The World's Finest...Again

SPRING/SUMMER 2018

350 Estate Drive Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeMeadowBradowBrooookk

Museum Store Commemorate the 75th anniver- Fit to a Tee sary of Wing Commander, Frances A new line of apparel has arrived in the Meadow Brook Museum Dodge’s champion American Store. The men’s and women’s t-shirt line is fashioned in trendy Saddlebred, with your copy of colors and crafted in soft, lightweight material, styled in a relaxed fit. Sizes range from S-XXL and are priced at $24.95/$22.45 MBH Riding on the Edge: Frances Dodge members.. Also, arriving later this summer, a new winter apparel and Dodge Stables – the fascinating line which will feature more t-shirt styles and baseball caps. biographical account of automotive heiress Frances Dodge and her ascendancy into the highly The World’s competitive worlds of horse shows, harness racing and high Finest...Again society…with a trend-setting style all of her own. $11.95/$10.75 MBH members. RIDING ON THE EDGE Frances Dodge and Dodge Stables

To order, visit Meadow Brook’s Museum Store or contact store manager Kelly Lenda at 248-364-6206 or email [email protected].

BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER INSIDE: Summer Events| Games People Played| Frankophile SHOW YOUR OU PRIDE |Contents And Help OU Credit Union Support Oakland University Programs

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8 | Up next 2| Editor’s Column Check out all the tours and events at Meadow Brook you won’t Time marches on want to miss this summer and fall...from Enchanted Evenings to the sizzling Summer Concert Series to the all-new Beats, Brats and Brews. 4| Around the Estate 12 | Ask the woman who owns one Denim & Diamonds The recent gift of Anna Dodge’s 1938 Packard limousine sets the Antiques “Action!” stage for interpreting the wider Dodge story that includes Horace Gone, but not forgotten alongside his older brother, John. From the Halls... 14 | Once again Start those engines! The six-room playhouse built for 12-year-old Frances Dodge has been When you use your OU Credit Union Platinum Plus Visa Credit Card, you’ll earn unlimited 1% cash back World’s greatest turns 75 restored to its 1926 ﬁt and ﬁnish...from timbers to wallpaper to on every single purchase, every single time. Whether you’re at the grocery store, out for a night on the One company, one family, original furnishings...thanks to the generosity of longtime Meadow town, or lling up at the pump, you’ll earn cash back while supporting the university you love. one century Brook Estate supporters. Lost can be found 18 | Game on! Tree-rific! When the weather failed to allow outdoor leisure pursuits on the Estate improvements Meadow Brook estate, the Dodge and Wilson families took their penchant for fun and games indoors, playing everything from bridge and billiards to Tiddledy Winks and Clue. CASH 32| Last Page Happy Birthday, Horace! 22 | Let’s be Frank Honesty, dedication, talent and hard work earned longtime Meadow 1 BACK BC|Museum Store Brook Farms carpenter and builder Frank L. Rewold his most % Fit to a tee important title: right-hand man to Matilda Dodge Wilson. 28 | 2017 Donor Report Open your Platinum Plus Visa and start earning CASH BACK today! Friends, Guilders, Cornerstone Society members, foundations, and corporate and Adopt-an-Artifact donors build a strong case of support oucreditunion.org • 248-364-4708 • 800-766-6828 for the Meadow Brook Estate.

On the Cover: Knole Cottage, the world’s ﬁnest dollhouse, has reopened after a year-and-a-half of restoration and conservation work. Photo by Rick Smith.

Members will earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Cash back is not earned on tax payments, any unauthorized charges or transactions, cash advances, convenience checks, balance transfers, or fees of any kind. Visit oucreditunion.org/cashback for full terms and conditions. Federally insured by NCUA. SHOW YOUR OU PRIDE |Contents And Help OU Credit Union Support Oakland University Programs

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On the Cover: Knole Cottage, the world’s ﬁnest dollhouse, has reopened after a year-and-a-half of restoration and conservation work. Photo by Rick Smith.

MeadowBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

Editor & Publisher Geoffrey C. Upward Associate Editor Time marches on Save the date! 9 20 2018 Kimberly Zelinski | | Meadow Brook’s business model is unusual, if not unique, among the country’s Assistant Editor historic house museums. Without the obvious benefit of a significant endowment Madelyn Rzadkowolski that contributes ongoing investment income, we must work creatively and diligently ______to generate on average $10,000 a day to fund operations, interpretive programming Art Direction and preservation projects. Lynn Metzker Unquestionably, renting The Hall and grounds provides the lion’s share of our Graphic Design income. And, therein comes the challenge. Rental ______events provide much-needed revenue to finance Photography museum and educational activities, but events can also Rick Smith be disruptive to touring and cause significant wear-and- John Sobczak tear on the building and collections. It’s Wild! ______A recent mishap offers a “timely” example of how Contributing Writer this conflict can play out. In December, an attendee at TICKETS & TABLE SPONSORSHIPS NOW ON SALE! Faith Brody ______an evening social function tripped coming down the grand staircase and reached out to break her fall. The Your evening will include tours of The Hall, live and silent MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE object she reached for was a c. 1905 eight-foot-tall is published twice a year for grandfather clock, placed on the landing by Matilda Wilson in the 1960s. auctions, cocktail & hors d’oeuvre reception, a four-course friends of Meadow Brook Hall. Fortunately, the guest was not hurt, but the clock suffered a different fate, crash- Reproduction without permission ing down the stairs and shattering into dozens of pieces. Unfortunately, the signifi- gourmet wild or mild game dinner and more. is prohibited. ISSN 2161-2358 cant cost precludes a full repair and rebuilding. While we are looking for a suitable EDITORIAL OFFICES replacement – in terms of age and scale – these are not easy to find. All proceeds support the preservation of this National Historic Landmark are located at Meadow Brook Hall Nor will it be easy to find a replacement for another longstanding Meadow Brook 350 Estate Drive institution: Director of Catering Matt Durack. Matt Rochester, MI 48309-4401 and his company began preparing and serving food CALL (248) 364-6263 OR VISIT MEADOWBROOKHALL.ORG

HOW TO REACH US and beverage for Meadow Brook events in 1988, only Email: [email protected] 20 years after Matilda Wilson’s passing. Presenting Sponsor Phone: 248-364-6204 His team’s four-star cuisine and dining service has Fax: 248-364-6201 set a high standard of quality for the past 30 years, ap-

ADDRESS CHANGES propriately reﬂective of Meadow Brook’s storied history Email: [email protected] and its National Historic Landmark status. And their Mail: Shannon O’Berski consistent delivery has been invaluable in attracting and Meadow Brook Hall pleasing the clients and guests who are the lifeblood 350 Estate Drive of our business model. Rochester, MI 48309-4401 But time was winding down on Matt’s career, and he retired in January, passing the torch to two extremely MEADOW BROOK capable partners. Matt Durack ONE OF AMERICA’S GREATEST Hats off to Matt . . . with our unending gratitude for ESTATE HOMES, AN ICON OF THE building a sound platform of service excellence and professionalism . . . and for play- AUTOMOTIVE ARISTOCRACY, AND ing such a key role in Meadow Brook’s success. He was always there for us, and like A NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK our grandfather clock, The Hall somehow won’t be the same without him. MEADOW BROOK’S The former home of Alfred and Matilda Dodge Wilson, founders of Oakland University, Meadow Brook Hall is located on Oakland’s 1,400-acre campus. The self-supporting auxiliary of the univer- gourmet sity serves as an internationally renowned WILD GAME historic house museum and cultural center. DINNER

MeadowBrook |Editor’s Column MAGAZINE

Denim & Diamonds From the Halls... No doubt the sounds of boot- along with the horse world legacy of For the last three and half years, Oakland stomping, hand-clapping and fiddle- the Dodge family. Julie’s sister, Janene University student James W. Moir has worked strumming down-home country DiRico, a noted equine sculptress, weekends as a Meadow Brook Hall security melodies last November were the first donated one of her outstanding pieces guard helping to keep the building, collections ever to bounce through Meadow for a raffle. and occupants safe. He also spends weekends Brook’s traditional halls. Swing yes, The nearly 200 guests who pulled training as an officer in the United States but country? on their cowboy boots and donned Marine Corps Reserves, helping to keep our The event, dubbed “Denim & their best denim (and bling) enjoyed country safe. Diamonds,” was a celebration of the country vittles, drinks served at the This juggling act will soon change when 65th birthday of John Van Lennep, “Dodge City Saloon” and a poignant James graduates from Oakland University in son of Frances Dodge. John and his and unforgettable concert by Suzy December 2018 with a degree in Information wife, Julie, were thoughtful enough to Bogguss, a Grammy-nominated Technology and then starts active duty in the use the occasion to help The Hall raise country music artist. Marine Corps in early 2019, training in the funds for daily operations. Will country ever grace The Hall John Van Lennep, wife Julie (left) and aviation program. The greatest show horse The theme was all theirs, following again? Better not fold your hand! singer/songwriter Suzy Bogguss. James joined Meadow Brook Hall when the in history turns 75 security program was expanded in 2015. He In April, Meadow Brook was fortu- believed The Hall would be a unique place to Gone, but not James W. Moir nate to host the American Saddlebred work, and liked the connection to the Dodge Horse Association of Michigan’s cele- forgotten name, as both his grandfather and father have been engineers with Dodge. bration of world champion Wing Saying goodbye to an old friend is The Meadow Brook family wishes James success in his military career and Commander’s 75th birthday. Wing sometimes bittersweet, even if inani- extends our gratitude for his service to our country. Commander was foaled in Dodge mate. This particular friend, a Toro Stables on Meadow Brook Farms on Groundsmaster mower, had been in April 23, 1943. During his career, the Meadow Brook Hall equipment in- Start those engines! Wing Commander won 237 first class ventory since 1986 and in mower years The nine historic cars in Meadow Brook’s care need a lot of TLC – and good ribbons, was crowned the five-gaited that turns out to be 195 years old! Re- old-fashioned know-how – to stay in running condition. Thankfully, a dedi- world champion six times and was tiring this old standby has allowed The cated crew of volunteers helps maintain, repair and search for parts and as is the named the greatest stallion in show Hall to acquire two “hand-me-down” case with old cars, sometimes scratch their heads until they find a solution. The horse history by Life magazine in mowers released from Oakland Univer- majority of the volunteers hail from the Dodge Brothers Motor Car Club and 1954. sity’s equipment inventory. Although thus have decades of The event coincided with the release they are much younger, these newbies passion and expertise of Riding on the Edge: Frances Dodge have big swaths to cut. behind them. Since and Dodge Stables, written by Karel Meadow Brook Bond Lucander and published by started collecting ve- MEADOW BROOK hicles in 2013, vol- PRESS. Meadow unteer and Dodge Brook’s curator, Club past president Madelyn Rzad- Barry Cogan (center) kowolski, lectured Antiques “Action!” has led the charge by on Frances and finding the cars and Three thousand eager antique owners poured onto the grounds of Meadow Dodge Stables the crew to keep them in order. With Cogan as the estate’s Chief of Historic Brook Hall on June 14th for the filming of PBS’ most-watched series, Antiques during the week- Vehicle Maintenance, a faithful group of volunteers – and the funds from a fully Karel Lucander Roadshow. The show selected The Hall as a filming location as part of a new end’s festivities and “adopted” fleet, thanks to the first and very successful Adopt-a-Dodge cam- format change — moving filming sites from conference centers to historical Lucander traveled from her home paign – the engines are roaring. Stay tuned for news of more vehicles and fur- locations. In-depth coverage of the event, including airing dates in 2019 will Randy Walker, a member of the volun- in North Carolina to do two book ther interpretation of Dodge Brothers history. be covered in MEADOW BROOK MAGAZINE’S 2018 Fall edition. teer Squires group, drives the Toro into signings. the sunset.

