curatorial assistants, hosts view process and was one of 401 appli - Meadow Brook and hostesses, salespeople, cations to compete for fiscal year Hall. “So this grant landscaping and mainte - 2013 funding. is much needed and appreciated.” nance assistants and garden club The grant dollars will directly sup - Organizations receiving a MCACA members. port operational grant award are required The MCACA peer review process needs for The Hall’s to match those funds with allows for each grant application to be curatorial endeavors, other public and private competitively considered by a panel of including exhibition dollars. Local support of in-state and out-of-state arts and cul - materials and stu - the project included a ture professionals. This ensures the tax - dent internships. matching grant from The payers, who support this project “As stewards of Matilda R. Wilson Fund, a through legislative appropriations, and this independent foundation established by all other visitors or residents in Michi - auxiliary of Oakland Meadow Brook and Oak - gan will have access to the highest Madelyn Rzadkowolski University, and the fourth largest his - land University founder Matilda quality arts and cultural experiences. Ever wonder why the bride tosses her wedding bouquet to her bridesmaids? toric house museum in the United Dodge Wilson in the 1940s. A complete list of grant awards Or why we call the trip the newly married couple takes after they exchange States, we need to raise significant dol - Meadow Brook also receives signifi - around the state is available through Hall appoints vows a honeymoon? Those are just some of the traditions and myths of the lars to be able to present informative cant private financial support annually the MCACA website at www.michi - 20th century explored in Meadow Brook’s exhibit, “The Belles of Meadow and educational youth and adult pro - from hundreds of individuals as well ganadvantage.org/arts. new curator Brook Hall.” gramming that interprets the impact of as corporations and foundations. This past February, Madelyn Rzad - kowolski was appointed The Hall’s The exhibit takes a look at wedding traditions through the lens of the new Curator, replacing Meredith Dodge-Wilson family collection. Pictures, clothing and family artifacts are on Long, who had served in that capacity display, including the magnificent ice blue satin wedding dress Frances Dodge Upstairs, since 2009. Madelyn began her tenure wore in 1938, a tuxedo worn by Danny Dodge and historic images from his at The Hall in 2009 as a curatorial as - honeymoon, and Matilda Dodge Wilson’s teal taffeta mother-of-the-bride downstairs sistant and in 2010 joined the market - dress which she wore to Barbara Wilson’s wedding in 1953. Photographs from Matilda’s marriage to Alfred Wilson in 1925 include a photo of her beautiful At the relatively young age of 43, ing department as the Programs Coordinator, responsible for special wedding ring. This special exhibit, which runs through Matilda and Alfred Wilson had the May, is included in the price of a regular house tour. foresight to include two elevators in events, youth programming and volun - the design of their new home, Meadow Brook Hall. Whether they anticipated teer coordination. that the grand staircase would not be so “grand” to climb in their approaching Before coming to Meadow Brook, Simply the Best golden years, or the modern elevator was just the latest luxury to be installed in Madelyn worked in a variety of posi - large manor homes, their initial investment of $16,000 served the family well. tions at the DePree Art Center in Hol - Meadow Brook Hall has been selected as a 2013 winner But as machinery goes, even the best-built in its day will eventually need repair land, Michigan, the Carpenters in “The Knot Best of Weddings,” which will be featured on or even overhaul. This is especially true for the two elevators, now approaching Workshop Gallery in London, Eng - TheKnot.com, one of the top online wedding planning des - 84 years of age. Late last fall, The Hall began the major project to repair mechani - land, and the Northeast Oakland tinations for brides. The honor is especially meaningful be - cal systems and restore original cab woodwork, doors and call buttons. Historical Museum. She and Meredith cause the selection was made by local brides. co-authored the Images of America Visitors and catering staff will use the service elevator at the back of the house “AMAZING! This place is just breathtaking! I used in - while the passenger cab in the master section of the house (pictured) is out of history, Rochester and Rochester Hills in 2011. Madelyn holds a Bachelor of side the house for the ceremony and the outside tent for the recep - commission in June and July. Work on the freight elevator will commence this tion. The home is so historic and very Romantic! You really get what you pay fall, with an expected completion in winter 2014. Arts degree in Art History from Hope College. for here. First Class.”

4 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 5 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

Hall wins state grant ON EXHIBIT :

4 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 5 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Summer’s Sizzlin’ at The Hall

Squires: Men JAZZ IN THE GARDEN BEHIND -THE -S CENES TOUR Be sure to join us this summer Just when you think you’ve seen it on a Mission for our popular Jazz in the Garden all. Back by popular demand, the concert series. Guests will listen to live Behind-the-Scenes tour will be avail - Tool boxes at the ready, the Meadow cool jazz while experiencing the am - able during our summer tour schedule. Brook Hall Squires are a group of men biance of The Great Estate. Sip some Explore rarely seen areas of the home who contribute their time to assist in wine and have some eats while enjoy - on this extended tour, which includes Dodge) and the newly opened the preservation of The Hall and ing the jazz vibe. This summer’s staff wings, bathrooms, closets & play - Danny Dodge’s Log Cabin. Learn grounds and to support The Hall for line-up welcomes back an MBH rooms. Tours are offered Saturday the history of Meadow Brook’s special events and fund raising. Made favorite, George “Sax” Benson, who and Sunday at 12 p.m. & 1:30 p.m. landscape and see all fourteen of the up of 30-plus volunteers from diverse performs June 20. Coming July 18 is Reservations are not required. The beautifully manicured gardens. This backgrounds, this essential group helps the Oakland University Jazz quartet tour begins May 28 and runs through new tour will be offered daily at with maintenance, small repairs, gar - and closing the series, and performing October. 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. Reservations dening, tours, social functions, holiday at The Hall for the first time, will be are not required. The tour begins ESTATE WALKING TOUR decorating and much more. Sheila Landis on August 22. May 28 and runs through October. NEW! This summer come and expe - According to Squires president, John Tickets are $30 per person and in - rience our new Estate Walking Tour. For more information or to Lohmeier, while their ongoing list of Back row, left to right: Rich Parker, John Lohmeier, Bill Cichowski. Front row: Ron clude hors d’oeuvres and a main floor This guided tour will take you around make a reservation for a Meadow jobs is lengthy, one of their current Lunney, Randy Walker. tour. A cash bar is available and reser - the Estate gardens and grounds, past Brook Hall special event, visit projects is “…restoring the break room vations are required. The concerts numerous outbuildings and into Knole www.meadowbrookhall.org or which was the original laundry room ing and repainting the walls to return the legacy of The Hall and often begin at 7 p.m. and run until 10 p.m. for the estate.” Work has already begun, them close to their original condition. visit other historic sites throughout Cottage (the playhouse of Frances call (248) 364-6263. removing some storage closets that However, the Squires aren’t just a Michigan for education and inspira - SUMMER TOURING were added over the years, and repair - workforce. They contribute much to tion. –Lisa Drummond Summer tours begin May 28 and run through September 1. Tours are offered Monday through Sunday at World’s Greatest feted ST HONEY-DO LI 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. dozens of projects the Wing Commander, the Here’s a partial list of the and 2:30 p.m. Reservations are not greatly benefitted Squires completed in 2012, which chestnut American Saddlebred nance efforts: required. The Hall’s preservation and mainte foaled at Meadow Brook’s DECADES OF DRESSES EXHIBIT Dodge Stables in 1943, be - aired interior doors and locks • Rep A major special exhibit and tour of the came arguably the greatest aterials for • Constructed display m Meadow Brook Hall fashion collection show horse of all time . . . of bits curatorial exhi opens May 28 and runs through Sep - any breed. ttage • Re-set patio stones at Knole Co tember 1, 2013. Meadow Brook was the • Cleaned gutters fortunate setting in March all event TWILIGHT TUESDAYS Served as hosts for the Hug-the-H for Wing Commander’s 70th • If Jazz music isn’t your thing, then p the flag deck birthday celebration, spon - • Maintained the American flag ato be sure to visit The Hall for our Twi - sored by The American all’s stained-glass windows • Cleaned The H light Tuesdays evening tour. Guests Saddlebred Association of n Family Garage • Painted and plastered restroom i will experience a self-guided house Michigan. Dignitaries from around the country attended, including several mem - nd tour and enjoy music on Meadow • Cleaned up the entrance woodla bers of the Dodge family. Brook’s beautiful Loggia Terrace. Beginning in 1948, Wing Commander, bred and owned by Frances Dodge • Constructed chair rail protectors Wine will be available to purchase by and trained and ridden by Earl Teater, won six consecutive Five-Gaited World • Painted exterior sign frames the glass. Tickets are $10 per person. Grand Championships, the first of only two horses to do so. He retired to stud tion system • Repaired irriga Twilight Tuesdays will be June 18, July service at Frances Dodge Van Lennep’s Castleton Farms operation in Lexington, Frank Lawrence 23 and August 27 from 6-9 p.m. Kentucky, and became the most successful breeding stallion of all time. MB Reservations are not required.

