Metcalf, Mattie Woodbridge

Mattie Woodbridge Metcalf was a member of one of Detroit's oldest families and a granddaughter of William Woodbridge, Michigan governor in 1840-1841. She was born on June 13, 1864. Her parents, Dudley B. and Martha Woodbridge, were the first to build a permanent home in Grosse Pointe. Mattie Woodbridge married Charles Horton Metcalf in 1886. He was a member of the dry goods firm of Metcalf Brothers & Company, located on Woodward. Mr. Metcalf, who died in 1925, was an active clubman and social worker. Mrs. Metcalf was a clubwoman and prominent member of Detroit's historic and patriotic societies. The study of parliamentary law and active participation in musical societies and patriotic organizations were her major interests. A close associate of Emma Fox, whose collection is also part of the Burton Historical Collection, Mrs. Metcalf was a charter member of the Parliamentary Law Club. She also devoted much time and efforts to historical societies, which included the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, Daughters of the Founders and Patriots of America in Michigan, and the Descendants of Colonial Governors in Michigan. She served as president of the Historic Memorials Society, vice president of the Colonial Dames of America, and was charter president of the Colony Club, genealogist of the Mayflower Society, and a charter member of the Fine Art Society. Educated by private governesses and at Miss Putnam's School for Girls in Boston, Mrs. Metcalf was also active in musical organizations and at one time served as state president of the Michigan Musical Club. In 1890 she opened the first studio for piano quartet sight reading in Detroit. Among her many pursuits, Mrs. Metcalf also raised funds for the Grosse Pointe Memorial Church. She was the first president of its women's auxiliary. Mattie W. Metcalf died at the home of her daughter in St. Clair Shores in 1961 at the age of ninety-six. This collection contains the personal papers and records of patriotic and other organizations in which Mattie W. Metcalf was involved.