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Meadow Brook Hall

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Latest Meadow Brook News

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July 10, 2017July 11, 2017

Meadow Brook Hall nominated in Local 4’s “Vote 4 the Best” contest

Meadow Brook Hall has been nominated for Best Museum and Best Wedding Venue in Local 4’s “Vote 4 the Best” contest. Built by Oakland University founders... Read more
Knole Cottage at Meadow Brook Hall
June 30, 2017

Free Fridays is Not Canceled

Due to the possibility of inclement weather, we have had many inquiries regarding the status of today’s Free Fridays program. The program will proceed as... Read more
English Walled Garden at Meadow Brook Hall
June 1, 2017

Meadow Brook in Bloom featured in C&G Newspaper

Flowers are the focus of Meadow Brook in Bloom C&G Newspaper writer, Linda Shepard, wrote about our special tours and events taking place June 25 - 30. " Read more
Youth Writing Camp
May 8, 2017

Inspiring Young Writers

Matilda Wilson's primary wish when she bequeathed her home and land was that it be used for education. Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens has celebrated... Read more
April 3, 2017April 3, 2017

Support Meadow Brook’s Woodland Restoration Program & Arbor Day Celebration

In an effort to revitalize the woodlands and kick-start a maintenance program, Meadow Brook Hall is launching the Woodland Entrance Restoration Program on Arbor Day,... Read more
March 17, 2017

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Winner

Meadow Brook Hall earns 2016 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence TripAdvisor gives a Certificate of Excellence to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travelers. This is... Read more
March 8, 2017

Back by Popular Demand! The Meadow Brook Speakeasy

Shhh... Don't tell nobodies! We's havin' another party with some a dat special Canadian juice. Join us Thursday, March 30 from... Read more
English Walled Garden
March 3, 2017April 26, 2017

Save the Date for Meadow Brook in Bloom

Meadow Brook in Bloom: June 25-30, 2017 Join us for a series of events and a special tour that celebrates all things floral at the Great Estate.... Read more
February 1, 2017

Meadow Brook to host presentation on “Wonder Drugs: Coffee, Tea and Chocolate”

Join us February 27, for a presentation on “Wonder Drugs: Coffee, Tea and Chocolate” by DIA associate curator, Yao-Fen You When coffee, tea and chocolate... Read more

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Out of many inspiring Meadow Brook women to honor Out of many inspiring Meadow Brook women to honor during Women’s History Month, Mary Mathews was a hard-working woman whose efforts maintained the estate, family, and her community.

Meadow Brook ran as a matriarchal system with Matilda Dodge Wilson as head of the home and farm--an operation that ran smoothly with the help of her “right-hand lady” and closest confidant, Mary Mathews. Mary was considered part of the family and had exclusive permission to be in charge when Matilda was away.

Born to a white mother and black father, Mary faced many challenges but created a strong, independent life for herself.

Although most of Meadow Brook's staff lived on-site or in homes provided by the Wilson family, Mary had a house in Detroit that she devotedly commuted from each day. Because of systemic racial injustice at the time, Mary wasn’t legally allowed to purchase a home herself. Matilda bought the home and offered it to Mary as a gift, but Mary was persistent that she pay back every cent to earn and own her Detroit house.

Active in social causes, Mary Mathews was a member of the In-As-Much Circle of King’s Daughters and Sons, an organization that supported women of color. Mary held leadership positions and frequently planned fundraisers and events. Mary also started the Yitrahc Club (charity spelled backwards) to support a home for aged women of color. In 1948, Mary received a volunteer award at City Hall for her devoted work towards the betterment of her community.

Mary Mathew’s story is one of perseverance when faced with the many challenges of being a biracial woman in the time period. She was a beloved member of the home, an inspiration for social change and a determined, hard working woman.

Few photos of Mary remain. Pictured here:
📸Mary's 1923 passport photo 
📸Mary c. 1890 with her siblings, Samantha, Elnora and Oliver - provided courtesy of Mary's niece Elizabeth Jackson Browne. 
📸Meadow Brook Hall in 1929

#meadowbrookhall #meadowbrookestate #meadowbrook #matildadodgewilson #womenshistory #herstory #michiganhistory #oaklandcounty #rochester #thisisou #internationalwomensday #oaklanduniversity #nationalhistoriclandmark #womenshistorymonth #womenleaders
Find something unique this weekend. Meadow Brook Find something unique this weekend. 

Meadow Brook is filled with rare treasures and special spaces. We're open for tours - Guided & Self Guided - today and all weekend long. Hear stories of Meadow Brook Hall and the people who lived here during the 20th century on a guided tour or explore at your own pace for a day of adventure!

#meadowbrookhall #meadowbrookestate #meadowbrook #matildadodgewilson #nationalhistoriclandmark #historichousemuseum #museum #puremichigan #rochester #oaklandcounty #visitdetroit #explore #visit #historicmichigan #thingstododetroit #thingstodometrodetroit #puremittigan #detroit  #historichomes #thisisou
This Women’s History Month, we are showcasing so This Women’s History Month, we are showcasing some of the fascinating women who once lived here. Today, we are highlighting Barbara (Wilson) Eccles. Although Barbara is often remembered as a sweet debutant, her life tells an inspiring story of independence and resilience.

Barbara (Wilson) Eccles was the youngest child to grow up at the Meadow Brook Estate. Adopted into the family in 1931, Barbara was a beloved daughter, sister, and mother of five.

Her active childhood featured the many recreational activities the Estate had to offer, including swimming, sledding and riding horses and competing in horse shows.

Barbara raised her children as a single mother in a world where women did not have the same rights as men. After her father passed and her former husband was no longer in the picture, Barbara struggled to open her own bank account–even though 10 years prior her mother, Matilda Dodge Wilson, was named the Most Influential Woman in U.S Banking.

Barbara perservered and opened and operated a prominent country western nightclub in Scottsdale, Arizona. She named it “The Lumber Mill,” in honor of her father, Alfred Wilson, who was a prominent lumber broker. The two shared a close and loving relationship. The Lumber Mill saw a variety of talented musicians and was the spot where Barbara met and helped a young John Denver launch his career.

In a time where the rights of women made an independent life difficult, Barbara was determined to support herself and her family. She was a woman of great strength and persistence, forever remembered as the curious and charming daughter of Meadow Brook Hall.

Swipe to see photos of Barbara throughout her life, from her debutant portrait in 1950 to playing on the beach as a toddler, with a horse as a young girl, smiling with her father Alfred Wilson, and reunited with her brother Richard for his 80th birthday in her sunset years.

Tap the link in our bio for more!

#meadowbrookhall #meadowbrookestate #meadowbrook #matildadodgewilson #womenshistory #herstory #michiganhistory #oaklandcounty #rochester #thisisou #internationalwomensday #oaklanduniversity #nationalhistoriclandmark #womenshistorymonth #womenleaders

Meadow Brook Hall

350 Estate Drive
Rochester, Michigan 48309-4481

(248) 364-6200

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