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The Enchanting Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Post

Robert Louis Stevenson

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Published in American Empress: The Life And Times Of Marjorie Merriweather Post

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Early Years and Family

Marjorie Merriweather Post was born on March 15, 1887, in Springfield, Illinois. Her father, Charles William Post, was a successful cereal entrepreneur who founded the Postum Cereal Company. Her mother, Ella Letitia Merriweather, was a prominent socialite.

American Empress: The Life and Times of Marjorie Merriweather Post

by Douglas Segal

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Language	:	English
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Marjorie was the eldest of four children. She had two sisters, Alice and Leila, and a brother, Frederick. The Post family lived in a luxurious mansion in Battle Creek, Michigan. Marjorie received a privileged education, attending Miss Spence's School in New York City and Vassar College.

Marriage and Divorce

In 1905, Marjorie married Edward Francis Hutton, a wealthy stockbroker. The couple had two children, Marjorie Merriweather Post Close and Edward Francis Hutton Jr. However, the marriage was unhappy, and Marjorie divorced Hutton in 1930.

In 1935, Marjorie married Joseph E. Davies, a prominent diplomat and politician. Davies served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union from 1936 to 1938. The couple divorced in 1955.

Hillwood Estate

In 1955, Marjorie purchased Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C. The estate had been built in 1927 by Robert and Margaret Woods Bliss. Marjorie transformed Hillwood into a magnificent museum, housing her extensive art collection and Fabergé eggs.

Hillwood is now open to the public and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Washington, D.C. The estate features beautiful gardens, walking trails, and a restaurant.

Mar-a-Lago

In 1927, Marjorie purchased Mar-a-Lago, a resort in Palm Beach, Florida. The resort was designed by Addison Mizner and is considered one of the finest examples of Spanish Revival architecture in the United States.

Marjorie entertained lavishly at Mar-a-Lago, hosting guests such as President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The resort is now owned by former President Donald Trump.

Philanthropy

Marjorie was a generous philanthropist. She donated millions of dollars to charities and organizations, including the American Red Cross, the National Symphony Orchestra, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

In 1950, Marjorie established the Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation, which continues to support a wide range of charitable causes.

Art Collection

Marjorie was a passionate art collector. She amassed a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, furniture, and decorative arts from around the world.

Marjorie's art collection is now housed at Hillwood Estate. The collection includes works by Monet, Renoir, Matisse, and Picasso.

Later Years and Death

Marjorie Merriweather Post died on September 15, 1973, at the age of 86. She was buried at the Post family mausoleum in Springfield, Illinois.

Marjorie Merriweather Post was a remarkable woman who left an indelible imprint on society. She was a successful businesswoman, a prominent socialite, a generous philanthropist, and a passionate art collector. Her legacy continues to inspire and amaze.