4 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 5 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

hall (Hillcrest Hall) at Oakland University (left), Tree-rific! Estate improvements scheduled to open this Sep- On April 27, Arbor Day, a group A new, 1,440-square-foot garage tember. It is the third dorm of 50 volunteers from Meadow Brook will store Meadow Brook Hall’s the company has built at Hall, Oakland University, Fiat Chrysler landscape supplies and equipment, OU – the first in 1962 – and Automobiles and the community came freeing up space in the historic is among a long list of con- together to help restore Meadow Visitors Garage for interpretation struction and preservation Brook’s Woodland Entrance, planting of The Hall’s vintage Dodge vehi- projects the company has trees, spreading woodchips and remov- cles and estate history. The new been involved with since ing invasive plant species along the building’s construction was made Frank L. Rewold’s first job entrance drive. possible by a generous cost reduc- One company, one family, one century on Meadow Brook Farms in 1918 “In just a few hours these volunteers tion and contribution from the (see related article page 22). made a difference that can last builder, Frank Rewold & Son of After 100 years in business, through University… and this year, the connec- Oakland University’s prestigious decades,” said Nikki Thomas, The Rochester, and a gift from longtime four generations, Frank Rewold & Son tion has come full circle. Pioneer Award will be given to Hall’s facility operations manager. Meadow Brook supporters Chris- knows what it takes to be a centenarian Rewold finished construction this Frank Rewold & Son at OU’s Alumni Onsite to help coordinate the effort tine Burnard and Greydon Hyde. company. They have attributed this Spring on a new storage garage at Awards Banquet in October in recog- was ReLeaf Michigan, a statewide Also this Spring, new fencing success, in part, to the lasting relation- Meadow Brook Hall, a fitting project nition of their 100 years of construc- volunteer nonprofit tree planting and gates (below) were installed to ships the company has maintained over given the company constructed the tion service to Meadow Brook Farms organization whose mission is to provide perimeter security for the years. Case in point is the long- original Visitors Garage in 1928. They and Oakland University. This is only educate the public on how to properly Meadow Brook Hall’s grounds and term association they have had with will also complete their largest project the third Pioneer Award given out buildings after business hours and select, plant and maintain trees. The Volunteers, young and old, dug in to Meadow Brook Hall and Oakland yet, a $70-million 750-bed residence over the past 50 years. organization also provided $1,000 clean up and plant on Arbor Day. during special events. Installation toward the purchase of 11 trees – of the fencing also re-instates a “Lost” can be “Found”… with your help matching contributions from a social Andrews and Savannah Patterson, historical feature (pasture and media appeal to Meadow Brook Estate members of Oakland University’s En- woodland fencing) present during For more than a decade, Meadow Hall to reach our goal of $80,000 friends and community members. vironmental Science Resource Studies Matilda and Alfred’s residency on to replicate the frames and further Brook has searched for some of the The Arbor Day ceremony was co- program, will continue restoration Meadow Brook Farms. MB more notable and valuable paintings conserve other art that will be moved hosted by the City of Rochester Hills, efforts by focusing on mapping and from The Hall that were sold or be- to new locations in the house to make a Tree City USA, and was officiated identification of tree species, insect and queathed by her estate after Matilda way for the replicated works. by Mayor Bryan Barnett who read the disease problems and invasive species. Wilson’s death in 1967, with a goal of The existing collection will often Arbor Day proclamation and handed They will also plot out walking paths. replicating them and hanging them in times be moved to their original loca- shovels to members of the Musson Those interested in helping out with their original locations. This will be a tions, like the Louis Betts portrait of Elementary Daisy Troop for the this project can join Meadow Brook’s huge step toward interpreting the Frances and Dan Dodge that will ceremonial tree planting. Naturalist Committee by contacting house as it was when the family lived once again hang in the Upper Great Over the summer, students Dane Thomas at [email protected]. there – with a target date of 1929, the Hall, between the entrances to their year it was completed. bedroom wings. The results will be Due to a significant grant from the visually compelling. Matilda and Richard and Jane Manoogian Founda- Alfred Wilson carefully chose the tion and a major gift from Oakland paintings in their beloved art collec- University President Ora Pescovitz, as tion, and returning The Hall to its well as two gifts from the OU/MBH original appearance – a family home The Wilsons with their Gilbert community for the conservation of full of both personal items and impec- Stuart, no longer in The Hall. paintings in the collection, the cably curated art – is as important in fundraising drive is more than half telling their story as it is in preserving tion of the art collection, from accomplished. history. cleaning to repairing to protecting With $41,550 raised, we now need Any additional funds beyond the the hundreds of paintings, prints additional support from friends of The goal will be used for further conserva- and frames.

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 7 |Around the Estate |Around the Estate

6 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 7 Summer & Fall Calendar BVE Up Next meadowbrookhall.org @meadowbrookhall Horace Dodge Summer Sizzles at AUG Birthday Lecture JUL AUG 13 Sunday, September 16, 3-5:00 p.m. SEP the Great Estate! 15 2 16 Meadow Brook Hall offers a $15 per person Horace and John Dodge were insepara- variety of community events and ble brothers who built an automobile programs throughout the year. empire and followed each other closely In the spirit of Matilda Wilson’s in death. Meadow Brook Hall will honor Horace Dodge’s legacy and 150th gracious hospitality, we invite A Masterpiece Revealed Yoga in the Garden birthday with a lecture (and cake!) on Monday, August 13, 7-8:30 p.m. you to join us for Free Fridays, Sunday, July 15, 9-10 a.m. his life, business and untimely death. A $12 per person in advance or $15 per person summer concerts, educational 1938 Packard limousine that Horace’s $15 at the door Lecture: Madelyn Rzadkowolski, curator widow, Anna, purchased will also make lectures and more! Channel your inner peace in The of Meadow Brook Hall, will discuss the its public debut at the lecture. Hall’s Rock Garden while flowing journey of the painting, ”Infant St. John through restorative yoga poses. This the Baptist in the Wilderness,” by Bar- Daily Summer Tours Enchanted Evenings at the Yoga in the Garden class welcomes yogis of all levels and tolome Esteban Murillo, after being Great Estate Sunday, August 12, 9-10 a.m. Now through September 2. will take place rain or shine. Rain “discovered” by a curator at the DIA Wednesday, August 22, 7-9 p.m. $12 per person in advance or Reservations not required. Summer Concert Series after being out of the public eye for 90 back up is located in the Ballroom. $25 per person $15 at the door House Tour: Tour the family’s Thursday, August 2, 7-9:30 p.m. years. Learn about the past and future The final date for our brand-new event, Enjoy the tranquility of Meadow Brook’s living quarters and entertainment Free Friday $35 per person of the painting, from its journey from a Enchanted Evenings offers a unique Rock Garden while flowing through Friday, July 27, 1-3 p.m. Jazz vocalist Ben Sharkey will be monastery to a great English home and spaces on the first three floors of touring opportunity at dusk. Relax on restorative and rejuvenating yoga Explore the world of art. Visit the “DIA performing his Sinatra-inspired rou- the collaboration between the Detroit The Hall. the Loggia Terrace with a drink from the poses, led by a certified yoga instructor. Away” truck in the courtyard during the tine in The Garden Tent. You may Institute of Arts, Meadow Brook Hall cash bar, sweet treats and live musical This class is open to any level of yoga • Daily at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., July Free Friday, then children can enjoy recognize this talented Michigan and Oakland University. entertainment after your tour. experience. 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. a masterpiece-inspired craft. The after- native from his five-year-and-count- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore noon also includes self-guided tours of ing residency at the Axis Lounge in Knole Cottage and Danny’s Cabin. the MGM Grand Detroit casino. AUG rarely seen areas of the home, 16 AUG Reservations are not required. 24 Free Friday such as staff quarters and the Friday, August 24, 1-3 p.m. children’s playrooms. Explore the “Glorious Gardens” of • Daily at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., JUL the estate, talk with our garden and 2:30 p.m. 18 experts and enjoy outdoor family activities. Reservations are not Walking Estate Tour: Stroll the required. gardens and grounds as you learn Summer Concert Series how the modest Meadow Brook Thursday, August 16, 7-9:30 p.m. Farms transformed into the Great $35 per person Kimmie Horne, related to both Lena Estate. The tour also includes Horne and the Fantastic Four’s Cleve- admission to the Dodge Brothers Enchanted Evenings at the Great Estate land Horne, will perform the grand fi- exhibit in the Family Garage, along Wednesday, July 18, 7-9 p.m. nale of our Summer Concert Series. with a chance to view restored $25 per person This internationally recognized jazz Dodge vehicles. Enjoy a magical evening at The Hall with a guided tour. Cap your evening under artist will blow you away with her • Daily at 2 p.m. the stars with live musical entertainment, delectable desserts and a cash bar. original songs and covers, including “I Will Survive” and “Perfect.”

8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 9 Summer & Fall Calendar BVE Up Next meadowbrookhall.org @meadowbrookhall Horace Dodge Summer Sizzles at AUG Birthday Lecture JUL AUG 13 Sunday, September 16, 3-5:00 p.m. SEP the Great Estate! 15 2 16 Meadow Brook Hall offers a $15 per person Horace and John Dodge were insepara- variety of community events and ble brothers who built an automobile programs throughout the year. empire and followed each other closely In the spirit of Matilda Wilson’s in death. Meadow Brook Hall will honor Horace Dodge’s legacy and 150th gracious hospitality, we invite A Masterpiece Revealed Yoga in the Garden birthday with a lecture (and cake!) on Monday, August 13, 7-8:30 p.m. you to join us for Free Fridays, Sunday, July 15, 9-10 a.m. his life, business and untimely death. A $12 per person in advance or $15 per person summer concerts, educational 1938 Packard limousine that Horace’s $15 at the door Lecture: Madelyn Rzadkowolski, curator widow, Anna, purchased will also make lectures and more! Channel your inner peace in The of Meadow Brook Hall, will discuss the its public debut at the lecture. Hall’s Rock Garden while flowing journey of the painting, ”Infant St. John through restorative yoga poses. This the Baptist in the Wilderness,” by Bar- Daily Summer Tours Enchanted Evenings at the Yoga in the Garden class welcomes yogis of all levels and tolome Esteban Murillo, after being Great Estate Sunday, August 12, 9-10 a.m. Now through September 2. will take place rain or shine. Rain “discovered” by a curator at the DIA Wednesday, August 22, 7-9 p.m. $12 per person in advance or Reservations not required. Summer Concert Series after being out of the public eye for 90 back up is located in the Ballroom. $25 per person $15 at the door House Tour: Tour the family’s Thursday, August 2, 7-9:30 p.m. years. Learn about the past and future The final date for our brand-new event, Enjoy the tranquility of Meadow Brook’s living quarters and entertainment Free Friday $35 per person of the painting, from its journey from a Enchanted Evenings offers a unique Rock Garden while flowing through Friday, July 27, 1-3 p.m. Jazz vocalist Ben Sharkey will be monastery to a great English home and spaces on the first three floors of touring opportunity at dusk. Relax on restorative and rejuvenating yoga Explore the world of art. Visit the “DIA performing his Sinatra-inspired rou- the collaboration between the Detroit The Hall. the Loggia Terrace with a drink from the poses, led by a certified yoga instructor. Away” truck in the courtyard during the tine in The Garden Tent. You may Institute of Arts, Meadow Brook Hall cash bar, sweet treats and live musical This class is open to any level of yoga • Daily at 11 a.m., 12 p.m., 1 p.m., July Free Friday, then children can enjoy recognize this talented Michigan and Oakland University. entertainment after your tour. experience. 2 p.m., and 3 p.m. a masterpiece-inspired craft. The after- native from his five-year-and-count- Behind-the-Scenes Tour: Explore noon also includes self-guided tours of ing residency at the Axis Lounge in Knole Cottage and Danny’s Cabin. the MGM Grand Detroit casino. AUG rarely seen areas of the home, 16 AUG Reservations are not required. 24 Free Friday such as staff quarters and the Friday, August 24, 1-3 p.m. children’s playrooms. Explore the “Glorious Gardens” of • Daily at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., JUL the estate, talk with our garden and 2:30 p.m. 18 experts and enjoy outdoor family activities. Reservations are not Walking Estate Tour: Stroll the required. gardens and grounds as you learn Summer Concert Series how the modest Meadow Brook Thursday, August 16, 7-9:30 p.m. Farms transformed into the Great $35 per person Kimmie Horne, related to both Lena Estate. The tour also includes Horne and the Fantastic Four’s Cleve- admission to the Dodge Brothers Enchanted Evenings at the Great Estate land Horne, will perform the grand fi- exhibit in the Family Garage, along Wednesday, July 18, 7-9 p.m. nale of our Summer Concert Series. with a chance to view restored $25 per person This internationally recognized jazz Dodge vehicles. Enjoy a magical evening at The Hall with a guided tour. Cap your evening under artist will blow you away with her • Daily at 2 p.m. the stars with live musical entertainment, delectable desserts and a cash bar. original songs and covers, including “I Will Survive” and “Perfect.”

