Today, we are celebrating the 101st wedding anniversary of Matilda and Alfred Wilson!
The founders of Meadow Brook Hall and Oakland University were married in an intimate ceremony on June 29, 1925 at the bride’s home. The reception was held in the garden, where Daniel and Frances Dodge showered the couple with smiles, confetti and rice.
The occasion was noted in the society newspapers for its simplicity. White roses and greenery from the conservatories of the unfinished Lakeshore Drive home covered the residence at Lincoln Road in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.
Only the members of the immediate families were present, among them the Rev. Samuel N. Wilson, father of the groom, who assisted at the ceremony. Mrs. Dodge was attended by her sister, Miss Amelia Rausch and Donald C. Wilson, brother of the groom, served as best man.
In the press, it was noted that Mrs. Dodge wore a youthful model of cream lace and chiffon, with a broad-brimmed hat matching her gown, adorned with a plume. She carried a shower bouquet of orchids, white roses and valley lilies.
The happy couple embarked on a trip to Europe for their honeymoon, where they were inspired by the grand manor homes of England to create their very own estate—which became Meadow Brook Hall.
Alfred and Matilda celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary at Meadow Brook Hall in June of 1950 and they were married for thirty-six years when Alfred Wilson passed away in April of 1962. Their wedding is memorialized in one of the carved wall panels in Mr. Wilson’s study.
Watch the Historic 1925 Wedding Video
See the historic video from Matilda & Alfred Wilson’s June 29, 1925 wedding below!
Be captivated by the people, places and tales that make Meadow Brook Hall so remarkable. Our Estate Stories series unlocks the vaults, dives into the archives and seeks out tales of the Great Estate to pique your interest and enrich your life.
