The estate sale was inspired by a recent visit from Antiques Roadshow, which drew a crowd of nearly 3,000 people to the estate in June during the taping of three episodes of the popular PBS television series.
April 1, 2019
Meadow Brook Hall — the historic home built by Matilda Dodge Wilson, widow of automobile pioneer John Dodge, and her second husband, lumber broker Alfred Wilson, who donated their 1,500-acre estate, its buildings and $2 million to what would become Oakland University — is hosting a “once-in-a-lifetime” estate sale on Friday, May 3.
The sale was inspired by a recent visit from Antiques Roadshow, which drew a crowd of nearly 3,000 people to the estate in June during the taping of three episodes of the popular PBS television series. The episodes aired on Jan. 7, 14 and 21 on PBS.
“Antiques Roadshow was such a huge hit with the local audience and around the nation, and we were so fortunate to have them here,” said Shannon O’Berski, director of external relations for Meadow Brook Estate. “They did appraise some of our items and the value was, well, staggering.
“Since Antiques Roadshow only appraises items for their value and does not sell them, we decided to capitalize on the value,” O’Berski added. “The Hall is a nonprofit, as you know! Plus, so many people are interested in the history and belongings of the Dodge and Wilson families, so what better way to show off your interest than owning one of their personal belongings?”
Constructed and furnished between 1926 and 1929 for $4 million, Meadow Brook represents one of the finest examples of Tudor-revival architecture on America. The unique features of the home reflect the opulence of the country estate era, including elaborately detailed carved wood and stone, handmade hardware and ceramic art tile, ornately molded and carved plaster ceilings, stained glass window insets, crystal and art glass lighting fixtures, and gold-plated bathroom fittings.
Some of the items that will be up for sale on May 3 include a robust collection of paintings from great 
artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds and a 1938 limousine that belonged to Horace Dodge’s widow, Anna.
“And of course, we have many priceless artifacts — Frances Dodge’s horse show trophies and ribbons, French tapestries from the 1700s, the second-largest organ in a private home in Michigan, pre-prohibition liquor and so much more,” said Faith Brody, external relations assistant for Meadow Brook Estate.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to help pay for the day-to-day operations of Meadow Brook Hall, which costs about $10,000 per day to run, and to make a few “upgrades” to the estate.
“Our first priority is to set aside money from the estate sale to build up our endowment to alleviate the cost of running Meadow Brook Hall,” O’Berski said. “Once we’ve reached a satisfactory amount, we will break ground for the brand-new Dodge Brothers Amusement Park!”
“Since John Dodge never did live in The Hall, but his wealth made its construction possible, we felt this would be an appropriate way to honor him,” Brody added. “Visitors will be able to joyride through the property on vintage Dodge cars, work on an actual 1920’s-era Dodge assembly line, take souvenir photos with Horace and John Dodge, and ride a roller coaster around The Hall. Think of it as Cedar Point or Disney entertainment meets the rough-and-tumble Dodge Brothers!”
While the estate sale will be limited to the first 150 people who sign up by clicking here, Meadow Brook Hall continues to offer daily house tours, as well as group tours, special tours and youth tours. The estate also offers a wide variety of community programs and events throughout the year, including the Downton Abbey-inspired Downton Days events and the annual Holiday Walk.
For more information, visit meadowbrookhall.org.
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