8 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 9 Summer & Fall Calendar BVE Up Next meadowbrookhall.org @meadowbrookhall Meadow Brook’s Beats, SEP Brats & Brews OCT 27 Thursday, September 27, 4 6 -8 p.m. 11 $25 per person 18 Spend a fall evening at the Great Estate and enjoy craft beer, brats, live music by acoustic artists Athens Creek and Michigan microbrews in the Rock Garden. Admission includes a beer and brat. Additional drinks and food Dinner and a Movie may be purchased. Brats are Thursday, October 4, 7-10 p.m. provided by The Mean Weenie Enjoy viewing a classic Alfred Hitchcock food truck. Wine and cider will also movie in the ballroom, where the Dodge be available. and Wilson families frequently watched Join today! films and home movies. On top of that, Lots of fun events happening Meadow Brook Hall’s executive chef will Free Friday prepare you a delicious dinner! The film OCT at The Hall! Become a Friday, September 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m. SEP on October 4th is “The Birds.” 25 20 Explore rarely seen staff and family member today to receive areas in this free Behind-the-Scenes Dinner and a Movie special discounts and exclusive tour. Reservations are required for this Thursday, October 11, 7-10 p.m. perks, while proactively Free Friday only. This Free Friday is full. Meadow Brook Hall’s Gothic-inspired To be added to the waitlist, please call ballroom doubles as a movie theater for contributing to the preserva- Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lady Vanishes.” Faith at (248) 364-6211. tion of this historic gem. Watch this classic film while savoring a delectable dinner and a cash bar. For more information, please SEP call (248) 364-6264 or visit 28 Dinner and a Movie Thursday, October 18, 7-10 p.m. meadowbrookhall.org An Alfred Hitchcock classic (tbd) will be Wild Game Dinner & Auction screened in Meadow Brook Hall’s ball- Thursday, September 20, 6-10 p.m. room for the final Dinner and a Movie. All community programs directly $125 per person, table of 10 $1,200 Executive Chef Patrick Gazzarato will contribute to the operational and Whether your taste is wild or mild, you prepare your dinner during the movie. preservation efforts of Meadow Sip a drink from the cash bar while won’t want to miss the annual Wild Brook Hall. Reservations are Game Dinner. Feast on an incredible watching a Hitchcock masterpiece. Mystery Dinner Thursday, October 25, 7-10 p.m. required in advance for all dinner prepared by Meadow Brook’s Free Friday community events (with the Executive Chef and bid on live and Friday, October 26, 1-3 p.m. Meadow Brook Hall’s extremely popular silent auction items. All proceeds of this Learn about the “stranger things” of Mystery Dinner is featuring a speakeasy exception of Free Fridays). fundraiser directly benefit the preserva- The Hall during the monthly Free Fri- theme! This interactive murder mystery To make a reservation, please dinner includes dinner, cocktails, and an tion and interpretation of The Hall. day. This Halloween-themed free event call Jill at (248) 364-6252 or visit Hurry, as tickets go fast! is perfect for all ages and includes a unforgettable evening. meadowbrookhall.org. MB self-guided house tour and Halloween- themed music on the organ! 10 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 11 Summer & Fall Calendar BVE Up Next meadowbrookhall.org @meadowbrookhall Meadow Brook’s Beats, SEP Brats & Brews OCT 27 Thursday, September 27, 4 6 -8 p.m. 11 $25 per person 18 Spend a fall evening at the Great Estate and enjoy craft beer, brats, live music by acoustic artists Athens Creek and Michigan microbrews in the Rock Garden. Admission includes a beer and brat. Additional drinks and food Dinner and a Movie may be purchased. Brats are Thursday, October 4, 7-10 p.m. provided by The Mean Weenie Enjoy viewing a classic Alfred Hitchcock food truck. Wine and cider will also movie in the ballroom, where the Dodge be available. and Wilson families frequently watched Join today! films and home movies. On top of that, Lots of fun events happening Meadow Brook Hall’s executive chef will Free Friday prepare you a delicious dinner! The film OCT at The Hall! Become a Friday, September 28, 1:30-3:30 p.m. SEP on October 4th is “The Birds.” 25 20 Explore rarely seen staff and family member today to receive areas in this free Behind-the-Scenes Dinner and a Movie special discounts and exclusive tour. Reservations are required for this Thursday, October 11, 7-10 p.m. perks, while proactively Free Friday only. This Free Friday is full. Meadow Brook Hall’s Gothic-inspired To be added to the waitlist, please call ballroom doubles as a movie theater for contributing to the preserva- Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Lady Vanishes.” Faith at (248) 364-6211. tion of this historic gem. Watch this classic film while savoring a delectable dinner and a cash bar. For more information, please SEP call (248) 364-6264 or visit 28 Dinner and a Movie Thursday, October 18, 7-10 p.m. meadowbrookhall.org An Alfred Hitchcock classic (tbd) will be Wild Game Dinner & Auction screened in Meadow Brook Hall’s ball- Thursday, September 20, 6-10 p.m. room for the final Dinner and a Movie. All community programs directly $125 per person, table of 10 $1,200 Executive Chef Patrick Gazzarato will contribute to the operational and Whether your taste is wild or mild, you prepare your dinner during the movie. preservation efforts of Meadow Sip a drink from the cash bar while won’t want to miss the annual Wild Brook Hall. Reservations are Game Dinner. Feast on an incredible watching a Hitchcock masterpiece. Mystery Dinner Thursday, October 25, 7-10 p.m. required in advance for all dinner prepared by Meadow Brook’s Free Friday community events (with the Executive Chef and bid on live and Friday, October 26, 1-3 p.m. Meadow Brook Hall’s extremely popular silent auction items. All proceeds of this Learn about the “stranger things” of Mystery Dinner is featuring a speakeasy exception of Free Fridays). fundraiser directly benefit the preserva- The Hall during the monthly Free Fri- theme! This interactive murder mystery To make a reservation, please dinner includes dinner, cocktails, and an tion and interpretation of The Hall. day. This Halloween-themed free event call Jill at (248) 364-6252 or visit Hurry, as tickets go fast! is perfect for all ages and includes a unforgettable evening. meadowbrookhall.org. MB self-guided house tour and Halloween- themed music on the organ! 10 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 11 Anna gave the car to son Horace, Jr. will clean and repair upholstery, pre- Dodge story, which includes the in 1950. He used the car when attend- serve the original custom exterior paint architectural magniﬁcence of Anna T. ing hydroplane races in which his boats job and replace missing parts, like the Dodge’s now-demolished estates, Rose met success — and proved the line of headliner clock and wheel covers. Terrace in Detroit and Playa Riente in succession of his late father’s engineer- Donor and history-lover Blackman Palm Beach, Fla., her legacy as contrib- Ask the woman ing abilities. A unique aftermarket fea- feels strongly about context in story- utor to arts and culture in Detroit, and ture is a large gas tank in the trunk, telling and thinks carefully about the boat engineering and racing feats thought to be a way to provide choosing the right home for his collec- of her son Horace Jr. and daughter “boost” to the motor as it is a com- tions, ones that will best interpret and Delphine. With the help of friends, the who owns one! mon feature in racing boats. The limo preserve the history of an object. This legacy of John and Horace Dodge, might have been there in 1950 when car is a huge ﬁrst step in broadening Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company

he won the APBA Unlimited Trophy Meadow Brook’s interpretation of the and their families will be preserved. MB at Lake Mead. Or, in 1954, when his boats took 1st and 2nd in the Silver Cup power boat races on the Detroit River. An original American Racing Boat Association sticker remains on the front windshield. In 1955, Horace, Jr. sold the car and it went through a couple hands before ﬁnding security from 1959 until now. The ﬁrst two owners of the Packard Clockwise from below: limo were Dodges and the next two Donor Charles Black- were preservationists, keeping its his- man and Meadow Brook tory, style and provenance secure for Curator Madelyn 59 years. It came to Meadow Brook Radzkowolski with the Estate in 99% original condition with limousine in its new under 16,000 miles. The low mileage home, the Dodge Stables suggests the car was only occasionally tack room; the steering used, and oral history states Anna wheel; an American Dodge only used it when her 1938 Power Boat Association Packard Town Car was not available. sticker on the front The Packard Twelve – named for its windshield. 12-cylinder engine –- is the nicest and most expensive of all of Packard’s lux- ury brands, and of the 35,000 Packard to enter Meadow Twelves produced from 1933 to 1939, The latest car The gift of Anna Dodge’s 1938 Packard Limo Brook’s vehicle collection is more than this is one of only 20 remaining limou- sets the stage for a broader Dodge story meets the eye. The 1938 Packard Se- sines. ries 1608 Twelve Limousine, a gift Thanks to the generosity of the staff By MADELyN RZADKOWOLSKI from Michigan State University profes- of OU INC, Oakland University’s sor emeritus and Packard expert business incubator housed in the for- Charles Blackman, will serve to in- mer Dodge Stables buildings, the 20- trigue visitors as both complement and foot limo is currently stored in the contrast; it is as Dodge as any in the di- former tack room. It will be brought verse Dodge collection, which includes out for display on special occasions everything from Evans & Dodge bicy- while it is being sympathetically re- cles to Graham Brothers trucks. 80 stored. Blackman did quite a bit of years ago this year, the 7-passenger work in order to donate the car in run- limousine left the Detroit factory in ning condition, so restoration will which it was built and was delivered to focus on mainly cosmetic issues. The limousine (center) on the day it arrived 12 Lakeshore Drive, Grosse Pointe, Meadow Brook curatorial staff and a at Anna Dodge’s Grosse Pointe home, 1938. the home of Anna T. Dodge, widow of loyal group of vehicle maintenance vol- auto pioneer Horace Dodge. unteers, with input from Blackman,

