New coloring book to showcase Meadow Brook farms and estate

A work of historical fiction, the story centers on young Frances Dodge, daughter of auto pioneer John Dodge and his wife, Matilda, along with Duke and Dolly, horses who actually lived on the farm. John purchased the property in 1908 as a summer retreat. Following his death, Matilda and her second husband, Alfred Wilson, spent three years building the 110-room Meadow Brook Hall and moved in after its completion in 1929. 

Geoff Upward, the Hall's executive director, penned the 16-page book, gleaning inspiration from his 3-year-old twin grandsons.

“They really follow the stories in their books and learn the words pretty quickly,” Upward said of the pair. “One of their books—"Good Night, Moon"—included a mouse that would show up in the background on a page here and there. I wanted to do something similar in the Meadow Brook Farms book, so I wrote a pair of Pekingese dogs into the creative brief.”

With detailed illustrations by Tim C. Jones, the book takes readers to numerous settings on the 1,500-acre Meadow Brook Farms estate, which has been described as the preeminent example of the country estates of America’s automotive aristocracy. The 11 x 8-1/2 book sells for $5.95 in Meadow Brook’s Museum Shop.

“Since Meadow Brook is a historical museum, I wanted to share the story of the farms and Dodge Stable with young readers to get them interested in something that really happened right here in Oakland County,” Upward explained. “To do that in a compelling way, I thought an illustration style through which young readers could place themselves in the settings would be key, thus the realistic drawings.”

The coloring book is the first publication of Meadow Brook Press, launched through a generous gift from Frances Dodge's son, John Van Lennep. 

Upward says plans are in the works for more projects, including a hardcover coffee table book on Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens expected by spring 2012.

“Following that will be a history of Meadow Brook Farms,” he said. “But you never know what we may come up with in the meantime. We'd like to do a comic book and a cookbook at some point, as well as some biographies.”

For additional information about Meadow Brook Hall, call (248) 364-6200 or view the website at meadowbrookhall.org. The book is also available for purchase on the site by clicking "Shop."