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 7 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT Summer’s Sizzlin’ at The Hall

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 7 SAVE THE DATE SEPTEMBER 1 9, 2 01 3

TICKETS & TABLE SPONSORSHIPS NOW ON SALE!

MEADOW BROOK’S 8TH ANNUAL

TICKETS & TABLE SPONSORSHIPS NOW ON SALE!

MEADOW BROOK’S 8TH ANNUAL

gour met Fred Christian, owner, WILD GAM E C & A Building Movers with DINNER Danny’s Cabin. On the mov e Your evening will include tours of The Hall, live and On a cold wintery day in January, with tempera - silent auctions, cocktail & tures hovering in single digits, a moving truck hors d’oeuvre reception, towed Danny Dodge’s historic cabin to its new a four-course gourmet home in the woods adjacent to Meadow Brook wild or mild game dinner Hall. Despite the cold, the day-long move – in two and more. trips, one for each section of the structure – could not have gone smoother. As with any conservation and preservation CALL (248) 364-6263 OR VISIT MEADOWBROOKHALL.ORG project, however, the move was preceded by months ALL PROCEEDS SUPPORT THE PRESERVATION OF Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 9 THIS NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK Barn raisin’ Two months after Danny’s Cabin rolled over hill and field to the Meadow Brook woodlands, D & B House Movers of Monroe, Michigan, hoisted a 1940s sheep barn from the northwest corner of the university’s campus and trucked it down Meadow Brook Road, Sunset Lane and Mansion Road to its new location on a rolling meadow adjacent to Meadow Brook’s main visitor lot. Originally a sheep shed located on the Cook Farm, which had been pur - chased by Matilda Dodge in 1924 as she expanded Meadow Brook Farms, a new barn was built on the site by the Wilsons in the late 1940s/early 1950s. As the university grew, the barn over time was surrounded by a student park - ing lot and adaptively reused for residence hall storage. With construction on new campus housing beginning this spring, the barn was no longer needed by the residence halls. Once installed on its new site, the barn will be repainted to match the former Wilson Stable and Riding Ring (now the home of OU Inc. and OU School of Engineering researchers). Meadow Brook will use the building for grounds and gardens storage, freeing up space in months of planning and prep work. The cabin now joins Frances tors Frank Rewold & Sons Construc - Above: Danny’s Cabin was moved in the former Visitors Garage With the opening of the university’s Dodge’s Knole Cottage, also built in tion (Rochester), building movers two sections on January 17 from OU’s for interpretive program - new Sharf Clubhouse in June 2012, 1926 and later moved by the Wilsons C&A Movers (Berville), OU’s depart - golf course to its new location west of The ming, and include it on the cabin was no longer needed as a from the hill near the original Meadow ment of Facilities Management and Hall (pictured below). Right: The Sheep the walking tour. golf course concession facility (its use Brook farmhouse to its current loca - Hall staff. Barn makes its way from OU’s main In addition to D&B, since the mid-1970s), and the building tion in the woodlands just west of the Now that it is onsite, work has com - campus on March 23 to its new location the moving project team was closed, with the plan to move it entrance drive. menced to restore the cabin to its orig - east of The Hall’s Entrance Drive. included Biernat & Associ - down to The Hall property for restora - The project team included preserva - inal design and function, including a ates-Architects (Northville), tion and interpretation. tion architects HopkinsBurns Design new roof, restored lighting scheme, “propping out” the spaces with origi - Kasco Construction Serv - Last fall the cabin was separated into Studio (Ann Arbor), general contrac - restoration of flooring and paneling, nal and period furnishings and artifacts, ices (Royal Oak), OU’s two pieces – the and likely the addition of a Dodge department of Facilities smaller “cabin” sec - automobile for workshop display Management and Hall tion built in 1926 (Danny Dodge worked on cars in staff. MB (before Meadow the workshop). Brook Hall itself was Once completed, the built) and the larger cabin will serve as a site addition, a “work - for youth education shop” built in 1937 – programs, such as Boy and placed on support Scout and Girl Scout beams while utilities programs, summer were disconnected. camps and special Significant care was events. The cabin will taken with the field - also be included in stone chimney to The Hall’s new brace it for the up - estate/grounds tour coming move. A span that will launch in the of bitterly cold days coming months. ensured that the route over the lawns and fairways would be frozen solid.

10 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 11 DR ES SED for Succes s BY KIM ZELINSKI In the s pan of her lifetime, from the turn-of-the-century to

mid-century, Matilda Dodge Wil - Clockwise: Paper fan, c. 1900; Evening gown, c.1913; Harry Collins son’s petite silhouette would con - evening gown, c.1913 and blouse and skirt ensemble, c.1910; umbrella han - form to six decades of American dle with “MR” monogram, c.1905. fashion raves and rebellions in an ever-changing system greatly in - The Age of Opulence fluenced by social, political and 1900-1913 economic conditions. Matilda’s As a young American woman at the turn of the cen - tury (she was born in 1883), Matilda Rausch’s initia - fashion history, documented in tion into fashion conformity paralleled the arrival of the “modern” woman: educated, physically active and numerous photos and original independent, and beautiful. These years also saw lavish costumes, represents a visual fashion and the peak of luxury living, especially for the very rich. pageant of luxury, sophistication, During this time, Matilda’s station in life progressed from middle-class “pink-collared” worker to the simple elegance and subtle wealthy “class of leisure” when she married auto sup - plier John Dodge in 1907. As a newcomer to the assertion of status. upper strata of Detroit society, Matilda learned the in - tricacies of fashion etiquette. A daily routine could in - clude up to four changes of clothing. From tea gown to evening dress, these were laborious tasks that re - Photos by Rick Smith, styling by Debra Lashbrook quired the assistance of a lady’s maid to maneuver the multiple layers of undergarments, including the tightly laced “S” bend corset.

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 13 Matilda Dodge, c. 1912 DR ES SED for Succes s BY KIM ZELINSKI In the s pan of her lifetime, from the turn-of-the-century to

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 13 Matilda Dodge, c. 1912 Flappers and Jazz 1914-1929 No other fashion era would display such a varia - tion in women’s styles as the years 1914 to 1929. While the headlines of the period included war, Prohibition, jazz and the Art-Deco movement, these 15 years for Matilda represented the gamut of tragedy and joy. Her wardrobe depicted soci - ety’s extremes between mourning attire and hem - The Glamour Years lines that inched higher and waistlines that inched 1930-1938 lower. While staying in France in 1923, Matilda In sharp contrast to the indulgences of the Roaring acquired the latest designs of Paris haute couture, Twenties, the Great Depression reflected leaner times and including the era’s most iconic style, the flapper fashion styles adjusted. The curvy silhouette was back, dress. and just as Dow-Jones stock values dropped, so too did women’s hemlines. New styles reflected a subtle elegance and “womanly” look. Clothes were feminine and tidy by day, with a return to real glamour at night. The years be - tween 1929 and 1938 were the peak of social entertain - ing for Matilda and her daughter, Frances Dodge. The beautiful gowns worn during Meadow Brook’s house - warming party, Frances’ debutante ball, weddings and evenings at the theatre were custom-made in the finest of fabrics and showcased the latest trends of the decade.