12 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 13 Anna gave the car to son Horace, Jr. will clean and repair upholstery, pre- Dodge story, which includes the in 1950. He used the car when attend- serve the original custom exterior paint architectural magniﬁcence of Anna T. ing hydroplane races in which his boats job and replace missing parts, like the Dodge’s now-demolished estates, Rose met success — and proved the line of headliner clock and wheel covers. Terrace in Detroit and Playa Riente in succession of his late father’s engineer- Donor and history-lover Blackman Palm Beach, Fla., her legacy as contrib- Ask the woman ing abilities. A unique aftermarket fea- feels strongly about context in story- utor to arts and culture in Detroit, and ture is a large gas tank in the trunk, telling and thinks carefully about the boat engineering and racing feats thought to be a way to provide choosing the right home for his collec- of her son Horace Jr. and daughter “boost” to the motor as it is a com- tions, ones that will best interpret and Delphine. With the help of friends, the who owns one! mon feature in racing boats. The limo preserve the history of an object. This legacy of John and Horace Dodge, might have been there in 1950 when car is a huge ﬁrst step in broadening Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company

12 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 13 year-long restoration project sentative of when it has returned the charm and was built. A historical significance to Knole Thanks to a gen- Cottage, the ¾-scale playhouse on the erous donation Meadow Brook estate. Given to from longtime sup- Frances Dodge in 1926 by her parents porters Gretchen for her 12th birthday, the enchanting and Ed Adler, the six-room cottage was furnished with collections and in- appropriately scaled furniture, textiles, teriors of Knole decorative art and fully functioning ap- Cottage were pliances. It was intended to teach Miss restored and Dodge the art of homemaking, includ- re-opened in May ing decorating the playhouse and man- 2018. The work aging a checkbook. included replica- Designed by Smith, Hinchman & tion of the original Grylls, the same architectural firm that wallpaper patterns, built Meadow Brook Hall, the play- replication and house was equipped with electricity conservation of the and running water and cost a total of original linoleum $23,000 to build and furnish. In 1972, floors, doll repair and restoration of Frances’ children donated the original the textiles and furnishings throughout furnishings of the cottage back to the the playhouse. Meadow Brook volun- estate and it was decorated and re- teers donated hundreds of hours of opened for touring with the help of a their time to bring the playhouse The world’s finest dollhouse… local Girl Scout troop. Over the fol- back to life. Grant support from the lowing 45 years, play, time and a lack Matilda R. Wilson Fund addressed ex- of access to proper conservation took tensive repairs to the exterior structure, their toll on the playhouse and its con- including restoration of the wood tents, resulting in a rather dingy space timbers and leaded glass window that was no longer historically repre- frames, as well as new paint.

Once By MADELyNAgRZADKOWOLSKI ain

Clockwise from top: bedroom in 1926; the dressing table was broken and warped before its total restoration; the bedroom’s wallpaper, curtains and linens were replicated, while the 1929 linoleum floor was restored (after the playhouse was moved in 1928-29, the linoleum floors were updated to match those in the he living room after restoration. T Hall’s service areas).

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 15 year-long restoration project sentative of when it has returned the charm and was built. A historical significance to Knole Thanks to a gen- Cottage, the ¾-scale playhouse on the erous donation Meadow Brook estate. Given to from longtime sup- Frances Dodge in 1926 by her parents porters Gretchen for her 12th birthday, the enchanting and Ed Adler, the six-room cottage was furnished with collections and in- appropriately scaled furniture, textiles, teriors of Knole decorative art and fully functioning ap- Cottage were pliances. It was intended to teach Miss restored and Dodge the art of homemaking, includ- re-opened in May ing decorating the playhouse and man- 2018. The work aging a checkbook. included replica- Designed by Smith, Hinchman & tion of the original Grylls, the same architectural firm that wallpaper patterns, built Meadow Brook Hall, the play- replication and house was equipped with electricity conservation of the and running water and cost a total of original linoleum $23,000 to build and furnish. In 1972, floors, doll repair and restoration of Frances’ children donated the original the textiles and furnishings throughout furnishings of the cottage back to the the playhouse. Meadow Brook volun- estate and it was decorated and re- teers donated hundreds of hours of opened for touring with the help of a their time to bring the playhouse The world’s finest dollhouse… local Girl Scout troop. Over the fol- back to life. Grant support from the lowing 45 years, play, time and a lack Matilda R. Wilson Fund addressed ex- of access to proper conservation took tensive repairs to the exterior structure, their toll on the playhouse and its con- including restoration of the wood tents, resulting in a rather dingy space timbers and leaded glass window that was no longer historically repre- frames, as well as new paint.

Once By MADELyNAgRZADKOWOLSKI ain

14 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 15 During the 2018 restoration, the original linoleum floors were either conserved or replicated by skilled artists. The original wallpaper was replicated in the dining room, bedroom and nursery while the original paint colors of the walls and cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom were restored.

The cracked linoleum floor (left) and missing porcelain handles and soap dish of the faucet (below) were made new.

Curatorial volunteer Marianne Raffin spent 65 hours replicating the original satin and lace covers on the bassinet and doll cradle (both were too damaged to salvage, right). Using photographs and remnants of the originals for clues, his pair of large vintage-style tea towels T she created nearly identical replacements were embroidered by a local craftswoman (above). She also recreated the flowered linen to match a pair from the kitchen at Knole valance and blue taffeta drapes and bedspread Cottage. Frances likely embroidered the in the bedroom (see page 15). playful scenes of tea cups come to life; though the stitch is accomplished, the simplicity and theme suggest a child sewed them. The reproduction towels are available in the Museum Store for purchase.

Frances’ nursery was over- hauled, with restoration of the Oakland University 2018 graduate and dolls, furniture and bassinet. costume designer Shelby VanOphem (left) The linen closet door was replicated the dress, hat and undergarments replaced with a clear plastic of the large Simon-Halbig doll, one of Frances’ In the dining room a small sample of wallpaper panel so guests can see the dolls’ favorites. OU Theatre professor Leslie Littell MB was found preserved behind the 1970s replace- shoes, frocks and coats inside. (right) assisted. The doll was also conserved. ment (right). A local artist used the scrap to design a replica wallpaper (left).

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 17 During the 2018 restoration, the original linoleum floors were either conserved or replicated by skilled artists. The original wallpaper was replicated in the dining room, bedroom and nursery while the original paint colors of the walls and cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom were restored.

The cracked linoleum floor (left) and missing porcelain handles and soap dish of the faucet (below) were made new.

16 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 17 Built in 1915, the Dodge Club- house quickly became the hub of indoor entertainment for the extended Dodge Family at Meadow Brook Farms. Above the building’s indoor pool, a comfortable lounge furnished with over-stuffed leather seating and a round Stickley table and chairs served as the special place where family could gather to play popular games of the time. To accommodate week- end outings with friends, business associates or other Dodge family members, John and Matilda Dodge always had eight extra card tables By KIM ZELINSKI on hand. The leisure activities enjoyed on the While the Clubhouse was a draw at was ideal. A nearby storage room the estate throughout the years, Meadow Brook Farms estate were housed an inventory of folding card Matilda and Alfred Wilson also built tables and chairs, or for more formal memorable for the Dodge and Wil- a special room into Meadow Brook events, wooden ﬂip-topped game tables son families. By design, the prop- Hall with indoor play in mind: the were used. Matilda also kept bridge ac- pub-styled Games Room. Themed cessories on-hand, including special erty itself was an outdoor elements, including game pieces of table linens, napkins, dishes and cus- playground, offering an abun- chess, pool and cards were designed tom-monogramed bridge cards. into the room’s woodwork (see bor- dance of open-air recreational Although the Games Room and ders on these 4 pages), door hardware Ballroom were used for special occa- opportunities. Indoors, playing and light ﬁxture. Two tables took sions, the family gathered in Alfred’s cards, board games, pool, chess center stage in the room – Study to either listen to the radio or a custom Brunswick table, adaptable play games. The room was more inti- or backgammon, was equally for both pool and billiards, and a mate and casual and, importantly, its entertaining and offered some- round wood table that converted butler’s pantry was kept stocked with thing the outdoors could not — to a poker table. A dart board was refreshments. The Wilsons’ daughter, concealed behind wooden doors in Barbara, recalled that after dinner, the an intimate setting of family to- the wall. family would retire into the den to play getherness where they could battle For larger gatherings of card bridge, canasta, backgammon or check- playing, including the bridge parties it out in a friendly, or ferocious, con- ers. No matter the game, when choos- Matilda hosted for her charitable or- ing partners was in play, the same test of wit, strategy or luck. ganizations, the spacious Ballroom twosomes always squared off – Matilda

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 19 Built in 1915, the Dodge Club- house quickly became the hub of indoor entertainment for the extended Dodge Family at Meadow Brook Farms. Above the building’s indoor pool, a comfortable lounge furnished with over-stuffed leather seating and a round Stickley table and chairs served as the special place where family could gather to play popular games of the time. To accommodate week- end outings with friends, business associates or other Dodge family members, John and Matilda Dodge always had eight extra card tables By KIM ZELINSKI on hand. The leisure activities enjoyed on the While the Clubhouse was a draw at was ideal. A nearby storage room the estate throughout the years, Meadow Brook Farms estate were housed an inventory of folding card Matilda and Alfred Wilson also built tables and chairs, or for more formal memorable for the Dodge and Wil- a special room into Meadow Brook events, wooden ﬂip-topped game tables son families. By design, the prop- Hall with indoor play in mind: the were used. Matilda also kept bridge ac- pub-styled Games Room. Themed cessories on-hand, including special erty itself was an outdoor elements, including game pieces of table linens, napkins, dishes and cus- playground, offering an abun- chess, pool and cards were designed tom-monogramed bridge cards. into the room’s woodwork (see bor- dance of open-air recreational Although the Games Room and ders on these 4 pages), door hardware Ballroom were used for special occa- opportunities. Indoors, playing and light ﬁxture. Two tables took sions, the family gathered in Alfred’s cards, board games, pool, chess center stage in the room – Study to either listen to the radio or a custom Brunswick table, adaptable play games. The room was more inti- or backgammon, was equally for both pool and billiards, and a mate and casual and, importantly, its entertaining and offered some- round wood table that converted butler’s pantry was kept stocked with thing the outdoors could not — to a poker table. A dart board was refreshments. The Wilsons’ daughter, concealed behind wooden doors in Barbara, recalled that after dinner, the an intimate setting of family to- the wall. family would retire into the den to play getherness where they could battle For larger gatherings of card bridge, canasta, backgammon or check- playing, including the bridge parties it out in a friendly, or ferocious, con- ers. No matter the game, when choos- Matilda hosted for her charitable or- ing partners was in play, the same test of wit, strategy or luck. ganizations, the spacious Ballroom twosomes always squared off – Matilda

