From Nov. 29 to Dec. 23, Meadow Brook Hall unboxes countless glamorous ornaments to adorn the halls and grounds of Matilda Dodge Wilson’s mansion. The best part — Oakland University students can tour the historic abode in the Holiday Walk for free.
For more than 50 years, the 110-room residence has opened its doors to the community during the holiday season to experience its splendor with a touch of gingerbread and spruce. In a self-guided indoor tour, attendees can wander through halls and vestibules for around an hour.
The already garnished corridors and chambers take on new life as winter foliage and fairy lights embellish dark wood panels and chiseled plaster ceilings. The mesmerizing experience is complemented by a live organ performance by Ven Schuwssler.
“I think it is a great tour,” sophomore Antonio Beltran said. “The lights, the trees, it’s all pretty cool. It’s my first time visiting as well so it is double the amusement.”
On the first level, one can find Matilda’s study, where she would manage household business after breakfast. Today, the study remembers her accomplishments, and champions Wilson for the achievements and developments ahead of her time.
Lining the walls of the first-floor library is a Rudyard Kipling novel collection and Charles Émile Jacque’s paintings — the latter of which being an intimate remembrance of Matilda’s childhood in Canada.
“It is really impressive to imagine families living here back in the day,” junior Itza Juarez said. “I’d love to have a place like this for myself but in the meantime, coming here is a great option.”
Standing at 1,340 sq. ft., the first floor living room introduces guests to intimate conversation circles where the Wilsons would host wedding ceremonies. The gathering spot also featured a ceiling molded after the Knole House in England.
Blending seamlessly with the adornments and artifacts, little info cards caught visitors’ eyes wherever they looked, as if whispering the knowledge behind the beauty emanated by Matilda’s estate.
Every room, hallway, foyer and room had a themed Christmas tree, featuring at least 50 different ones. Colors, shapes and adornments were a few of the distinctive features that built the themed trees in the Tudor-style mansion.
Although self-guided, tour guides awaited on the corridors and corners of the cultural center to direct anyone who might get lost on the three floors or to share the secrets of the guest rooms and nurseries.
All chambers adorned with a Christmas tree also featured particular artifacts belonging to the family and a brief description of a regular day spent at the room. Dresses, breakfast sets, kid’s toys and sewing machines conveyed the everyday life of OU’s founding family.
Just like in 1939, Frank Sinatra waited in one of the guest rooms to surprise attendees. He performed with the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra at Meadow Brook to celebrate Frances Dodge’s 25th birthday. Scattered through the family’s rooms are snippets of Sinatra’s visit to the estate, reflecting the residence’s splendor and liveliness.
For the full experience, OU students can book a Holiday Walk for free and other community members can book the same experience for a ticket price up to $21. After sunset, Meadow Brook Hall transforms into the Winter Wonder Lights experience with illuminated bonfires, glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and other festive amenities.
