Did you know that Rochester, Michigan is home to the fourth largest historic home in the country?  Many have never heard of Meadow Brook Hall or its fascinating story.  But once you’ve been to the hall its virtually guaranteed that you’ll leave with a sense of awe and enchantment.

Located on what is now the campus of Oakland University, Meadow Brook Hall is offers a surprise to the wayward hiker as its towering tudor profile breaks into view.  The house is massive, featuring 110-rooms, totaling 88,000-square-foot (8,200 m²).

Meadow Brook Hall

History Lesson

The mansion was built between 1926 and 1929, designed by William Kapp of the firm Smith Hinchman & Grylls.  It was owned by Matilda Dodge Wilson, a regal lady and bona fide rags-to-riches story in the first half of the last century.  Mrs. Dodge Wilson was the daughter of humble German immigrants and worked at the Dodge Motor Company, beginning in 1902.  When John Dodge met her, he was enamored, and in five years they were married.

Sadly Mr. Dodge passed away at the relatively young age of 55, having contracted pneumonia and Spanish Flu, during a trip to New York City.  His widow Matilda would soon after meet lumber baron Alfred G. Wilson at the First Presbyterian Church in Detroit.  The pair wed in 1924, four years after Mr. Dodge’s death.

With the marriage Matilda became one of the wealthiest women in the country.  She and Mr. Wilson lived into the 1960s, with Alfred passing away in 1962 and Matilda following soon after in 1967.  But the hall, their grand estate, survives beautifully to this day.

Touring a Michigan Architectural Masterpiece

While Mr. and Mrs. Wilson poured their hearts into founding Oakland University — perhaps their most lasting legacy — their memory also lives on through the hall itself.  Every year during the holidays the Meadow Brook staff holds tours for the public to get a taste of what Christmas life felt like at this unique landmark.

The house is elegantly appointed with Christmas trees and other tasteful decorations.  Those going on the tours get to hear details about the family and the history.

They also get to view the hall’s wealth of valuable antique furniture, Asian ceramics, and other antiques.  Most of the decor is original, with a great deal of painstaking work going into its restoration and preservation.

The Sun Porch (ground floor)

The tour of the downstairs wraps through the Dining Room, Sun Porch, Library, and other majestic locales.  Guest get to peer up into a secret passage leading to a newspaper room.

The Library (ground floor)

A secret passage! (ground floor)

Heading upstairs, you can view the hall’s stained glass front windows, and the many bedrooms that once housed Matilda’s family and servants.  Among the highlights is Matilda’s bedroom, which showcases many of her elegant dresses, shoes, and her collection of antique letter openers.

The stairs to the second floor are beautifully decorated.

Heading up to the third floor, children will delight in the teddy bear menagerie that the staff has recruited this year.  Graciously loaned by a patron, the collection of bears is immense.

The third floor features a plethora of plush teddies.

Moving on, you can explore the basement, which houses the Ballroom and coat room.  Kids can buy a snack, participate in color contests, or even watch a movie on the hall’s big projection screen.  Meanwhile the adults can peruse the billiards room, which is home to a charmingly quirky “bear chair”, which you will instantly recognize.

Ballroom ("entertainment level"/basement)

Games Room ("entertainment level"/basement)

Finally, tour participants get to visit Knole Cottage — a tiny structure that Matilda’s daughter Frances literally used to “play house” in.  Visitors to Knole Cottage might even get a glimpse of “Jolly Old Saint Nick” — and a candy cane to boot.

Knole Cottage

Santa Claus

Details

The tour is free for children 2 years and younger and costs $5 for OU Students with ID or children 17 years or younger (must be accompanied by parent).  Adults who are OU staff, faculty, or alumni (with ID) can get in for $12 — everyone else has to pay $20.  For $50 or less a family of four can tour the hall.  That may sound like a bit, but it is actually a great value for your money and will leave you (and your kids) with a memorable experience.

When you think of Oakland County, it has relatively few truly iconic landmarks.  But Meadow Brook Hall is unquestionably such a landmark.

The holiday tours go through December 22 (next Wednesday).

After the holidays regular tours will resume during daytime hours — check the Hall’s site for more info.

Those interested in the hall might also consider contacting it about weddings or events that they are holding — the hall is open year round as a rentable venue for events.

Sources:
MBH Staff
Meadow Brook Hall — Homepage
Meadow Brook Hall — Wikipedia
Holiday Walk: The Treasures of Childhood (Tour Brochure)