18 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 19 and Richard against Alfred and Barbara. Card playing was also a New year’s Eve tradition. Alfred, Matilda, Richard and Barbara (typically joined by four other couples) played bridge until early morning, breaking around midnight for a lobster dinner and a New year’s toast of champagne or a “Tom and Jerry” cocktail. Card playing was undoubtedly one of the Wilsons’ favorite pastimes, not only at Meadow Brook Hall but also their vacation homes in Scottsdale, Arizona and Bar Harbor, Maine. Matilda and Alfred often teamed up with neighbors to play bridge, canasta or samba. And, in their retirement home on the Meadow Brook property, Sunset Terrace, it was not unusual to see Alfred and Matilda at a card table playing canasta with lap robes on. The Dodge and Wilson children could play in their very own private spaces: Frances had Knole Cottage, Dan a rustic cabin and the Wilson children a playhouse. Stored on shelves and cabinets and hanging on walls were an array of games that kept them occupied for hours, including Tiddley Winks, Snakes and Ladders and Steeple Chase. Games played by the family are kept in a special storage room in The Hall. The collection represents a time capsule of what the Dodge and Wilson families played on rainy after- noons, in the evening after dinner, or anytime they were just feeling a bit

competitive. Game on! MB

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 21 and Richard against Alfred and Barbara. Card playing was also a New year’s Eve tradition. Alfred, Matilda, Richard and Barbara (typically joined by four other couples) played bridge until early morning, breaking around midnight for a lobster dinner and a New year’s toast of champagne or a “Tom and Jerry” cocktail. Card playing was undoubtedly one of the Wilsons’ favorite pastimes, not only at Meadow Brook Hall but also their vacation homes in Scottsdale, Arizona and Bar Harbor, Maine. Matilda and Alfred often teamed up with neighbors to play bridge, canasta or samba. And, in their retirement home on the Meadow Brook property, Sunset Terrace, it was not unusual to see Alfred and Matilda at a card table playing canasta with lap robes on. The Dodge and Wilson children could play in their very own private spaces: Frances had Knole Cottage, Dan a rustic cabin and the Wilson children a playhouse. Stored on shelves and cabinets and hanging on walls were an array of games that kept them occupied for hours, including Tiddley Winks, Snakes and Ladders and Steeple Chase. Games played by the family are kept in a special storage room in The Hall. The collection represents a time capsule of what the Dodge and Wilson families played on rainy after- noons, in the evening after dinner, or anytime they were just feeling a bit

competitive. Game on! MB

20 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 21 ountry estates such as Meadow C Brook Farms were managed much like small communities, dependent on countless numbers of Let’s be Frank staff who attended to the needs of the owners and day-to-day activities. While the Wilsons employed a traditional By KIM ZELINSKI staff mix in this regard – maids, butlers, secretaries, cooks, stable and farm managers, chauffeurs, dairymen, gar- Handyman, builder, lock picker, coffin maker, deners and engineers – there was one who stood head and shoulders above mentor, genius...a few of a long list of descriptors the rest: carpenter Frank L. Rewold, used to characterize carpenter Frank L. Rewold’s who in no small way, played a key role in the estate’s development and suc- nearly 50-year association with Meadow Brook Farms. cess. However, it was his honesty, dedication, talent and Getting started Frank Rewold’s connection to hard work that earned him his most important title: Meadow Brook Farms began with his father, Henry, a German immigrant right-hand man to Matilda Dodge Wilson. who became a well-known farmer in Michigan’s Avon Township (present day Rochester and Rochester Hills) in the early 1900s. In addition to working as a farmer, Henry was president and manager of the Rochester Cream- Frank L. Rewold leaning on threshing rig, c. 1919. ery Company, served on the Rochester Village council as highway commis- several adjacent farms and hired Frank hired Frank to craft the living room’s sioner and sometime after 1915, was to tear down, move, and/or repair wood-paneled wall, build cupboards hired to build fences on the Meadow many of their barns and houses. and doors and install the ﬁreplace’s Brook Farms property. This associa- This work presaged the monumental stone hearth, door hardware and picket tion led to Frank’s own employment at change that fence. Frank’s carpentry skills came Meadow Brook around 1918 as a sea- would un- into play two years later when the sonal farm worker (John and Matilda fold in playhouse (renamed Knole Dodge had purchased Meadow Brook 1926, when Cottage) was moved from Farms in 1908). With a steam-engine newlyweds Al- its original location by the threshing rig and a few men, he would fred and Matilda Dodge farmhouse to its (cur- travel from farm to farm during the Wilson commis- rent) site near Meadow Brook Fall harvest season, threshing grain for sioned an elaborate Hall. However, the move did not local farmers. One such stop was estate master plan. go as planned. The playhouse suf- Meadow Brook Farms. In the winter, The plan would guide the fered extensive damage during the Frank was also hired to cut ice from a development of the farm move, nearly breaking in half. lake on the Dodge property and haul it property from a summer Matilda again hired Frank to dig its to the farm’s Ice House for storage. get-away into a grand country estate new basement and repair both the in- Although Meadow Brook’s farming that would feature residential life, terior and exterior. Left: Frank L. Rewold, c.1930; Above: operation slowed down following the farming, equine operations and recre- Matilda Dodge Wilson, c. 1940. death of John Dodge in 1920, Henry, ational facilities. A capable builder and occasionally Bert Rewold, Frank’s While planning for their new resi- In 1927, the Wilsons also turned younger brother, continued building dence, Meadow Brook Hall, was under their attention to developing the es- fences. Frank, on the other hand, expe- way, Matilda in 1926 moved forward tate’s farming and recreational opera- rienced steady work on the farm doing with one of the estate’s smaller compo- tions. At the top of the list was a new various carpentry projects. In 1924, nents – her daughter Frances Dodges’ horse stable. A corner of the stable – widowed Matilda Dodge purchased playhouse, Hilltop cottage. Matilda later incorporated into a larger equine

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 23 ountry estates such as Meadow C Brook Farms were managed much like small communities, dependent on countless numbers of Let’s be Frank staff who attended to the needs of the owners and day-to-day activities. While the Wilsons employed a traditional By KIM ZELINSKI staff mix in this regard – maids, butlers, secretaries, cooks, stable and farm managers, chauffeurs, dairymen, gar- Handyman, builder, lock picker, coffin maker, deners and engineers – there was one who stood head and shoulders above mentor, genius...a few of a long list of descriptors the rest: carpenter Frank L. Rewold, used to characterize carpenter Frank L. Rewold’s who in no small way, played a key role in the estate’s development and suc- nearly 50-year association with Meadow Brook Farms. cess. However, it was his honesty, dedication, talent and Getting started Frank Rewold’s connection to hard work that earned him his most important title: Meadow Brook Farms began with his father, Henry, a German immigrant right-hand man to Matilda Dodge Wilson. who became a well-known farmer in Michigan’s Avon Township (present day Rochester and Rochester Hills) in the early 1900s. In addition to working as a farmer, Henry was president and manager of the Rochester Cream- Frank L. Rewold leaning on threshing rig, c. 1919. ery Company, served on the Rochester Village council as highway commis- several adjacent farms and hired Frank hired Frank to craft the living room’s sioner and sometime after 1915, was to tear down, move, and/or repair wood-paneled wall, build cupboards hired to build fences on the Meadow many of their barns and houses. and doors and install the ﬁreplace’s Brook Farms property. This associa- This work presaged the monumental stone hearth, door hardware and picket tion led to Frank’s own employment at change that fence. Frank’s carpentry skills came Meadow Brook around 1918 as a sea- would un- into play two years later when the sonal farm worker (John and Matilda fold in playhouse (renamed Knole Dodge had purchased Meadow Brook 1926, when Cottage) was moved from Farms in 1908). With a steam-engine newlyweds Al- its original location by the threshing rig and a few men, he would fred and Matilda Dodge farmhouse to its (cur- travel from farm to farm during the Wilson commis- rent) site near Meadow Brook Fall harvest season, threshing grain for sioned an elaborate Hall. However, the move did not local farmers. One such stop was estate master plan. go as planned. The playhouse suf- Meadow Brook Farms. In the winter, The plan would guide the fered extensive damage during the Frank was also hired to cut ice from a development of the farm move, nearly breaking in half. lake on the Dodge property and haul it property from a summer Matilda again hired Frank to dig its to the farm’s Ice House for storage. get-away into a grand country estate new basement and repair both the in- Although Meadow Brook’s farming that would feature residential life, terior and exterior. Left: Frank L. Rewold, c.1930; Above: operation slowed down following the farming, equine operations and recre- Matilda Dodge Wilson, c. 1940. death of John Dodge in 1920, Henry, ational facilities. A capable builder and occasionally Bert Rewold, Frank’s While planning for their new resi- In 1927, the Wilsons also turned younger brother, continued building dence, Meadow Brook Hall, was under their attention to developing the es- fences. Frank, on the other hand, expe- way, Matilda in 1926 moved forward tate’s farming and recreational opera- rienced steady work on the farm doing with one of the estate’s smaller compo- tions. At the top of the list was a new various carpentry projects. In 1924, nents – her daughter Frances Dodges’ horse stable. A corner of the stable – widowed Matilda Dodge purchased playhouse, Hilltop cottage. Matilda later incorporated into a larger equine

22 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 23 when 12 year-old Dan Dodge en- graved his birthdate into the garage’s concrete foundation. Sporting and recreational facilities were developing apace. Two complexes were constructed under Frank’s over- sight: the Belgian horse barn where Matilda Wilson boarded her Belgian draft horses, and in 1935 expansion of the original horse stable Frank built in 1928 into a sprawling equestrian complex. Dodge Stables, owned by Frances Dodge, and the Avon Pony Stable, owned by Matilda and Alfred Wilson, were added. Between the two stable buildings, a shared 20,000-square-foot Riding Ring was constructed. At the time it was built, the Riding Ring was one of the largest steel- struction boom on the estate, the frame buildings in Wilsons became one of the biggest em- the region. Nearby ployers in the Rochester area. Matilda this complex, Frank insisted whenever Frank did work on constructed the the estate that he buy the materials Frances Dodge dog from Rochester businesses. She felt kennels, outdoor strongly about supporting the swimming pool and Rochester community and its econ- cabana, and Richard omy. On many days, Frank would Top: Meadow Brook Farms equine complex, c. 1940: (left to right) horse stable and and Barbara Wilson’s travel several miles to Dillman and location of Frank’s construction office; Frances Dodge’s stable and Riding Ring, Top: Knole Cottage after move in 1928. Bottom: Knole Cottage before move in 1928. playhouse. Upton in Rochester for lumber and Matilda and Alfred Wilson stable. Bottom: Riding Ring under construction, c. 1935. The last major building erected on building materials, or to C.W. Case complex – be- groups, Frank occasionally did carpen- the Meadow Brook Farms estate was and Rochester Elevator for various what his job was because he did every- Matilda to climb into Frank’s navy came Frank’s try work inside Meadow Brook Hall the Wilsons’ retirement home, Sunset supplies. thing,” said Barbara Wilson, daughter blue, side-fender, ¾ -ton Chevy truck, construction of- while it was still under construction Terrace, built between 1951 and 1953. Financial arrangements between the of Alfred and Matilda. broom hanging out the back, and drive fice, a good indication (1926-1929). And, in 1929 Frank was The project re-united architect William Wilsons and Frank were approached In a 2009 interview with Roy Re- around where she would point out the that there was much more hired to construct Meadow Brook Kapp and Frank Rewold. Frank’s son, with both practicality and trust. Con- wold, he recalled that his dad “was on projects she wanted done. work in store for him. Hall’s open auto shed, which became Roy, had now joined his father’s busi- struction blueprints were provided to the estate all the time – Sundays, holi- Roy defined his and his dad’s job du- Over the next ten years, the transfor- known as the visitors garage. This ness, which soon became known as Frank by an architect, primarily days, or whenever – just to see what ties as “five-thousand different things.” mation of the estate was profound. In building was somewhat of an after- Frank Rewold & Son. Meadow Brook Hall architect William was going on and make sure that They graded the gravel roads, replaced all, six farm groups, comprising some thought for the Wilsons and rather The Sunset Terrace project was Kapp, for design of the residences, and everything was okay.” Roy believed his screens on doors, and did plumbing re- 28 buildings, were built by Frank and than involving The Hall’s general con- strained from the start. Kapp was de- one from Jamesway Manufacturing father loved being around Mrs. Wilson, pairs. Seasonally, they cleaned eaves his crew of about 10 men. The dairy tractor, they commissioned Frank to signing the 12,587-square-foot resi- Company for the design of the farm listening to her ideas and what she had troughs, changed the flags, opened and farm group was the first to take shape, do the work. Meadow Brook Hall ar- dence at the same time the Rewolds buildings. For a few projects, a simple in mind for the estate. He felt that the closed the buildings and performed including several barns, scale house, chitect William Kapp from the firm started building it. At some point, letter of agreement (sometimes hand- best part of his day was meeting with carpentry duties such as re-shingling creamery and residence. Systematically, Smith, Hinchman & Grylls provided they were even building it at a faster written) was drafted, or on larger proj- her and the rest of the day was a piece roofs, building turkey shelters and con- the other farm groups rose up on the architectural drawings, and while he pace than Kapp could design it. In the ects a contract. But in many cases, a of cake. He always left their meetings structing a garden tea house. various quadrants of the-then 2,000- was apprehensive about Frank taking end, this frustration resulted in the verbal agreement between Frank and enthused about the next project. Occasionally, the unexpected hap- acre property, housing pedigree stocks on such an important project, he ad- Wilsons’ decision to have the Matilda sufficed. At least weekly, Frank and Matilda pened, such as the time Frank was of hogs, sheep, beef and poultry. All mitted that Frank would be “a capable Rewolds complete the project would meet in Matilda’s Morning asked to open Sunset Terrace before the group’s boasted the finest materials builder, no doubt con- without Kapp, including both A Jack of all trades Room at The Hall or in the Breakfast the Wilsons returned from one of their and state-of-the-art equipment. vinced by the Wilsons.” design and construction. “He was an engineer, mechanic and Room at Sunset Terrace in later years. vacation homes only to discover a pipe In between building the various farm Frank was likely nearby During this ongoing con- everything put into one. I never knew And, it was common practice for break that had apparently been leaking

