Women’s History Month provides the perfect opportunity to delve into the remarkable lives and accomplishments of the women of Meadow Brook Hall. Indeed, the Dodge and Wilson family trees provide strong and varied branches on each side, carrying unique personalities, vision and an inimitable style across generations.
At Meadow Brook, there are many women to discover this month – from Matilda Dodge Wilson, the dynamic matriarch, philanthropist, social activist and key player in the automotive aristocracy, to the glamor girl and equestrian Frances Dodge, the daring trend-setter Delphine Dodge and beyond. Follow along with us this month in our special series for Women’s History Month!
Delphine Dodge, The Fearless Competitor
Daughter to Horace Dodge and cousin to the Dodge and Wilson children, Delphine Dodge also inherited her family’s ambitious spirit. Along with her brother Horace Jr., Delphine’s driving passion was competitive boat racing.
As a trailblazer in the sport, Delphine made waves as one of its first female competitors, securing a historic victory at the President’s Cup Regatta—an esteemed annual race on the Potomac River. In 1927, she was awarded the coveted President’s Cup trophy by President Calvin Coolidge on the White House lawn. Newspapers lauded her achievement, declaring that she had “reached the heights which older and more experienced male drivers have spent years and several fortunes trying to attain.” With this triumph, Delphine cemented her status as a celebrated and fearless racer.
Delphine explained her skills and reconciled her feminine interest in racing by saying: “I have tried many sports but for crowding thrills of a lifetime into one minute, for the meeting of unexpected hazards with quick and accurate thinking, I know of no sport equal to motorboat racing…. A woman does not for a minute have to give up her femininity to be a motorboat driver. A psychologist might discover that the quickness of a woman’s mind makes her even more suitable for the handling of a roaring, flashing motorboat dashing through the water at 60 or 70 mph than a man.”
To this day, Delphine’s name remains synonymous with boat racing, particularly for those still speeding on the Detroit River. Her legacy endures in the world of powerboat racing, inspiring new generations of racers who continue to push the limits of speed and skill.
Mary Mathews, Trusted Confidant & Community Advocate
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. More than just an employee, Mary was considered part of the family, helping to manage the home, raise the children and provide unwavering emotional support—all while ensuring Matilda was impeccably groomed.
Born to a white mother and black father, Mary faced many challenges but created a strong, independent life for herself.
Unlike most Meadow Brook employees who lived on-site or in homes provided by the Wilson family, she commuted daily from Detroit. Due to systemic racial injustice, Mary wasn’t legally allowed to purchase a home for herself, so Matilda bought one for her as a gift. Mary insisted on repaying every cent, determined to earn and own her home through her own hard work.
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 was frequently in charge of planning fundraisers and events. Mary also started the Yitrahc Club (charity spelled backwards) to support a home for aged women of color. In recognition of her dedication to community betterment, she received a volunteer award at City Hall in 1948.
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.
Ruby Watson, Renowned Dog Trainer
While visiting England in 1934 on the final stop of her six-month world tour, Frances Dodge acquired her first brood of Pekingese from the Wai Tou Kennel in Sydenham, known for breeding rare white Pekingese. She and Matilda purchased six dogs to bring home. Two months later, kennel manager Ruby Watson and the rest of the Pekingese family joined them.
Construction of a new kennel began that September on a site near the Dodge Clubhouse, a good earshot away from Meadow Brook Hall. Designed with both functionality and comfort in mind, the kennel featured a showroom, an infirmary, a dog bath, and a wing with 28 well-appointed compartments, each with dedicated spaces for sleeping, eating, and play, along with access to private outdoor yards. At the heart of the operation was Ruby Watson, who managed the kennel and lived on-site in her own quarters. She oversaw the daily care, training, and showing of up to 36 Pekingese at a time. The breeding program continued until 1949, when the last Pekingese passed away and Frances relocated to Kentucky.
Ruby remained at Meadow Brook’s kennels, training various breeds and caring for the estate’s dogs until illness forced her to retire in 1957, leading to the kennel’s closure. Frances ensured Ruby and the three remaining kennel dogs had a comfortable retirement, providing them with a home until Ruby’s passing in 1971.
Ruby Watson’s dedication and expertise were integral to the success of Meadow Brook’s kennels. She not only cared for and trained a variety of dog breeds but also played a pivotal role in managing the renowned Pekingese operation. Her commitment to the dogs and her meticulous attention to their needs helped establish the kennels as a respected facility.
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.
