One of the things that most surprised the authors of a new photo history book was that the man who discovered and founded the city of Rochester did so despite warnings by Detroit-area residents that the land was uninhabitable.

That was James Graham and his family who pushed forward to the juncture of Stoney and Paint creeks to build their home in 1817 after hearing from Native Americans that it was actually a land full of Oak trees, fertile soil and creeks and rivers. They were the first settlers in Oakland County and named the area Rochester after Graham's wife's hometown in New York.

Meredith Long, curator at Meadow Brook Hall, and Madelyn Rzadkowolski, the events and program coordinator, did the research and co-wrote the book titled "Images of America: Rochester and Rochester Hills."

"We are proud of them" said Shannon O'Berski, marketing director for the historical mansion. "They are on our staff!"

In fact, the hall is offering a special evening and discount tour from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, June 9, to honor the rich history of Rochester and Rochester Hills -- formerly Avon Township -- and their residents. For one day only, the new summer tour, "Meadow Brook in Bloom," will be offered at the discount rate of $5 per person. Normally, the tour is $15.

The tour relates to Matilda Dodge Wilson's fascination with gardens and her love of flowers in various artistic forms inside the mansion as well. Whether painted on canvas, carved in stone or painted on glass, the flower -- with all of its symbolism, beauty and allure -- was a popular subject matter inside the mansion when Dodge Wilson lived there, said Shannon O'Berski, marketing director for Meadow Brook.

Long and Rzadkowolski will kick off the special evening with a short presentation and a question-and-answer session. While cookies and punch are served, they also will be available to sign the books that are being sold for $21.99.

 The two authors had first planned to focus mostly on Meadow Brook Hall in their book, but the publisher, Arcadia, wanted them to expand their focus to the entire area. Once they signed the contract, they had only six months to complete the book.

The Rochester Historical Society, the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm and members of the Older Persons Commission were rich sources of photos and antidotes for the book, they said.

Among the things the writers were most excited about was the fact that Leader Dogs for the Blind was founded in the community. It was the first school ever to provide bilingual training, and the first to have clients of color.

"I think the community should be proud of this," said Long. Rzadkowolski said Long not only became a donor to Leader Dogs but also donated to many of the nonprofit organizations in the community because of what she learned during writing the book.

Another historical fact the two found interesting was that there are remnants of a canal that once was constructed all the way to Mt. Clemens because previous city fathers thought it "was the way to connect all of Michigan."

With every photo, the two searched for historical facts to go with it. "We had no idea the Van Hoosens were such an important part of medical history," Rzadkowolski said. She pointed out a photo of Dr. Van Hoosen and two other women walking in the Sahara desert in full Victorian garb.

 After the two authors sign books, tours will begin, featuring opulent and sometimes whimsical examples of floral inspiration flourish in the mansion, from the Paul Poiret rugs to the Parducci ceilings to the Tiffany favorite glass, O'Berski said. 

The "Meadow Brook in Bloom" examines both the mansion's collection and family history for ties to the history of floral motifs and the impact of gardens on the lives of people in the early 20th century.

Matilda Dodge Wilson was first married to auto pioneer John Dodge, and after he died she married Alfred G. Wilson. She died in 1967, leaving the 1,500-acre estate to create Oakland University.

"Meadow Brook in Bloom" tours are offered daily at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m.  Reservations are not required.

Behind the Scenes tours, which are extended tours that include areas of the home not often on view, are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at noon and 1:30 p.m. throughout the summer. Space is limited. Admission for each tour is $15 for adults and $10 for seniors. Children ages 12 and under are free.

For more information, call 248-364-6200 or visit meadowbrookhall.org.