24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 25 when 12 year-old Dan Dodge en- graved his birthdate into the garage’s concrete foundation. Sporting and recreational facilities were developing apace. Two complexes were constructed under Frank’s over- sight: the Belgian horse barn where Matilda Wilson boarded her Belgian draft horses, and in 1935 expansion of the original horse stable Frank built in 1928 into a sprawling equestrian complex. Dodge Stables, owned by Frances Dodge, and the Avon Pony Stable, owned by Matilda and Alfred Wilson, were added. Between the two stable buildings, a shared 20,000-square-foot Riding Ring was constructed. At the time it was built, the Riding Ring was one of the largest steel- struction boom on the estate, the frame buildings in Wilsons became one of the biggest em- the region. Nearby ployers in the Rochester area. Matilda this complex, Frank insisted whenever Frank did work on constructed the the estate that he buy the materials Frances Dodge dog from Rochester businesses. She felt kennels, outdoor strongly about supporting the swimming pool and Rochester community and its econ- cabana, and Richard omy. On many days, Frank would Top: Meadow Brook Farms equine complex, c. 1940: (left to right) horse stable and and Barbara Wilson’s travel several miles to Dillman and location of Frank’s construction office; Frances Dodge’s stable and Riding Ring, Top: Knole Cottage after move in 1928. Bottom: Knole Cottage before move in 1928. playhouse. Upton in Rochester for lumber and Matilda and Alfred Wilson stable. Bottom: Riding Ring under construction, c. 1935. The last major building erected on building materials, or to C.W. Case complex – be- groups, Frank occasionally did carpen- the Meadow Brook Farms estate was and Rochester Elevator for various what his job was because he did every- Matilda to climb into Frank’s navy came Frank’s try work inside Meadow Brook Hall the Wilsons’ retirement home, Sunset supplies. thing,” said Barbara Wilson, daughter blue, side-fender, ¾ -ton Chevy truck, construction of- while it was still under construction Terrace, built between 1951 and 1953. Financial arrangements between the of Alfred and Matilda. broom hanging out the back, and drive fice, a good indication (1926-1929). And, in 1929 Frank was The project re-united architect William Wilsons and Frank were approached In a 2009 interview with Roy Re- around where she would point out the that there was much more hired to construct Meadow Brook Kapp and Frank Rewold. Frank’s son, with both practicality and trust. Con- wold, he recalled that his dad “was on projects she wanted done. work in store for him. Hall’s open auto shed, which became Roy, had now joined his father’s busi- struction blueprints were provided to the estate all the time – Sundays, holi- Roy defined his and his dad’s job du- Over the next ten years, the transfor- known as the visitors garage. This ness, which soon became known as Frank by an architect, primarily days, or whenever – just to see what ties as “five-thousand different things.” mation of the estate was profound. In building was somewhat of an after- Frank Rewold & Son. Meadow Brook Hall architect William was going on and make sure that They graded the gravel roads, replaced all, six farm groups, comprising some thought for the Wilsons and rather The Sunset Terrace project was Kapp, for design of the residences, and everything was okay.” Roy believed his screens on doors, and did plumbing re- 28 buildings, were built by Frank and than involving The Hall’s general con- strained from the start. Kapp was de- one from Jamesway Manufacturing father loved being around Mrs. Wilson, pairs. Seasonally, they cleaned eaves his crew of about 10 men. The dairy tractor, they commissioned Frank to signing the 12,587-square-foot resi- Company for the design of the farm listening to her ideas and what she had troughs, changed the flags, opened and farm group was the first to take shape, do the work. Meadow Brook Hall ar- dence at the same time the Rewolds buildings. For a few projects, a simple in mind for the estate. He felt that the closed the buildings and performed including several barns, scale house, chitect William Kapp from the firm started building it. At some point, letter of agreement (sometimes hand- best part of his day was meeting with carpentry duties such as re-shingling creamery and residence. Systematically, Smith, Hinchman & Grylls provided they were even building it at a faster written) was drafted, or on larger proj- her and the rest of the day was a piece roofs, building turkey shelters and con- the other farm groups rose up on the architectural drawings, and while he pace than Kapp could design it. In the ects a contract. But in many cases, a of cake. He always left their meetings structing a garden tea house. various quadrants of the-then 2,000- was apprehensive about Frank taking end, this frustration resulted in the verbal agreement between Frank and enthused about the next project. Occasionally, the unexpected hap- acre property, housing pedigree stocks on such an important project, he ad- Wilsons’ decision to have the Matilda sufficed. At least weekly, Frank and Matilda pened, such as the time Frank was of hogs, sheep, beef and poultry. All mitted that Frank would be “a capable Rewolds complete the project would meet in Matilda’s Morning asked to open Sunset Terrace before the group’s boasted the finest materials builder, no doubt con- without Kapp, including both A Jack of all trades Room at The Hall or in the Breakfast the Wilsons returned from one of their and state-of-the-art equipment. vinced by the Wilsons.” design and construction. “He was an engineer, mechanic and Room at Sunset Terrace in later years. vacation homes only to discover a pipe In between building the various farm Frank was likely nearby During this ongoing con- everything put into one. I never knew And, it was common practice for break that had apparently been leaking

24 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 25 able to make a better living working outside of Meadow Brook, but he felt part of something important – a feeling shared by many of the families that lived on the estate and the staff who worked there. They were part of a special community, a family of sorts. Roy remembers coming to Meadow Brook at a young age, riding in hay wagons, riding horses in the Riding Ring, and driving the tractors and going to the creamery to taste freshly made butter- milk. For the Rewolds, Meadow Brook was a lifestyle, not a job. A profound sadness came over Frank when Matilda Wilson died in 1967. Still grieving, he cleaned out his office in the stable and was faced with the realization that an era had ended. Looking across the landscape today, many of the buildings Frank built are gone. Those that remain – several of the most important, such as the Riding Ring, Sunset Terrace and the Visitors Garage – are remnants of a once thriv- ing estate and a testament to the char- for some time. Several inches of water acter of a man whose energy, had filled the room and floating intelligence and dedication ably as- across the floor were Matilda’s collec- sisted the Wilsons in keeping it all tion of hats. going with an attitude characterized A few of Frank’s projects fit into the by just a few important words: “above and beyond” category. Matilda “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” MB could forget to grab her big ring of keys before leaving the Linen Room Above: Sunset Terrace, c. 1965 and under construction, c.1952. Opposite page: and the door would automatically lock Frank L. Rewold in Rochester parade, c. 1965. behind her. Frank, and then Roy in later years, would get the call to come custom case and drove the painting as ther deepened their working relation- out and pick the lock. far as they could go in one day in the ship. Their backgrounds were similar, to the community from Frank Rewold. healed, but he sustained a permanent Frank stockpiled a large stash of lum- farm truck, landing in Troy, New york. both from rural upbringings, both hav- It just came to him naturally.” scar on his face. ber, milled from trees on the estate, Worried about how they were going to ing German immigrant parents. They Frank was heavily involved in the Frank’s good deeds did not go un- just in case a special project came up… protect this priceless painting communicated intuitively with each Rochester community. Over the years, noticed or unrewarded. Alfred and and there were many. overnight, the Rewolds drove to the and shared a similar work ethic and re- he served as the city’s mayor, and a Richard Wilson were driving around The Rewolds custom-made wooden Troy police department and convinced gard for quality workmanship. And, volunteer fireman. When one of the the estate one day in the late ‘30s and horse stalls to go inside a train’s mail the officers to hold it in an isolated they believed in the educational princi- buildings at Dodge Stables caught fire came across a somewhat inebriated car so their horses could travel in style area for safekeeping. ple of “learn by doing.” in 1935, Frank was one of the first to Frank and farm manager, Art Fergu- Three-generations of Rewolds from to horse shows all over the country. Frank was instrumental in mentoring arrive. When he climbed the ladder son, who were sitting in Frank’s truck. left to right: Frank L. Rewold, Frank They fashioned wooden coffins for the A Lasting Legacy George Karas, hired in 1958 by with the fire hose in his hand, an unex- One of them fell out of the truck, H. Rewold, Roy Rewold, c. 1960. family’s favorite animals, particularly “There wasn’t a day that he didn’t Matilda to become Meadow Brook pected blast of water threw the fire which didn’t set too well with See article (One company, one their horses and dogs that were then enjoy,” said Roy Rewold, speaking of Hall’s 18th engineer, and the first em- hose back and cut a large gash on his Alfred, and he fired them both on the buried in the estate’s pet cemetery. his father, Frank. ployee of the soon-to-be Oakland Uni- face and forehead, knocking him off spot. However, Matilda, hired them family, one century) on page 6 for To protect the Wilsons’ rare Gilbert By all accounts, Frank loved his job. versity. What George didn’t learn from the ladder. The barn suffered some fire back the very next day. She was very details of FR&S 100th anniversary Stuart portrait of George Washington Likewise, Matilda Wilson was indebted Matilda, he was taught or trained by damage but 18 valuable horses, equip- faithful and forgiving to those who and current involvement at Meadow en route to their vacation home in Bar to Frank for both his skills and faithful Frank. George recalls that “I learned ment and saddles were saved by his did a good job for her. Brook and Oakland University. Harbor Maine, the Rewolds built a service. A bond between the two fur- honesty, integrity and literally service quick and selfless action. His injuries In theory, Frank might have been

