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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

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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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