Clockwise from above: Evening gown, c. 1924; ostrich feather fan, c. 1920; gold shoes, c. 1926; Paul Poiret day dress, c. 1924. Opposite page, clockwise: Evening purse, c. 1930; evening gowns, c. 1932-1936; Frances Dodge debut, 1933.

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 15 Flappers and Jazz 1914-1929 No other fashion era would display such a varia - tion in women’s styles as the years 1914 to 1929. While the headlines of the period included war, Prohibition, jazz and the Art-Deco movement, these 15 years for Matilda represented the gamut of tragedy and joy. Her wardrobe depicted soci - ety’s extremes between mourning attire and hem - The Glamour Years lines that inched higher and waistlines that inched 1930-1938 lower. While staying in France in 1923, Matilda In sharp contrast to the indulgences of the Roaring acquired the latest designs of Paris haute couture, Twenties, the Great Depression reflected leaner times and including the era’s most iconic style, the flapper fashion styles adjusted. The curvy silhouette was back, dress. and just as Dow-Jones stock values dropped, so too did women’s hemlines. New styles reflected a subtle elegance and “womanly” look. Clothes were feminine and tidy by day, with a return to real glamour at night. The years be - tween 1929 and 1938 were the peak of social entertain - ing for Matilda and her daughter, Frances Dodge. The beautiful gowns worn during Meadow Brook’s house - warming party, Frances’ debutante ball, weddings and evenings at the theatre were custom-made in the finest of fabrics and showcased the latest trends of the decade.

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 15 Matron Meets Mod 1950-1967 In the last two decades of Matilda’s life, a progressive change in American fashion and lifestyle came rushing in. While styles in the post-war decade emphasized Fashion Rations fragile femininity in the form of soft shoulders, full, bil - 1939-1949 lowing skirts and little hats with veils and feathers, the late ’60s depicted cutting edge styles such as hot pants The hallmarks of 1940s fashion were por - and go-go boots, ushering in a second wave of the trayals of the effect World War II had on “modern” woman. History had come full circle. everyday life. Women dressed down in this Matilda Wilson balanced her traditional role of society time of shortages and rationing and slogans matron with that of her new role as “godmother” to like “make do and mend” were prominent. students of a u niversity. She kept company with both The new silhouette included narrow hips, generations in a variety of social activities such as padded shoulders and all modes of hats. lunches, teas and balls. And, although she maintained Matilda wore this “New Look,” as it was the appropriate fashion etiquette for a woman of her dubbed, during the business week, a practi - age, she was always keen to the latest styles. cal choice for those daily trips to her Detroit ofﬁce. Day dresses and two-piece suits were essential wardrobe selections.

“Choose with taste what is suitable to your mood, what is most appropriate for your In a single lifetime, there is reasonable certainty that character, for a gown like a today’s woman will never experience the dramatic change in faithful portrait reflects a state fashion styles as Matilda Wilson’s generation did. From the conservative ankle length hobble skirt of the early 1900s to of mind, and there are gowns the thigh-high mini-skirt of the 1960s, she witnessed the full range. Although her fashion anthology appears to be an undu - that sing of the joy of living lating graph of rising and falling necklines, waistlines and hemlines, Matilda’s true achievement was her sublime ﬂair for and others that are fashion and belief in the possibility that beautiful clothes can harbingers of tragedy .” enhance the charm of the woman who wears them. MB – Paul Poiret (1879-1944) Clockwise from above left: Peggy Hoyt day dress with satin shoes and hat, c. 1935; beaded purse, c. 1940; Peggy Hoyt day dress, c. 1939; evening gowns, c. 1940. Don’t miss . . . Opposite page, upper right: Evening gown, c. 1960; “Decades of Dresses,” a major special exhibit and tour of middle, ﬂoral day hat, c. 1950; lower left, evening the Meadow Brook Hall fashion collection, opening May gown, c.1945. 28 and running through September 1, 2013.

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 17 Matron Meets Mod 1950-1967 In the last two decades of Matilda’s life, a progressive change in American fashion and lifestyle came rushing in. While styles in the post-war decade emphasized Fashion Rations fragile femininity in the form of soft shoulders, full, bil - 1939-1949 lowing skirts and little hats with veils and feathers, the late ’60s depicted cutting edge styles such as hot pants The hallmarks of 1940s fashion were por - and go-go boots, ushering in a second wave of the trayals of the effect World War II had on “modern” woman. History had come full circle. everyday life. Women dressed down in this Matilda Wilson balanced her traditional role of society time of shortages and rationing and slogans matron with that of her new role as “godmother” to like “make do and mend” were prominent. students of a u niversity. She kept company with both The new silhouette included narrow hips, generations in a variety of social activities such as padded shoulders and all modes of hats. lunches, teas and balls. And, although she maintained Matilda wore this “New Look,” as it was the appropriate fashion etiquette for a woman of her dubbed, during the business week, a practi - age, she was always keen to the latest styles. cal choice for those daily trips to her Detroit ofﬁce. Day dresses and two-piece suits were essential wardrobe selections.