26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 27 able to make a better living working outside of Meadow Brook, but he felt part of something important – a feeling shared by many of the families that lived on the estate and the staff who worked there. They were part of a special community, a family of sorts. Roy remembers coming to Meadow Brook at a young age, riding in hay wagons, riding horses in the Riding Ring, and driving the tractors and going to the creamery to taste freshly made butter- milk. For the Rewolds, Meadow Brook was a lifestyle, not a job. A profound sadness came over Frank when Matilda Wilson died in 1967. Still grieving, he cleaned out his office in the stable and was faced with the realization that an era had ended. Looking across the landscape today, many of the buildings Frank built are gone. Those that remain – several of the most important, such as the Riding Ring, Sunset Terrace and the Visitors Garage – are remnants of a once thriv- ing estate and a testament to the char- for some time. Several inches of water acter of a man whose energy, had filled the room and floating intelligence and dedication ably as- across the floor were Matilda’s collec- sisted the Wilsons in keeping it all tion of hats. going with an attitude characterized A few of Frank’s projects fit into the by just a few important words: “above and beyond” category. Matilda “Don’t worry, I’ll take care of it.” MB could forget to grab her big ring of keys before leaving the Linen Room Above: Sunset Terrace, c. 1965 and under construction, c.1952. Opposite page: and the door would automatically lock Frank L. Rewold in Rochester parade, c. 1965. behind her. Frank, and then Roy in later years, would get the call to come custom case and drove the painting as ther deepened their working relation- out and pick the lock. far as they could go in one day in the ship. Their backgrounds were similar, to the community from Frank Rewold. healed, but he sustained a permanent Frank stockpiled a large stash of lum- farm truck, landing in Troy, New york. both from rural upbringings, both hav- It just came to him naturally.” scar on his face. ber, milled from trees on the estate, Worried about how they were going to ing German immigrant parents. They Frank was heavily involved in the Frank’s good deeds did not go un- just in case a special project came up… protect this priceless painting communicated intuitively with each Rochester community. Over the years, noticed or unrewarded. Alfred and and there were many. overnight, the Rewolds drove to the and shared a similar work ethic and re- he served as the city’s mayor, and a Richard Wilson were driving around The Rewolds custom-made wooden Troy police department and convinced gard for quality workmanship. And, volunteer fireman. When one of the the estate one day in the late ‘30s and horse stalls to go inside a train’s mail the officers to hold it in an isolated they believed in the educational princi- buildings at Dodge Stables caught fire came across a somewhat inebriated car so their horses could travel in style area for safekeeping. ple of “learn by doing.” in 1935, Frank was one of the first to Frank and farm manager, Art Fergu- Three-generations of Rewolds from to horse shows all over the country. Frank was instrumental in mentoring arrive. When he climbed the ladder son, who were sitting in Frank’s truck. left to right: Frank L. Rewold, Frank They fashioned wooden coffins for the A Lasting Legacy George Karas, hired in 1958 by with the fire hose in his hand, an unex- One of them fell out of the truck, H. Rewold, Roy Rewold, c. 1960. family’s favorite animals, particularly “There wasn’t a day that he didn’t Matilda to become Meadow Brook pected blast of water threw the fire which didn’t set too well with See article (One company, one their horses and dogs that were then enjoy,” said Roy Rewold, speaking of Hall’s 18th engineer, and the first em- hose back and cut a large gash on his Alfred, and he fired them both on the buried in the estate’s pet cemetery. his father, Frank. ployee of the soon-to-be Oakland Uni- face and forehead, knocking him off spot. However, Matilda, hired them family, one century) on page 6 for To protect the Wilsons’ rare Gilbert By all accounts, Frank loved his job. versity. What George didn’t learn from the ladder. The barn suffered some fire back the very next day. She was very details of FR&S 100th anniversary Stuart portrait of George Washington Likewise, Matilda Wilson was indebted Matilda, he was taught or trained by damage but 18 valuable horses, equip- faithful and forgiving to those who and current involvement at Meadow en route to their vacation home in Bar to Frank for both his skills and faithful Frank. George recalls that “I learned ment and saddles were saved by his did a good job for her. Brook and Oakland University. Harbor Maine, the Rewolds built a service. A bond between the two fur- honesty, integrity and literally service quick and selfless action. His injuries In theory, Frank might have been

26 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 27 Susan Martin James Cook ANNUAL SUPPORT Diane Matheis Marilyn Creelman Every year the Meadow Brook Kimberly Miller Marilyn Crozier Estate teaches thousands of Kenneth & Deborah Mohre Julie Dagenais individuals, families, and school- Susan Phelps Paula D’Ambrosio children about the signiﬁcance Bradley & Holly Rush Marvin Dery of the Dodge and Wilson families Craig & Sheryl Dukes and the rich heritage they con- Robert Schirmer Peter & Carla Dunselman tributed to the community. Shirley Sikov Matt Durack The support of the individuals Patrice Sinclair Timothy Durbin listed here makes it possible for us Mary Beth Snyder Elizabeth Fidler to continue this work. Michael & Kay St. Pierre Christopher Ford Their gifts allow us to preserve Don & Mary Ann Stange Linda Foster and maintain the National John Treter Eric Franchy Historic Landmark building, its Brian Tyler Brenda Fuelle grounds and outbuildings, and to David Vartanian David Gagnon present programs that show how Christopher & Toni Wiley the values of hard work Anthony Gallina Kim Zelinski and mastery of craft have impacted Wilson & Virginia Garner our region. We are grateful for Friends of Gertrude Gietzen every contribution that allowed the Meadow Brook Hall Kimberly Godek Meadow Brook Estate to fulﬁll its $100 – $249 Henry & Dorothy Goodwin 2017 Meadow Brook Estate mission last year. Jennifer Alexander Charlie Gragg Brian & Shelly Anding Matthew Green Michael & Maria Antaran Donor Report The Guilders of Arthur & Joanne Griggs (Gifts received January 1-December 31, 2017 Meadow Brook Ruthann Bajorek Diane Gurzick $250 – $999 Amy Bennett Jillian Gust Anne Akin Bryan Bilczewski Lauren Guzzard Peggy Sue Allegro Jane Bingham Judy Hall Tudor Circle The Cornerstone Society Michael Amberg Vicki Blackshear Derek Handzo $10,000 and higher $1,000 – $2,499 Susannah Cameron Crichton & Jon & Donna Block Kenneth Hanna Richard & Janice Caloia Christine Burnard & Greydon Hyde Paul Licker John & Lynn Boehmer Sharon Harris Frank & Janet Cassise Jim & Ann Nicholson Gynnae Bourdeau Bill Cichowski Michael Cregar George & Francoise Harrod Mary Bragg Richard & Cherrill Cregar Amber DeClaire Thomas & Phyllis Henderson Pegasus Circle Anne Dieters-Williams Lyle & Gerry Detterman Kelly Brault Craig Holland $5,000 – $9,999 Richard Flynn Huston Dorris Donald & Nancy Brenner Richard & Julie Holmes Nancy Cross Alison Gaudreau John & Rebecca Gaydos Jennifer Brown Shirley Holt Martha Hammel Gasper & Theresa Buffa Patti Finnegan Sharf Robert & Carla Giddings Carol Hornbeck Charles & Tolina Hennighausen Renne Bush William H. & Story John Bette Gomez Douglas & Diane Ingamells Anne Howlett Grace Campbell Amanda Iodice Nadine Jakobowski James Hargett David & Donna Carpenter Darlene Janulis Tiffany Circle Tom & Jenny Kenny Bruce & Chris Harris Thomas & Sheryl Catsburg $2,500 – $4,999 Martin & Lynn Metzker Gregory Heleski Michelle Jasper James & Jane Cerano Arthur Ashley Alfred Monetta & Bruce Voss George & Alison Hynd Richard & Sue Jayroe Robert & Gwen Cesario Lynn Jenkins Theodor & Diana Cunningham Marsha Montemayor Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Frank Rewold Raj Choudhary Andrew Kaltsounis Richard & Sharon Koenig Walter & Sandra Kaseta Brian & Angie Schmucker Gregg Christenson Greg & Kathryn Kampay Richard & Deborah Lee Deborah Kitson Mary Sloan & Jeff Lichty Terri Church Carol Ketelsen Pat & Nadine Milostan Danielle Krohn Deborah Syme Marilyn Cianciolo Dianne Kipp Larry & Debbie Wilson Geoff & Suzanne Upward Mary Ellen Marion Larry Coates Ariana Kirk Brad & Kathleen Wireman Kirk Martin Barry & Andra Cogan Dale & Carole Kline

28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 29 Susan Martin James Cook ANNUAL SUPPORT Diane Matheis Marilyn Creelman Every year the Meadow Brook Kimberly Miller Marilyn Crozier Estate teaches thousands of Kenneth & Deborah Mohre Julie Dagenais individuals, families, and school- Susan Phelps Paula D’Ambrosio children about the signiﬁcance Bradley & Holly Rush Marvin Dery of the Dodge and Wilson families Craig & Sheryl Dukes and the rich heritage they con- Robert Schirmer Peter & Carla Dunselman tributed to the community. Shirley Sikov Matt Durack The support of the individuals Patrice Sinclair Timothy Durbin listed here makes it possible for us Mary Beth Snyder Elizabeth Fidler to continue this work. Michael & Kay St. Pierre Christopher Ford Their gifts allow us to preserve Don & Mary Ann Stange Linda Foster and maintain the National John Treter Eric Franchy Historic Landmark building, its Brian Tyler Brenda Fuelle grounds and outbuildings, and to David Vartanian David Gagnon present programs that show how Christopher & Toni Wiley the values of hard work Anthony Gallina Kim Zelinski and mastery of craft have impacted Wilson & Virginia Garner our region. We are grateful for Friends of Gertrude Gietzen every contribution that allowed the Meadow Brook Hall Kimberly Godek Meadow Brook Estate to fulﬁll its $100 – $249 Henry & Dorothy Goodwin 2017 Meadow Brook Estate mission last year. Jennifer Alexander Charlie Gragg Brian & Shelly Anding Matthew Green Michael & Maria Antaran Donor Report The Guilders of Arthur & Joanne Griggs (Gifts received January 1-December 31, 2017 Meadow Brook Ruthann Bajorek Diane Gurzick $250 – $999 Amy Bennett Jillian Gust Anne Akin Bryan Bilczewski Lauren Guzzard Peggy Sue Allegro Jane Bingham Judy Hall Tudor Circle The Cornerstone Society Michael Amberg Vicki Blackshear Derek Handzo $10,000 and higher $1,000 – $2,499 Susannah Cameron Crichton & Jon & Donna Block Kenneth Hanna Richard & Janice Caloia Christine Burnard & Greydon Hyde Paul Licker John & Lynn Boehmer Sharon Harris Frank & Janet Cassise Jim & Ann Nicholson Gynnae Bourdeau Bill Cichowski Michael Cregar George & Francoise Harrod Mary Bragg Richard & Cherrill Cregar Amber DeClaire Thomas & Phyllis Henderson Pegasus Circle Anne Dieters-Williams Lyle & Gerry Detterman Kelly Brault Craig Holland $5,000 – $9,999 Richard Flynn Huston Dorris Donald & Nancy Brenner Richard & Julie Holmes Nancy Cross Alison Gaudreau John & Rebecca Gaydos Jennifer Brown Shirley Holt Martha Hammel Gasper & Theresa Buffa Patti Finnegan Sharf Robert & Carla Giddings Carol Hornbeck Charles & Tolina Hennighausen Renne Bush William H. & Story John Bette Gomez Douglas & Diane Ingamells Anne Howlett Grace Campbell Amanda Iodice Nadine Jakobowski James Hargett David & Donna Carpenter Darlene Janulis Tiffany Circle Tom & Jenny Kenny Bruce & Chris Harris Thomas & Sheryl Catsburg $2,500 – $4,999 Martin & Lynn Metzker Gregory Heleski Michelle Jasper James & Jane Cerano Arthur Ashley Alfred Monetta & Bruce Voss George & Alison Hynd Richard & Sue Jayroe Robert & Gwen Cesario Lynn Jenkins Theodor & Diana Cunningham Marsha Montemayor Jeffery & Kathleen Janke Frank Rewold Raj Choudhary Andrew Kaltsounis Richard & Sharon Koenig Walter & Sandra Kaseta Brian & Angie Schmucker Gregg Christenson Greg & Kathryn Kampay Richard & Deborah Lee Deborah Kitson Mary Sloan & Jeff Lichty Terri Church Carol Ketelsen Pat & Nadine Milostan Danielle Krohn Deborah Syme Marilyn Cianciolo Dianne Kipp Larry & Debbie Wilson Geoff & Suzanne Upward Mary Ellen Marion Larry Coates Ariana Kirk Brad & Kathleen Wireman Kirk Martin Barry & Andra Cogan Dale & Carole Kline

