Early in the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 4, Meadow Brook Hall staff discovered that one set (top and bottom) of historic stained glass windows had been broken, in what appears to be a deliberate act of vandalism.
Police are investigating and have released security camera footage of the suspect. Police said the suspect appeared to have kicked one window and smashed another window with an unknown tool.
Anyone who can identify the suspect or the logo on the suspect’s jacket is asked to contact the Oakland University Police Department at 248-370-3331 or info@oupolice.com. Officials said people have the option to remain anonymous.
The damage is significant. The historic stained-glass windows are placed at the top of Meadow Brook’s two-story Gothic-inspired Ballroom. They depict scenes of the arts, including Music, Literature and Entertainment, and Drama.
“This is a very distressing situation for all of us at Meadow Brook Hall – from our staff and dedicated volunteers to the many members of our community who have visited, spent holidays here, gotten married here,” said Bill Matt, Meadow Brook Hall executive director. “Frankly, it is upsetting to anyone who takes pride in having a remarkably beautiful National Historic Landmark in their community.”
The windows were created specifically for this room by J. Scott Williams. They were designed so they could be viewed without distortion from both sides (inside and outside), which is slightly unusual because stained glass is typically viewed best from the inside and not the exterior. The stained glass windows are original to the historic mansion, which is 95 years old.
One bright spot is that Meadow Brook is well equipped today to address the situation. The Great Estate recently secured a substantial IMLS Grant to restore the stained glass windows this spring. In preparation for this, the windows and casings have lately been photographed and sketched. The conservator will reassemble as much of the original materials as possible in the restoration of the windows. The windows have been removed and plexi glass installed. The windows will be restored and replaced on schedule, as part of this project as originally planned.
How You Can Help
Anyone with information about the incident and suspect depicted above is asked to contact OUPD at info@oupolice.com.
Meadow Brook Hall is a place to learn, connect and be inspired. And as a self-supporting museum and cultural institution, it relies on supporters to protect, preserve and interpret the estate–while offering engaging tours and programs to the community.
Support Our CollectionsMeadow Brook Hall is the historic home built by Oakland University founder Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred Wilson.
At 88,000 square feet and has 110 rooms, it is the fourth largest historic home in the country and represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture in America.
Additional Reading
This incident has been featured in the media. For additional information, follow the links below to read news coverage of the ongoing investigation.
Click On Detroit: Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University vandalized, police searching for suspect
