Meadow Brook Hall launches donor club to replace vandalized stained-glass windows
A bit of regional history was shattered on Feb. 4 when an attack of vandalism destroyed some of the historic stained-glass windows at Rochester's Meadow Brook Hall.
In response, Meadow Brook launched The 1929 Club this week, an all-new giving program where members can commit to donating $19.29 monthly. Named for the year of Meadow Brook's founding, The 1929 Club will raise funds to support the care and preservation of the historic estate and its more than 75,000 artifacts. It also kicks off the major project of securing the necessary $35,000 to restore the stained-glass windows.
Meadow Brook states that only 150 donors at the $19.29 per month (for one year) level are needed to meet the goal.
The program is supported by Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett, who also joined as the club's inaugural member.
'As mayor of Rochester Hills, I take great pride in the unique gems that make our community special – and one of those is certainly Meadow Brook Hall, our nationally recognized historic venue located right down the street,' said Barnett. 'After the vandalism, we want to get Meadow Brook Hall looking beautiful and back on its feet as quickly as possible. I'm asking you today to consider joining me as an inaugural member of The 1929 Club.'
See also: 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom' at Detroit Repertory Theatre delivers a solid performance
Meadow Brook recently secured a substantial grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services to restore the stained glass windows and complete important window improvement projects – including replacing UV filters to protect the furnishings and collection – this spring. Because of this work, Meadow Brook possesses detailed etchings and images that will help restore the windows to their original design. Unfortunately, the cost to repair the damage to the windows is estimated at $35,000 above and beyond what was allotted by the grant, hence the advent of The 1929 Club.
The historic stained-glass windows were custom-created and designed for the estate's two-story Gothic-inspired ballroom. They depict scenes of the arts, including music, literature, entertainment, and drama. The windows were designed so they could be viewed without distortion from both sides (inside and outside), which is slightly unusual because stained glass is typically viewed best from the inside and not the exterior. The stained-glass windows are original to the historic mansion, which is 95 years old.
To make a gift to Meadow Brook or to join The 1929 Club, visit meadowbrookhall.org/support.
Contact Free Press arts and culture reporter Duante Beddingfield at dbeddingfield@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Meadow Brook Hall donor club to replace vandalized stained glass
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