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 17 become active in sports and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. After graduation in 1906, he entered the lumber busi - ness. In 1919, he moved to Detroit with his brother Donald and formed the Wilson Lumber Company. The business first served as a wholesale distributor of lumber, but eventually began manufacturing operations, with sawmills in Perry, Fla., and Fort M ASTER OF T HE M ANOR Wayne, Ind. The brothers made a small fortune during the tag end of the BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER building boom in the 1920s. And now that his business was thriv - ing, Alfred could turn his attention to Alfred Wilson, c. 1926 fter scraping clumps of earth from his boots, Alfred personal matters. Wilson dusts off his Tattersall jacket, opens the Known for his gentlemanly manners in the Alps,” he said in a June 29, Adoor, and ducks slightly as he steps through the and tall, debonair appearance, Alfred 1925, Detroit News clipping. back entrance to his home. Making the rounds Wilson was considered one of the most When they returned from their to check on his Hampshire hogs and prize cattle and sheep handsome bachelors in Detroit. By the honeymoon, they lived in a farm - was commonplace for this master of Meadow Brook. Unlike early ’20s, having never been married, house on their property in Rochester. many of his social-strata contemporaries, he put in a good he seemed like an impossible catch. There, in 1926, they began building day’s work, whether it was around the farm or at his office But he caught the attention of Matilda their 110-room, 88,000-square-foot in Detroit’s Fisher Building. Dodge, who had been widowed when Tudor Revival-style residence, It wasn’t that he needed the income, but Alfred Gaston John Dodge died in 1920. They met at Meadow Brook Hall, which would Wilson was more determined than ever to continue being the First Presbyterian Church, where eventually take three years and $4 productive after making Matilda R. Dodge his wife. When they both attended services. Alfred was million to complete. Both Wilsons Alfred married Matilda — the widow of John F. Dodge and a consoling influence when her took an active interest in the design a member of Detroit’s automotive aristocracy — the spot - youngest daughter, Anna and construction of The Hall; Alfred, light shone brightly on him. Matilda was a queen in the Margaret Dodge, died of in particular, contributed invaluable city’s celestial sphere and one of the world’s wealthiest the measles in 1924. insight into both exterior and inte - women. Though he was a successful businessman before Walking beside one an - rior wood selections, which were they wed, her celebrity would overshadow that. His station other, they must have so critical to the soundness and Top: summer picnic at the Farmhouse, was similar to that of Philip Mountbatten, who became the been quite the sight: livability of the building. Alfred with Frances Dodge; seated, husband of Queen Elizabeth II some two decades later. her demure 5-foot Along with constructing their Matilda Wilson and Danny Dodge, c. This was an era in which men were expected to completely figure next to his dream home, Alfred had some - 1926. Above: Alfred with Richard and embody the traits of caretaker and breadwinner. To become lanky 6-foot-3 frame. thing else on his mind: expanding Barbara Wilson, c. 1936; Left, Alfred, the husband of one of these powerful women would require After courting for a their family. c. 1906. someone self-assured and able to ignore the rumor-mongers short time, the two Though Matilda would miscarry AlfredWilson speculating about him marrying for privilege and comfort. decided to unite their lives shortly after they married, Alfred was becoming grandparents, Alfred em - a quiet, unassuming husband, He adored Matilda enough to endure the slings and arrows in holy matrimony. still hoping to have children with her. braced the opportunity to become a fa - of a closely examined domestic life — until death did him “I am very happy today, of course. Matilda was apprehensive. She was in ther, regardless of his age. When he stepfather and father, worked part. Alfred, it seems, knew what he was getting into, and It is one of the supreme days in any her early 40s now and already a step - wasn’t working, Richard and Barbara he was up to the challenge. man’s life, his wedding day. I seem to mother to John Dodge’s children from have fond memories of him taking hand-in-hand with Matilda Yet Alfred’s penchant for proving himself and realizing be having the best of luck, fine weather his first marriage and mother to her them to watch Detroit Tiger ball - success on his own terms would happen long before he and I feel well except for a slight cold. own two (Frances and Danny). Alfred games, driving to farm auctions, going Dodge Wilson to build a family crossed paths with her. We will leave directly after the cere - would press her to consider adoption, to the Wilson Theatre, which Alfred Alfred G. Wilson was born March 31, 1883 in Lawrence - mony for New York and will sail at and she eventually relented. In 1930, and Matilda built in Detroit in 1928 life . . . and the Meadow Brook burg, Ind., to Samuel and Eliza Wilson, a Scotch-Irish Pres - midnight on the Aquitania . Our plans they brought home a toddler son, (later renamed the Music Hall Center byterian minister and his wife. Being raised under the include a trip down through southern Richard, from The Cradle adoption for the Performing Arts), and horse - legacy influence of a clergyman would steer him toward a lifelong France and on into Venice, seeking the agency in Chicago. The next year, they back riding or taking long walks involvement with his church. In 1900, his family relocated towns and districts that Mrs. Dodge would return to adopt a baby girl, through the meandering acres of to Wisconsin, where he would attend Beloit College and has not seen. We will make Paris and Barbara. Meadow Brook Farms. London on our return after a brief stop Though many of his peers were now In January 1934, he and Matilda

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 19 become active in sports and the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity. After graduation in 1906, he entered the lumber busi - ness. In 1919, he moved to Detroit with his brother Donald and formed the Wilson Lumber Company. The business first served as a wholesale distributor of lumber, but eventually began manufacturing operations, with sawmills in Perry, Fla., and Fort M ASTER OF T HE M ANOR Wayne, Ind. The brothers made a small fortune during the tag end of the BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER building boom in the 1920s. And now that his business was thriv - ing, Alfred could turn his attention to Alfred Wilson, c. 1926 fter scraping clumps of earth from his boots, Alfred personal matters. Wilson dusts off his Tattersall jacket, opens the Known for his gentlemanly manners in the Alps,” he said in a June 29, Adoor, and ducks slightly as he steps through the and tall, debonair appearance, Alfred 1925, Detroit News clipping. back entrance to his home. Making the rounds Wilson was considered one of the most When they returned from their to check on his Hampshire hogs and prize cattle and sheep handsome bachelors in Detroit. By the honeymoon, they lived in a farm - was commonplace for this master of Meadow Brook. Unlike early ’20s, having never been married, house on their property in Rochester. many of his social-strata contemporaries, he put in a good he seemed like an impossible catch. There, in 1926, they began building day’s work, whether it was around the farm or at his office But he caught the attention of Matilda their 110-room, 88,000-square-foot in Detroit’s Fisher Building. Dodge, who had been widowed when Tudor Revival-style residence, It wasn’t that he needed the income, but Alfred Gaston John Dodge died in 1920. They met at Meadow Brook Hall, which would Wilson was more determined than ever to continue being the First Presbyterian Church, where eventually take three years and $4 productive after making Matilda R. Dodge his wife. When they both attended services. Alfred was million to complete. Both Wilsons Alfred married Matilda — the widow of John F. Dodge and a consoling influence when her took an active interest in the design a member of Detroit’s automotive aristocracy — the spot - youngest daughter, Anna and construction of The Hall; Alfred, light shone brightly on him. Matilda was a queen in the Margaret Dodge, died of in particular, contributed invaluable city’s celestial sphere and one of the world’s wealthiest the measles in 1924. insight into both exterior and inte - women. Though he was a successful businessman before Walking beside one an - rior wood selections, which were they wed, her celebrity would overshadow that. His station other, they must have so critical to the soundness and Top: summer picnic at the Farmhouse, was similar to that of Philip Mountbatten, who became the been quite the sight: livability of the building. Alfred with Frances Dodge; seated, husband of Queen Elizabeth II some two decades later. her demure 5-foot Along with constructing their Matilda Wilson and Danny Dodge, c. This was an era in which men were expected to completely figure next to his dream home, Alfred had some - 1926. Above: Alfred with Richard and embody the traits of caretaker and breadwinner. To become lanky 6-foot-3 frame. thing else on his mind: expanding Barbara Wilson, c. 1936; Left, Alfred, the husband of one of these powerful women would require After courting for a their family. c. 1906. someone self-assured and able to ignore the rumor-mongers short time, the two Though Matilda would miscarry AlfredWilson speculating about him marrying for privilege and comfort. decided to unite their lives shortly after they married, Alfred was becoming grandparents, Alfred em - a quiet, unassuming husband, He adored Matilda enough to endure the slings and arrows in holy matrimony. still hoping to have children with her. braced the opportunity to become a fa - of a closely examined domestic life — until death did him “I am very happy today, of course. Matilda was apprehensive. She was in ther, regardless of his age. When he stepfather and father, worked part. Alfred, it seems, knew what he was getting into, and It is one of the supreme days in any her early 40s now and already a step - wasn’t working, Richard and Barbara he was up to the challenge. man’s life, his wedding day. I seem to mother to John Dodge’s children from have fond memories of him taking hand-in-hand with Matilda Yet Alfred’s penchant for proving himself and realizing be having the best of luck, fine weather his first marriage and mother to her them to watch Detroit Tiger ball - success on his own terms would happen long before he and I feel well except for a slight cold. own two (Frances and Danny). Alfred games, driving to farm auctions, going Dodge Wilson to build a family crossed paths with her. We will leave directly after the cere - would press her to consider adoption, to the Wilson Theatre, which Alfred Alfred G. Wilson was born March 31, 1883 in Lawrence - mony for New York and will sail at and she eventually relented. In 1930, and Matilda built in Detroit in 1928 life . . . and the Meadow Brook burg, Ind., to Samuel and Eliza Wilson, a Scotch-Irish Pres - midnight on the Aquitania . Our plans they brought home a toddler son, (later renamed the Music Hall Center byterian minister and his wife. Being raised under the include a trip down through southern Richard, from The Cradle adoption for the Performing Arts), and horse - legacy influence of a clergyman would steer him toward a lifelong France and on into Venice, seeking the agency in Chicago. The next year, they back riding or taking long walks involvement with his church. In 1900, his family relocated towns and districts that Mrs. Dodge would return to adopt a baby girl, through the meandering acres of to Wisconsin, where he would attend Beloit College and has not seen. We will make Paris and Barbara. Meadow Brook Farms. London on our return after a brief stop Though many of his peers were now In January 1934, he and Matilda