28 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 29 Friends of Meadow Brook Hall Con’t. Collections Michele Knox $100,000 and Alan & Julie Koffron higher Norma Oberhauser Laurene Koller Kendra Kornatowski $50,000-$99,000 Kathleen Kracht Charles Blackman Peggy Kresge Jason Kushniruk $25,000-$49,999 Don & Carol Lechnar Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation Karen Linton Sridhar Maddipatla $7,500- $24,999 Katherine Maertens Scott Kunselman Stephanie Mann Judith Marlette $2,500-$7,499 ORPORATE AND OUNDATION IFTS Richard & Sherry Koenig C F G Ryan & Trisha Massey Meadow Brook Hall is grateful for the support of our corporate and foundation partners. Jim & Sue May $1,000-$2,499 Their support allows us to share with our visitors from near and far the important legacy of Patricia McGhee Arthur Ashley the Dodge and Wilson families and their magniﬁcent country estate. Donald & Lila McMechan Pete & Irene Townsend Nanci Milam Community Organizations/ Karen Milke $250-$999 Business Partner Donations Christine Burnard & Beverly Miller Greydon Hyde $100,000 and higher $100-$249 Jean Ann Miller COLLECTIONS SUPPORT Wiegand’s – Michael and Jennifer Klieman Adult Learning Institute Brenda Fuelle Kathleen Mills The Hall’s extensive collections of art, furniture, (Honorarium for Jim Wolfe) Jeanne Gartner $10,000-$49,999 ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, costumes and Frank Rewold & Son, Incorporated Brian Montgomery Michael Thomas Lavens Oakland University Credit Union Betty Moots NOMM, Incorporated archival materials are highly regarded for being Meadow Brook Hall Squires Tom & Nancy Morey Stoney Creek Questers #203 original to the house as well as for their intrinsic $1,000-$9,999 Troy Garden Club Ascension Crittenton Hospital Keith Morgan Geoff & Suzanne Upward value. Much conservation work is being accom- Emerald City Designs Debra Nicholson plished through the Adopt-an-Artifact program, Grants/Foundation Gifts Shannon O’Berski Meadowbrook Insurance $100-$249 as well as the Adopt-a-Dodge program for the Lawrence & Kathy Obrecht Frank & Janet Cassise Northern Trust $100,000 and higher growing historic vehicle collection. Matilda R. Wilson Fund Michele Olind Gerri Ann Reimann Szott M-59 Dodge Ram Village of Rochester Hills Jessica Opfer $50,000 - $99,999 Wells Fargo Community Support Program Karen Pagenette Germaine Schneider & Gayle Hoste Jean Timmer International Paper Company Foundation – Roger B. & Barbara R. Smith Cissie Patterson Cherie Schuette Nicole Thomas $250-$999 Marlene Pesta Arnold & Sylvia Schultes James Tompert Aurum Design Jewelry $5,000 - $9,999 Fred & Suzanne Phillips Margaret Schwarz Robert Ufer Blossoms Florist The Kresge Foundation Kimberly Prisby Amy Simer Robert VanDerbrook Butcher and Butcher Construction Company, Inc. Margaret Savage Archana Ramaseshan Nancy Smith Robert Vetter Dillman & Upton – The W.J. & Lillian Kemler Foundation Carolyn Ress John Spina Cheryl Verbruggen Drury Marketing, Incorporated David & Peggy Rinehart EEI Global, Incorporated $1,000 - $4,999 Winford & Barbara Stell Edward & Marlene Walford Chris & Michelle Peyerk Foundation Ed & Kathleen Robbins Vicki Stewart Andrea Walker-Leidy Evans Law Group P.C. Jon & Diana Rowland Jack & Joanne Stroebel Brenda Wehrli Flying Fish Studios $250 - $999 Benjamin & Jenny Rush Maria Suarez William Wozniak Hunters Creek Club John Todd Van Lennep Huntsman Hunt Club – The Frances Dodge Family Fund Gail Ryckman Stephen & Barbara Sucher Pﬁzer, Incorporated Madelyn Rzadkowolski Michael Sullivan ReLeaf Michigan, Incorporated Joe Salome Judith Swank Wings and Wine Society Wendy Santo Mary Louise Temple WXyZ-TV

30 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 31 Friends of Meadow Brook Hall Con’t. Collections Michele Knox $100,000 and Alan & Julie Koffron higher Norma Oberhauser Laurene Koller Kendra Kornatowski $50,000-$99,000 Kathleen Kracht Charles Blackman Peggy Kresge Jason Kushniruk $25,000-$49,999 Don & Carol Lechnar Richard and Jane Manoogian Foundation Karen Linton Sridhar Maddipatla $7,500- $24,999 Katherine Maertens Scott Kunselman Stephanie Mann Judith Marlette $2,500-$7,499 ORPORATE AND OUNDATION IFTS Richard & Sherry Koenig C F G Ryan & Trisha Massey Meadow Brook Hall is grateful for the support of our corporate and foundation partners. Jim & Sue May $1,000-$2,499 Their support allows us to share with our visitors from near and far the important legacy of Patricia McGhee Arthur Ashley the Dodge and Wilson families and their magniﬁcent country estate. Donald & Lila McMechan Pete & Irene Townsend Nanci Milam Community Organizations/ Karen Milke $250-$999 Business Partner Donations Christine Burnard & Beverly Miller Greydon Hyde $100,000 and higher $100-$249 Jean Ann Miller COLLECTIONS SUPPORT Wiegand’s – Michael and Jennifer Klieman Adult Learning Institute Brenda Fuelle Kathleen Mills The Hall’s extensive collections of art, furniture, (Honorarium for Jim Wolfe) Jeanne Gartner $10,000-$49,999 ceramics, glass, silver, textiles, costumes and Frank Rewold & Son, Incorporated Brian Montgomery Michael Thomas Lavens Oakland University Credit Union Betty Moots NOMM, Incorporated archival materials are highly regarded for being Meadow Brook Hall Squires Tom & Nancy Morey Stoney Creek Questers #203 original to the house as well as for their intrinsic $1,000-$9,999 Troy Garden Club Ascension Crittenton Hospital Keith Morgan Geoff & Suzanne Upward value. Much conservation work is being accom- Emerald City Designs Debra Nicholson plished through the Adopt-an-Artifact program, Grants/Foundation Gifts Shannon O’Berski Meadowbrook Insurance $100-$249 as well as the Adopt-a-Dodge program for the Lawrence & Kathy Obrecht Frank & Janet Cassise Northern Trust $100,000 and higher growing historic vehicle collection. Matilda R. Wilson Fund Michele Olind Gerri Ann Reimann Szott M-59 Dodge Ram Village of Rochester Hills Jessica Opfer $50,000 - $99,999 Wells Fargo Community Support Program Karen Pagenette Germaine Schneider & Gayle Hoste Jean Timmer International Paper Company Foundation – Roger B. & Barbara R. Smith Cissie Patterson Cherie Schuette Nicole Thomas $250-$999 Marlene Pesta Arnold & Sylvia Schultes James Tompert Aurum Design Jewelry $5,000 - $9,999 Fred & Suzanne Phillips Margaret Schwarz Robert Ufer Blossoms Florist The Kresge Foundation Kimberly Prisby Amy Simer Robert VanDerbrook Butcher and Butcher Construction Company, Inc. Margaret Savage Archana Ramaseshan Nancy Smith Robert Vetter Dillman & Upton – The W.J. & Lillian Kemler Foundation Carolyn Ress John Spina Cheryl Verbruggen Drury Marketing, Incorporated David & Peggy Rinehart EEI Global, Incorporated $1,000 - $4,999 Winford & Barbara Stell Edward & Marlene Walford Chris & Michelle Peyerk Foundation Ed & Kathleen Robbins Vicki Stewart Andrea Walker-Leidy Evans Law Group P.C. Jon & Diana Rowland Jack & Joanne Stroebel Brenda Wehrli Flying Fish Studios $250 - $999 Benjamin & Jenny Rush Maria Suarez William Wozniak Hunters Creek Club John Todd Van Lennep Huntsman Hunt Club – The Frances Dodge Family Fund Gail Ryckman Stephen & Barbara Sucher Pﬁzer, Incorporated Madelyn Rzadkowolski Michael Sullivan ReLeaf Michigan, Incorporated Joe Salome Judith Swank Wings and Wine Society Wendy Santo Mary Louise Temple WXyZ-TV

30 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 31 |Last Page

atat TheThe GreatGreat EstEstateate Happy Birthday,Horace! Weddings

Horace (left) and John (second from right) and friends on the S.S. Nokomis, 1916. Photo courtesy of the Clarke Historical Library.

he arrival of Anna Dodge’s 1938 Packard Limousine (see page 12) coincided with HoraceT Dodge’s 150th birthday anniversary. Born in Niles, Michigan on May 17, 1868, Horace would become one of the most important and inﬂuential mechanical minds of the 20th century. Four years younger than John, the brothers were inseparable throughout their lives, but most notably in business. Horace’s mechanical genius com- bined with John’s business acumen to create an incredible success of their 1914 founding of Dodge Brothers Motor Car Company. The social and business stories of John and Horace Dodge are told in the seasonal

installation of an automotive exhibit in Meadow Brook’s Family Garage. For Horace’s Riley Woods PhotogRaPhy 150th birthday, the exhibit delves into his maritime activities, including the series of speed cruisers and yachts he built from 1899 F F to 1921 (his largest and most well-known T IMELESS E LEGANT P ERFECT Join us usfor fora lecture a celebration! on Horace yacht, S.S. Delphine, was completed after his Dodge’s life and legacy. The death in 1920). The rare photographs and event will include the ﬁrst public memorabilia in the exhibit are gifts from the display of the “new” 1938 Packard Horace Dodge family. MB limousine…and a birthday cake! September 16, 2018, 3-5:00 p.m. See page 9 for event details. www.meadowbrookhall.org

32 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Join us for our FREE monthly bridal open houses.Visit our website for details. |Last Page

atat TheThe GreatGreat EstEstateate Happy Birthday,Horace! Weddings

Horace (left) and John (second from right) and friends on the S.S. Nokomis, 1916. Photo courtesy of the Clarke Historical Library.

32 Meadow Brook MAGAZINE | Spring/Summer 2018 Join us for our FREE monthly bridal open houses.Visit our website for details. SPRING/SUMMER 2018

350 Estate Drive Rochester, MI 48309-4401 MeMeadowBradowBrooookk

To order, visit Meadow Brook’s Museum Store or contact store manager Kelly Lenda at 248-364-6206 or email [email protected].

BY KAREL BOND LUCANDER INSIDE: Summer Events| Games People Played| Frankophile