Introduction
Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) was an American philanthropist, socialite, and patron of the arts. She was the daughter of cereal magnate Charles William Post and his first wife, Ella Letitia Post. Marjorie Post's wealth and social status allowed her to pursue a life of philanthropy and extravagance, leaving a lasting impact on American society.
Marjorie Merriweather Post was born in Springfield, Illinois, on March 15, 1887. Her father, Charles William Post, was a successful businessman who invented Grape-Nuts cereal. Marjorie's mother, Ella Letitia Post, was a devout Christian Scientist who instilled in her daughter a strong sense of social responsibility.
Marjorie received a traditional education for a young lady of her time. She attended the Miss Spence's School in New York City and the National Cathedral School for Girls in Washington, D.C. However, she also had a keen interest in business and philanthropy, which she pursued throughout her life.
In 1905, Marjorie Merriweather Post married Edwin Clarence Post, her father's business partner. The couple had two children, a daughter, Adelaide (born 1908), and a son, Edwin Jr. (born 1911). However, the marriage was not a happy one, and in 1919, Marjorie divorced Edwin.
In 1920, Marjorie Post married Edward Francis Hutton, a wealthy financier. The couple traveled extensively and entertained lavishly at their homes in Washington, D.C., New York City, and Palm Beach, Florida.
In 1930, the Huttons purchased Hillwood Estate in Washington, D.C. Marjorie spent the rest of her life amassing a vast collection of art and antiques, which she housed at Hillwood. She also became a major patron of the Smithsonian Institution and the American Red Cross.
Throughout her life, Marjorie Post was dedicated to philanthropy. She donated millions of dollars to various causes, including education, health care, and the arts. Some of her most notable donations include:
Marjorie Merriweather Post died on September 12, 1973, at Hillwood Estate. She was 86 years old. She left behind a legacy of philanthropy and social responsibility that continues to inspire generations of Americans.
Table 1: Marjorie Post's Marriages
Marriage | Year | Spouse | Children |
---|---|---|---|
First | 1905 | Edwin Clarence Post | Adelaide and Edwin Jr. |
Second | 1920 | Edward Francis Hutton | None |
Table 2: Marjorie Post's Philanthropic Donations
Cause | Amount | Recipient |
---|---|---|
Education | $10 million | George Washington University |
Arts | $5 million | Smithsonian Institution |
Health Care | $2 million | American Red Cross |
Table 3: Marjorie Post's Art Collection
Collection | Number of Pieces | Highlights |
---|---|---|
Russian Imperial Art | 1,200 | Imperial jewels, Fabergé eggs |
French 18th-Century Art | 700 | Furniture by Jean-François Oeben |
Impressionist and Post-Impressionist Art | 300 | Paintings by Renoir, Cézanne, and van Gogh |
Story 1: Marjorie Post's Divorce
Marjorie Post's first marriage was an unhappy one, and she eventually divorced her husband, Edwin Clarence Post. This story teaches us that even in a time when divorce was less common, it was possible for women to find the strength to end an unhealthy relationship.
Story 2: Marjorie Post's Philanthropy
Marjorie Post was a generous philanthropist who donated millions of dollars to various causes. This story teaches us that wealth and privilege can be used to make a positive impact on the world.
Story 3: Marjorie Post's Art Collection
Marjorie Post was a passionate art collector who amassed a vast collection of art and antiques. This story teaches us that art can bring joy and beauty into our lives.
Marjorie Post's success as a philanthropist and socialite was due in part to a number of effective strategies:
If you are interested in following in Marjorie Post's footsteps, you can take the following steps:
Marjorie Post's legacy matters because it shows us that it is possible to use wealth and privilege to make a positive impact on the world. Her philanthropy, art collection, and social activism have inspired generations of Americans to give back to their communities.
The benefits of following in Marjorie Post's footsteps include:
Marjorie Merriweather Post was a remarkable woman who left a lasting legacy of philanthropy and social responsibility. Her story is an inspiration to all of us to use our time and resources to make the world a better place.
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