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 19 Clockwise from left: With farmhands, c. 1946; with prized Hereford and Matilda, c. 1946; with Matilda in garden, c. 1955; in Detroit ofﬁce, c. 1948; on Belgian horse hitch, c. 1961.

would leave the young ones in the care and director for many mingle, of their nurse while they enjoyed a years of the Pontiac and age appro - whirlwind tour of the continents, com - Avon Township commu - priately, at this annual pliments of their adult daughter, nity chests. He was also a DOWNTON ABBEY Frances M. Dodge. She had received a director of the Boys Club soiree. It portion of her inheritance from her fa - of America in Pontiac and was some - MEETS MEADOW ther’s estate and invited her mother Detroit. He and Matilda enjoyed so - thing everyone looked forward to. BROOK HALL and stepfather to accompany her on a cializing and dining at area clubs, and By the mid-1950s, Matilda and Al - The PBS Masterpiece series, tour aboard the Conte Savoya into they were active members of several, fred were ushering in the autumn sea - Downton Abbey, portrays life at darkest Africa, on to India, and finish - including Bloomfield Hills Country son of their lives. Meadow Brook Hall the fictional Yorkshire country es - ing with the sights of Europe. They set Club and the Detroit Club. was becoming a bit too expansive as tate of the aristocratic Crawley sail from New York, heading first for They also hosted legendary New children moved on and staff dwindled, family and their servants. Though Gibraltar. Always interested in adding Year’s Eve parties, where they would so they built a smaller home for them - Meadow Brook Hall, to the story begins in the post-Ed - to their estate’s menagerie, they would play cards all night long and feast on selves on the estate in the Prairie style, Michigan State University to wardian era, these characters could return with 36 new horses, a zebra and lobster buffets at midnight. Many calling it Sunset Terrace. They used form a branch campus. The have eventually and ironically col - donkey, two giant turtles and seven friends, who drove across town from The Hall from that point on for special two homes were to pass to lided with the real-life characters of rare Pekingese in tow. their homes in Grosse Pointe or family events or fund-raising functions. the university upon their Meadow Brook Hall. fter this excursion, Alfred would Bloomfield Hills, would be invited to In 1957, Alfred and Matilda donated deaths. In 1963, the campus In the photos above, you may continue on as president of the stay overnight in the Wilsons’ “mod - their 1,500-acre estate, $2 million and known as MSU-O would notice a more than slight resem - family lumber company. But est” home. Richard and Barbara would dozens of structures, including the become Oakland University. blance between the 1920s-era, A he was also transitioning invite their own friends and happily co- original farmhouse, Sunset Terrace and But a year earlier, on April debonair Alfred G. Wilson and into a pastoral existence as he and 6, 1962, Alfred G. Wilson, handsome actor Dan Stevens, who Matilda continued to add acreage and age 79, died of a heart attack plays Matthew Crawley. Crawley, livestock to their farm holdings, fre - at their winter home in husband of Lady Mary, died in a quently showing their animals at state Scottsdale, Ariz. He was car crash in the final episode of and county fairs, winning prizes returned to Michigan for a Season 3. throughout the Midwest and Canada. simple service at First Pres - Kim Zelinski, director of mu - Overseeing farm properties and watch - byterian Church in Detroit, seum operations and advancement 1920. Matilda wished to be buried ing over investments became Alfred’s where he and Matilda first met. He was at The Hall and associate editor of beside Alfred, as he was the partner full-time pursuits. In 1942, he and then entombed in Woodlawn Ceme - MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE , rec - she spent most of her life with. She was his brother sold Wilson Lumber tery, the final resting place for many in ognized the resemblance between a strong woman, and this quiet, tower - Company. Detroit society. Alfred Wilson and Matthew ing figure of a man offered her a love When he wasn’t working, Alfred After Matilda’s death in 1967, Crawley, and the Detroit Free Press and companionship that she relied liked to play a few rounds of golf, read Alfred’s wife of nearly 37 years would recently published a short piece upon for decades, and a life that left an and listen to music. A deacon at their lay beside him in the pale granite mau - about it. enduring legacy of historic preservation church, he also enjoyed singing bass in soleum they designed together. It was Watch for more similarities be - and education. the choir. He was active in community near the south wall of the Dodge fam - MB tween Downtown Abbey and affairs in Oakland County, serving as ily mausoleum, where her first hus - Karel Bond Lucander is a freelance Meadow Brook Hall as the series chairman of the county’s community band, John Dodge, was interred in writer from Davidson, North Carolina continues to unfold. and war fund campaigns in 1942-43,

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 21 Clockwise from left: With farmhands, c. 1946; with prized Hereford and Matilda, c. 1946; with Matilda in garden, c. 1955; in Detroit ofﬁce, c. 1948; on Belgian horse hitch, c. 1961.

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 21 BY KIM ZELINSKI

n the realm of domestic modernization, it can be argued that nothing has II transformed the world we live in as much as the “modern” RR OYOYALAL bathroom. Although necessity may IndoorIndoor bathroomsbathrooms werewere rarerare inin 1920s1920s America,America, have been its motivation, similar to other great inventions of the early butbut MeadowMeadow Brook’sBrook’s spacesspaces areare eveneven todaytoday 20th century, money and innovative manufacturing made it happen. This models of design and functionality household marvel was the confluence models of design and functionality of several developments: a perfected plumbing and sewer system; the inventions of the flush toilet, stationary tub and sink; and the realization that they could all coexist in one room. The fact that in 1921 only one per- cent of the homes in the United States had indoor plumbing also speaks to FLUSH the reality that initially the modern FLUSH bathroom was an amenity to be enjoyed by the well-to-do. Matilda Wilson’s bath suite. And certainly budget would be of little concern to Matilda and Alfred Wilson when they built Meadow Brook Hall between 1926 and 1929 lavish accoutrements (in the master and incorporated 24 spacious bath- sections of the house). rooms, well-appointed with high-end At the top of the scale in both luxury fixtures, gold-plated hardware, floor- and size, Matilda Wilson’s five-room to-ceiling decorative tile and other bedchamber offered the ultimate re- treat into boudoir extravagance. The chamber included a spacious sleeping room, dressing room, two wardrobe closets and a 220-square-foot bathroom with private enclosures for the Above: Nursery bathtub and faucet; toilet and foot bath. The bathroom it- left, Matilda Wilson’s bathroom self featured a built-in closet for storing vanity. perfumes and bath salts, Art-Deco styled mirrored vanities and a substan- dragonfly motifs. Frances also had a tial daybed used for lounging and as a built-in cabinet to store toiletries and a place for Matilda to have her hair magnifying mirror that could be ex- done. The room was exquisitely tiled tended from the wall to the window in lavender-rose and green Rookwood for added light to apply her make-up. tiles, including its main showpiece, a And tucked just behind her wardrobe tiled mural depicting the Greek myth, room was a princess-like turret with a Leda and the Swan. curved window seat. Frances Dodge’s suite, decorated in While the ladies’ bathrooms dripped a style appropriate for the young mis- with feminine elegance, Alfred Wil- tress of the house, portrayed a cheery, son’s and Danny Dodge’s bath suites feminine elegance of soft pink tile work sported a masculine sophistication. accented with hand-painted flower and Each of their bathrooms included

