MEADOW BROOK - HISTORICAL FACTS

1957
1400 acres of property originally owned by auto pioneer John F. Dodge is donated to Michigan State University-Oakland (Oakland University's name at the time) by his widow Matilda Dodge Wilson, retaining only a small plot of property for herself and her new husband, Alfred WIlson. the festival is named in honor of her former estate.

1963
Founding chairperson of Oakland Universtiy's department of music, Dr. Walter S. Collins poses the idea of a summer music festival to bring the public to see the school's beautiful campus.

1964
On February 29, ground is broken for the new festival, built to be the summer home for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Designed by O'Dell, Hewlett, Luckenbach Associates of Birmingham and built by the J.A. Friedman Company of Pontiac, with money donated from the Kresge Foundation, the pavilion is completed in time for the Festival's opening on July 23. The Howard C. Baldwin Memorial Pavillion took advantage of Rochester School's loan of 2000 folding chairs to seat its patrons for its early shows.

1965
Trumbull Terrace concessions area opens. Facility is donated by Mr. and Mrs. George T. Trumbull.

1967
A permanent box office is built, replacing a make-shift plywood lean-to which had been fuctional only during evening concert hours.

1988
Treble Clef Gift Shop opens. Facility is operated by the Festival's Women's Committee.

1994
Palace Sports and Entertainment (PS&E) takes over event booking, marketing, group sales, parking, security and maintenance.

1997
PS&E sings long-term operational and management agreement with Oakland University.

Baldwin Pavillion is expanded to create 591 additional seats.

New electronic marquee added at the corner of Walton Boulevard and Adams Road.

New concessions building, located stage right, is constructed. Treble Chef is transformed into a concessions food and beverage area.

1998
Exteriors of existing buildings are completely renovated. The venue's first water features is added.

1999
Colorful new signage package added to main entrance and throughout grounds.

2001
Fine Arts Festival and Michigan Wine & Food Festival debut on grounds.