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 23 BY KIM ZELINSKI

n the realm of domestic modernization, it can be argued that nothing has II transformed the world we live in as much as the “modern” RR OYOYALAL bathroom. Although necessity may IndoorIndoor bathroomsbathrooms werewere rarerare inin 1920s1920s America,America, have been its motivation, similar to other great inventions of the early butbut MeadowMeadow Brook’sBrook’s spaces spaces areare eveneven todaytoday 20th century, money and innovative manufacturing made it happen. This models of design and functionality household marvel was the confluence models of design and functionality of several developments: a perfected plumbing and sewer system; the inventions of the flush toilet, stationary tub and sink; and the realization that they could all coexist in one room. The fact that in 1921 only one per- cent of the homes in the United States had indoor plumbing also speaks to FLUSH the reality that initially the modern FLUSH bathroom was an amenity to be enjoyed by the well-to-do. Matilda Wilson’s bath suite. And certainly budget would be of little concern to Matilda and Alfred Wilson when they built Meadow Brook Hall between 1926 and 1929 lavish accoutrements (in the master and incorporated 24 spacious bath- sections of the house). rooms, well-appointed with high-end At the top of the scale in both luxury fixtures, gold-plated hardware, floor- and size, Matilda Wilson’s five-room to-ceiling decorative tile and other bedchamber offered the ultimate re- treat into boudoir extravagance. The chamber included a spacious sleeping room, dressing room, two wardrobe closets and a 220-square-foot bathroom with private enclosures for the Above: Nursery bathtub and faucet; toilet and foot bath. The bathroom it- left, Matilda Wilson’s bathroom self featured a built-in closet for storing vanity. perfumes and bath salts, Art-Deco styled mirrored vanities and a substan- dragonfly motifs. Frances also had a tial daybed used for lounging and as a built-in cabinet to store toiletries and a place for Matilda to have her hair magnifying mirror that could be ex- done. The room was exquisitely tiled tended from the wall to the window in lavender-rose and green Rookwood for added light to apply her make-up. tiles, including its main showpiece, a And tucked just behind her wardrobe tiled mural depicting the Greek myth, room was a princess-like turret with a Leda and the Swan. curved window seat. Frances Dodge’s suite, decorated in While the ladies’ bathrooms dripped a style appropriate for the young mis- with feminine elegance, Alfred Wil- tress of the house, portrayed a cheery, son’s and Danny Dodge’s bath suites feminine elegance of soft pink tile work sported a masculine sophistication. accented with hand-painted flower and Each of their bathrooms included

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 23 Decorating advice from Elsie deWolfe, author of the

1923 book “The House in Good Taste.” On dressing room mirrors. “Have your mirrors so arranged that you get a good strong light by day, and have plenty of

electric lights all around the dressing-mirrors for night use. In other words, know the worst before you go out!” From outhouse to in-house Just how the modern bathroom made its way into homes in the early 20th century was an evolution of how people viewed personal hygiene, along with changes in technologies and room design. The concept of an indoor toilet didn’t gain mainstream popularity in the United Above: English Room bathroom; left, Alfred Wilson’s States until after World War I, when shower and Rookwood tiled medallion; below, Danny American troops came home from Europe Dodge bathroom and Rookwood tiled medallion. full of talk about the “slick invention” Opposite page: Frances Dodge bathroom. they experienced abroad. Invention of the S-curve discharge pipe, which prevented dangerous sewer gases from backing up, brought acceptance to floor-to-ceiling Rookwood tiles in Of The Hall’s four guest rooms, the the idea of including toilets in the main earth tones with a centerpiece; Alfred’s English Room (used by Richard Wil- living spaces of the home. So, over a rela- a sailing ship medallion and Danny’s an son as a bedroom and later as a guest tively short span of years, the “throne” inset depicting birds and fish. In addi- room) was an unexpected departure would move from an outhouse in the far tion to the soaking tubs, both could when it came to the bathroom. A corner of the backyard to an enclosure at- indulge in the ultimate shower experi- French imported console and mirror tached to the house (but only accessible ence. The shower stalls were equipped were paired with cherry red, black and from outside) to an addition at the back with both overhead and side shower butter yellow tile work, accented with a end of the house, and then finally to a lo- heads that could deliver a soothing bold pattern of abstract floral tiles. cation inside the home. massage. The room virtually screamed Art Deco. Americans began remodeling spaces in No other room in Meadow Brook Although 24 bathrooms may seem their homes – dressing rooms, bedrooms Hall carried the spirit of a theme excessive, especially for the chamber and closets – to accommodate the modern through with such charm and delight maids who were responsible for their bathroom. By the 1920s, American build- as the Nursery suite. Rookwood tiles, daily cleaning, it was a reasonable ing codes were requiring indoor bath- portraying characters from Mother quantity considering the active lifestyle rooms in all new single-family residential Goose nursery rhymes, decorated both of the Dodge and Wilson family. construction. The market for plumbing the bedroom fireplace and the adjoin- Today, the family’s private bathroom and fixtures grew by more than 350 per- ing bathroom. As young toddlers, suites, the en suites and powder rooms cent from 1929 to 1954. Richard and Barbara Wilson’s bath for guests and the shared communal Now the indoor American bathroom is time was likely a playful occasion en- bathrooms for the service staff, give as much of an institution as, say, the late hanced by the border of nursery rhyme visitors a glimpse into the early history comedian Bob Hope, who once said, tiles that included such favorites as of what is still considered the most es- “I grew up with six brothers. That’s how Humpty Dumpty, the Cat and the Fid- sential room in the home, albeit a I learned to dance – waiting for the bath- dle and Little Miss Muffet. home of the rich and famous. room.” MB

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 25 Decorating advice from Elsie deWolfe, author of the

1923 book “The House in Good Taste.” On dressing room mirrors. “Have your mirrors so arranged that you get a good strong light by day, and have plenty of

Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 25 Marilyn Creelman Laura Mutz Shane Lewis George & Annie Frisch Susannah Cameron Crichton Lynn Oates Leslie Littell Gates Au Sable Lodge Marvin Dery John & Rebecca Oetjens Meredith Long John Gerych Eugene Diggs Corrine Passarelli Daniel Lynch Joe Guild Richard Duff & George & Katalina Platzer William Michaels Greater Media Detroit Mary Whiting Sandra Pott Ryan Mostiller Evelyn Hadden Stephen Duke & Kimberly Riemer Shannon O’Berski P.R. Haig Jewelers Delaine Armstrong Susan Riley Linda Oliver Sandy Hall Daniel & Dorothy Dziedzic Ed & Kathleen Robbins Stephen Poissant Indianwood Golf & Elizabeth Eads Ron & Frances Roman James Rusmiselle Country Club Marcia Fast Jon Rowland Frank Schmid William & Story John Elizabeth Fidler Janie Saltarelli Shirley Sikov Just Baked Michael & Marylou Fillichio John & Miriam Samani Mildred Smith Patricia Koykka In November, The Hall mounted a new Frank Fisher Stephan Sharf & Patricia Charlene & Daniel Sutherby Kruse & Muer Quality Foods donor recognition wall in the Fountain David & Laura Gabriel Finnegan Nicole Thomas Steven Lindsey Room on the entertainment level. Wilson & Virginia Garner Alice Siehda Meredith Long Cumulative donors are highlighted, GIFTS IN KIND 2012 Meadow Brook along with the previous year’s annual John Gierak & Dona Tracey Nancy Smith Margots European Day Spa 20/20 Vision givers and members. The new wall also Bette Gomez Frank & Susan Sonye, Jr. Steven Matthews Judith Anderson includes updated information on all Christine Hagey Don & Mary Ann Stange MGM Grand Detroit Casino Donor Report donors listed on the plaque that for- Ann Arbor Hands-On Gary & Judy Hall Joanne Strobel Marcella Moceri merly hung in the front entry hall. Museum Ernest & Martha Hammel Mary Sue Trevarrow Nostalgic Antique Appraisal Arab American National Peggy Harbaugh Robert & Susan Ufer Museum Oakland County Parks Old Fenton Lamplighters James Hargett and Recreation TUDOR CIRCLE TIFFANY CIRCLE THE GUILDERS OF Christine VanDam Attitude Jewelry ($10,000 AND HIGHER) ($2,500 – $4,999) MEADOW BROOK Bradley Rush Sharon Harris Cheryl Verbruggen Parisian ($250 – $999) Auburn Hills Chamber of International Paper Company Deborah & Richard Lee Dr. Richard & Jan Somerlott George & Francoise Harrod Denise Warren Commerce Pine Trace Golf Club Foundation – Roger B. and Larry Baber Stoney Creek Questers #203 Gregory Heleski Suzanne Wasmundt Rose Valley Winery THE CORNERSTONE Cheryl Barnes Barbara R. Smith Keith & Barbara Bennett Deborah Syme Laurie Hoffman Royal Park Hotel SOCIETY Christopher & Toni Wiley Bass Pro Shop Charlene Handleman Jeffrey & Megan Bovee ($1,000 – $2,499) Douglas Thorpe Kenneth Holden Jeff & Debbie Youngquist Keith Bennett John & Pat Schimpke Philanthropic Fund Christine Burnard & Edwin & Gretchen Adler Pete & Irene Townsend Shirley Ann Holt Kim Zelinski Diane Berry Amy Schrodt The W.J. and Lillian Kemler Greydon Hyde Richard & Janice Caloia David Vartanian Independent Expressions LLC Brenda Shetterley Foundation – Margaret SUPPORTERS OF Better Made Fredrika Dodge Caldwell Village Women’s Club Nadine Jakobowski Barb Sucher K. Savage Jim Causley Buick-GMC, Inc. MEADOW BROOK HALL Bordine Nursery Frank & Janet Cassise Foundation Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Telly’s Greenhouse The Kresge Foundation James & Christine Cortez (UP TO $99) Boyne USA Resorts Sharon Cregg Women’s National Farm and Norman & Margaret Tullymore Golf Resort Matilda R. Wilson Fund Theodor & Diana Adrienne Bass Roberta Bresette Gealdine & Lyle Detterman Garden Association Johnston Uncle Luke’s Feed Store, Inc. Michigan Council for Arts Cunningham Jon & Donna Block Carol Lewis Day Spa John and Dolores Elbode Yate’s Mill Questers Walter & Sandra Kaseta and Cultural Affairs Derek & Barbara Gentile Bill & Mary Cichowski Mary Cichowski Valentine Vodka Susan Evans Michelle Knight Bruce & Chris Harris FRIENDS OF MEADOW Keith Conway Comcast Walter P. Chrysler Museum PEGASUS CIRCLE Bud & Robin Gardner Kevin & Anna Knill Charles & Tolina BROOK HALL Paula D’Ambrosio James Connelly Mark Watkins ($5,000 – $9,999) John R. Green Andrew & Margaret Koski Hennighausen ($100 – $249) Joseph & Denise Doyle Crains Detroit Business WDIV Channel 4 Jerry & Emilie Dancik Donna Hall Mary Leto James & Anne Howlett Steven S. Angersbach Betty Emmert Theodor Cunningham Robert Weaver William & Story John Lois & Lloyd Harsh John Lohmeier Richard & Sharon Koenig Mary Bragg Cherrill Flynn Detroit Symphony Orchestra Weed Lady Gary & Ann Laidlaw Hopkins Burns Design Studio Mary Ellen Marion Michael Schuchard Michelle Bracali Anthony Gallina Geraldine Detterman Weingartz Supply Company MotorCities National George & Trudy Karas Ryan & Trisha Massey Mary Sloan Donald Brenner Jacquelyn Glaser Marc & Sandy Dutton Annie Williams Heritage Area Ron Lunney Larry and Debbie Wilson Grace Campbell Donald & Lila McMechan Tom Wolf OU-MSU Federal Credit Arthur & Joanne Griggs Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Meadow Brook Hall Squires James & Jane Cerano Jill Craig Miner WXYZ Channel 7 Union Geoffrey C. Upward Ashley Karas Evola Music Center, Inc. Patrick & Nadine Milostan Kenneth & Deborah Barry & Andra Cogan Patricia Koykka Fieldstone Winery Leah Zajac Michael Niemiec Mohre, Jr. Irene Connors Michele Lange Ruth Ann Frantz Keith Morgan Kelly Lenda The French Laundry

26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 27 Marilyn Creelman Laura Mutz Shane Lewis George & Annie Frisch Susannah Cameron Crichton Lynn Oates Leslie Littell Gates Au Sable Lodge Marvin Dery John & Rebecca Oetjens Meredith Long John Gerych Eugene Diggs Corrine Passarelli Daniel Lynch Joe Guild Richard Duff & George & Katalina Platzer William Michaels Greater Media Detroit Mary Whiting Sandra Pott Ryan Mostiller Evelyn Hadden Stephen Duke & Kimberly Riemer Shannon O’Berski P.R. Haig Jewelers Delaine Armstrong Susan Riley Linda Oliver Sandy Hall Daniel & Dorothy Dziedzic Ed & Kathleen Robbins Stephen Poissant Indianwood Golf & Elizabeth Eads Ron & Frances Roman James Rusmiselle Country Club Marcia Fast Jon Rowland Frank Schmid William & Story John Elizabeth Fidler Janie Saltarelli Shirley Sikov Just Baked Michael & Marylou Fillichio John & Miriam Samani Mildred Smith Patricia Koykka In November, The Hall mounted a new Frank Fisher Stephan Sharf & Patricia Charlene & Daniel Sutherby Kruse & Muer Quality Foods donor recognition wall in the Fountain David & Laura Gabriel Finnegan Nicole Thomas Steven Lindsey Room on the entertainment level. Wilson & Virginia Garner Alice Siehda Meredith Long Cumulative donors are highlighted, GIFTS IN KIND 2012 Meadow Brook along with the previous year’s annual John Gierak & Dona Tracey Nancy Smith Margots European Day Spa 20/20 Vision givers and members. The new wall also Bette Gomez Frank & Susan Sonye, Jr. Steven Matthews Judith Anderson includes updated information on all Christine Hagey Don & Mary Ann Stange MGM Grand Detroit Casino Donor Report donors listed on the plaque that for - Ann Arbor Hands-On Gary & Judy Hall Joanne Strobel Marcella Moceri merly hung in the front entry hall. Museum Ernest & Martha Hammel Mary Sue Trevarrow Nostalgic Antique Appraisal Arab American National Peggy Harbaugh Robert & Susan Ufer Museum Oakland County Parks Old Fenton Lamplighters James Hargett and Recreation TUDOR CIRCLE TIFFANY CIRCLE THE GUILDERS OF Christine VanDam Attitude Jewelry ($10,000 AND HIGHER ) ($2,500 – $4,999) MEADOW BROOK Bradley Rush Sharon Harris Cheryl Verbruggen Parisian ($250 – $999) Auburn Hills Chamber of International Paper Company Deborah & Richard Lee Dr. Richard & Jan Somerlott George & Francoise Harrod Denise Warren Commerce Pine Trace Golf Club Foundation – Roger B. and Larry Baber Stoney Creek Questers #203 Gregory Heleski Suzanne Wasmundt Rose Valley Winery THE CORNERSTONE Cheryl Barnes Barbara R. Smith Keith & Barbara Bennett Deborah Syme Laurie Hoffman Royal Park Hotel SOCIETY Christopher & Toni Wiley Bass Pro Shop Charlene Handleman Jeffrey & Megan Bovee ($1,000 – $2,499) Douglas Thorpe Kenneth Holden Jeff & Debbie Youngquist Keith Bennett John & Pat Schimpke Philanthropic Fund Christine Burnard & Edwin & Gretchen Adler Pete & Irene Townsend Shirley Ann Holt Kim Zelinski Diane Berry Amy Schrodt The W.J. and Lillian Kemler Greydon Hyde Richard & Janice Caloia David Vartanian Independent Expressions LLC Brenda Shetterley Foundation – Margaret SUPPORTERS OF Better Made Fredrika Dodge Caldwell Village Women’s Club Nadine Jakobowski Barb Sucher K. Savage Jim Causley Buick-GMC, Inc. MEADOW BROOK HALL Bordine Nursery Frank & Janet Cassise Foundation Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Telly’s Greenhouse The Kresge Foundation James & Christine Cortez (U P TO $99) Boyne USA Resorts Sharon Cregg Women’s National Farm and Norman & Margaret Tullymore Golf Resort Matilda R. Wilson Fund Theodor & Diana Adrienne Bass Roberta Bresette Gealdine & Lyle Detterman Garden Association Johnston Uncle Luke’s Feed Store, Inc. Michigan Council for Arts Cunningham Jon & Donna Block Carol Lewis Day Spa John and Dolores Elbode Yate’s Mill Questers Walter & Sandra Kaseta and Cultural Affairs Derek & Barbara Gentile Bill & Mary Cichowski Mary Cichowski Valentine Vodka Susan Evans Michelle Knight Bruce & Chris Harris FRIENDS OF MEADOW Keith Conway Comcast Walter P. Chrysler Museum PEGASUS CIRCLE Bud & Robin Gardner Kevin & Anna Knill Charles & Tolina BROOK HALL Paula D’Ambrosio James Connelly Mark Watkins ($5,000 – $9,999) John R. Green Andrew & Margaret Koski Hennighausen ($100 – $249) Joseph & Denise Doyle Crains Detroit Business WDIV Channel 4 Jerry & Emilie Dancik Donna Hall Mary Leto James & Anne Howlett Steven S. Angersbach Betty Emmert Theodor Cunningham Robert Weaver William & Story John Lois & Lloyd Harsh John Lohmeier Richard & Sharon Koenig Mary Bragg Cherrill Flynn Detroit Symphony Orchestra Weed Lady Gary & Ann Laidlaw Hopkins Burns Design Studio Mary Ellen Marion Michael Schuchard Michelle Bracali Anthony Gallina Geraldine Detterman Weingartz Supply Company MotorCities National George & Trudy Karas Ryan & Trisha Massey Mary Sloan Donald Brenner Jacquelyn Glaser Marc & Sandy Dutton Annie Williams Heritage Area Ron Lunney Larry and Debbie Wilson Grace Campbell Donald & Lila McMechan Tom Wolf OU-MSU Federal Credit Arthur & Joanne Griggs Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Meadow Brook Hall Squires James & Jane Cerano Jill Craig Miner WXYZ Channel 7 Union Geoffrey C. Upward Ashley Karas Evola Music Center, Inc. Patrick & Nadine Milostan Kenneth & Deborah Barry & Andra Cogan Patricia Koykka Fieldstone Winery Leah Zajac Michael Niemiec Mohre, Jr. Irene Connors Michele Lange Ruth Ann Frantz Keith Morgan Kelly Lenda The French Laundry

26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 27 |Last Page

Staff wrap rings for the What asend-off! charter class in Alfred In April 1963, the night before Oakland University’s ﬁrst graduation, Wilson’s Study. Inset: The Mrs. Wilson gave the charter class a prom. “We had dinner and a society OU Charter Class received orchestra in the ballroom at Meadow Brook Hall,” says ’63 grad Beverly rings set with diamonds Donato Miller. “It was a fairy tale. “We danced until 3 a.m.” (men’s and women’s models But the students have more than just a memory of that night. Theresa Finck Photography above), compliments of “We weren’t able to order our class rings until almost January of our Matilda Wilson. Matilda senior year because of the university name change (from Michigan State had her own ring, plus a pin University-Oakland to Oakland University),” recalls Tom Werth (’63). (above), compliments of the “We were expecting to get our class rings on the day of graduation be- IMELESS F LEGANT F ERFECT Charter Class. cause of the short delivery time,” Werth continued. “While we were all T E P downstairs dancing in the ballroom, Mrs. Wilson said she wanted all of us to come up to her study. ‘I have something for you,’ she said. In the study she had all the little gift boxes with a card with our names in front of them. Inside the cards were the deposits that we had paid on our rings and inside the boxes were our gold rings for graduation. They’re the only OU rings that have a diamond in them, compliments of Mrs. Wilson.” “The party didn’t end until the next day,” Ronald Miller (’63), Beverly’s husband, says, “after the students ate breakfast under a tent in the Meadow Brook rose garden.” Reprinted with permission from Oakland University Magazine, Fall 1999 www.meadowbrookhall.org

A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK 28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Kosher catering available |Last Page y h p a r g o t o

Staff wrap rings for the h

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charter class in Alfred In April 1963, the night before Oakland University’s ﬁrst graduation, k c n Wilson’s Study. Inset: The Mrs. Wilson gave the charter class a prom. “We had dinner and a society i F

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rings set with diamonds Donato Miller. “It was a fairy tale. “We danced until 3 a.m.” r e (men’s and women’s models But the students have more than just a memory of that night. h T above), compliments of “We weren’t able to order our class rings until almost January of our Matilda Wilson. Matilda senior year because of the university name change (from Michigan State had her own ring, plus a pin University-Oakland to Oakland University),” recalls Tom Werth (’63). (above), compliments of the “We were expecting to get our class rings on the day of graduation be - IMELESS F LEGANT F ERFECT Charter Class. cause of the short delivery time,” Werth continued. “While we were all T E P downstairs dancing in the ballroom, Mrs. Wilson said she wanted all of us to come up to her study. ‘I have something for you,’ she said. In the study she had all the little gift boxes with a card with our names in front of them. Inside the cards were the deposits that we had paid on our rings and inside the boxes were our gold rings for graduation. They’re the only OU rings that have a diamond in them, compliments of Mrs. Wilson.” “The party didn’t end until the next day,” Ronald Miller (’63), Beverly’s husband, says, “after the students ate breakfast under a tent in the Meadow Brook rose garden.” Reprinted with permission from Oakland University Magazine, Fall 1999 www.meadowbrookhall.org

A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK 28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring 2013 Kosher catering available SPRING 2013

480 South Adams Road Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeadowBrook

Museum Store – Robert Louis Stevenson

“WineMeadow Brook is is pleased bottled to add poetry.” ﬁve new private label wines to its Museum Store portfolio. All are produced and bottled for The Hall by Rose Valley Winery in Rose City, Michigan. Make sure you stop in to take home a bottle of each. We also carry a full line of creative accessories, a few of which are featured here.

LIGHT BLACKBERRY WINE/$16.95/$15.25 MEMBERS Washington State blackberries. Smooth, sweet and delicious.

MICHIGAN APPLE WINE/$10.95/$9.85 MEMBERS 100% Michigan-grown apples. Semi-dry and very fruity.

RUBY CASK PORT /$30.95/$27.85 MEMBERS Five varieties of Michigan-grown cold hearty hybrid grapes. Aged in oak for two years.

BRIANNA WHITE TABLE WINE /$14.95/$13.45 MEMBERS 100% Brianna grapes. Semi-dry with strong citrus notes and a smooth apricot ﬁnish.

CABERNET FRANC/$15.95/$14.35 MEMBERS Spicy and fruity with subtle oak. Pairs nicely with hearty dishes such as beef and venison. Dressed BOTTLE COASTER (SILVER-PLATED BRASS)/ASSORTED STYLES/$23.95/$21.55 MEMBERS CORKSCREW DESIGN FABRIC NAPKINS IN POUCH, SET 6/$13.95/$12.55 MEMBERS for Success ANTIQUE CORKSCREW (SILVER-PLATED BRASS)/ASSORTED STYLES /$34.95/$31.45 MEMBERS

MEADOW BROOK MEMBERS SAVE 10%

To purchase Meadow Brook wine, visit the Museum Store or call (248) 364-6206. INSIDE: Master of The Manor | Danny’s Cabin on the Move | Donor Report