Marjorie Merriweather Post (1887-1973) was a remarkable American heiress, philanthropist, and art collector. Her extraordinary wealth and influence left an enduring legacy on the world of art, philanthropy, and business. This article explores the multifaceted life and accomplishments of Marjorie Post, shedding light on her significant contributions and the lessons we can draw from her remarkable journey.
Marjorie Merriweather Post was born into immense wealth on March 15, 1887, in Springfield, Illinois. Her father, Charles William Post (1854-1914), was the founder of the Postum Cereal Company, which later became General Foods Corporation, one of the largest food companies in the world. Marjorie inherited her father's fortune at the tender age of 27, becoming one of the wealthiest women in America.
Marjorie Post possessed a great passion for art and spent a significant portion of her wealth acquiring a vast and eclectic collection of art objects. She was particularly drawn to French decorative arts, Russian Imperial jewels, and works of American artists.
In 1955, Marjorie Post opened her Washington, D.C. estate, Hillwood, to the public as a museum and garden. The estate features 25 acres of manicured gardens, a greenhouse, and a museum showcasing her extensive collection of art and artifacts. Today, Hillwood is a popular tourist destination and a renowned center for scholarly research on Russian art and culture.
In 1964, Marjorie Post gifted a substantial portion of her art collection to the Smithsonian Institution. This collection comprises over 100,000 objects, including paintings, furniture, ceramics, and textiles. The Post Collection is one of the most significant and comprehensive collections of French decorative arts in the world.
Beyond her art collecting, Marjorie Post was also a generous philanthropist. She established several charitable foundations and supported various organizations dedicated to education, healthcare, and the arts. The Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation continues to provide grants to organizations supporting environmental conservation, education, and medical research.
Marjorie Post was married four times. Her first marriage, to Edward Bennett Close (1905-1909), ended in divorce. She then married Edward Francis Hutton (1914-1933), a prominent financier, and had one son, Edward Francis Hutton Jr. (1915-1954). Her third marriage, to Herbert May (1935-1945), a diplomat and businessman, also ended in divorce. In 1958, she married Joseph E. Davies (1876-1958), a former U.S. Ambassador to Russia.
Despite her inherited wealth, Marjorie Post was not content to rest on her laurels. She demonstrated a keen business sense and became actively involved in managing her family's fortune. She played a pivotal role in expanding the Postum Cereal Company and diversifying its investments, contributing to the company's continued success.
Marjorie Post's exceptional achievements were widely recognized. She received numerous awards and honors, including:
Throughout her remarkable life, Marjorie Post encountered both triumphs and challenges. Here are three stories that illustrate her enduring spirit and the lessons we can learn from her:
In 1964, Marjorie Post's decision to gift a significant portion of her art collection to the Smithsonian Institution transformed the museum's holdings and made French decorative arts accessible to the public.
Lesson: By sharing her passion for art, Marjorie Post created a lasting legacy that continues to inspire and educate generations.
The Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation has awarded over $1 billion in grants to organizations dedicated to environmental conservation, education, and medical research.
Lesson: Marjorie Post's philanthropic spirit extended far beyond her lifetime, making a tangible difference in the lives of countless people.
Upon her death in 1973, Marjorie Post's estate was valued at over $250 million. She divided her estate among her son, various charities, and the U.S. government, ensuring that her legacy would continue to support the causes she held dear.
Lesson: Even in the face of immense wealth, Marjorie Post remained mindful of the importance of giving back to society.
While Marjorie Post's life was marked by extraordinary success, there are valuable lessons to be learned from her mistakes:
Pros:
Cons:
Marjorie Merriweather Post's life and legacy provide valuable lessons for all of us. She inspires us to embrace our passions, make thoughtful financial decisions, and use our resources to make a positive impact on society. By reflecting on her extraordinary journey, we can find inspiration and guidance for our own lives and endeavors.
Category | Number of Objects | Highlights |
---|---|---|
French Decorative Arts | 50,000+ | Furniture, textiles, ceramics |
Russian Imperial Jewels | 1,000+ | Fabergé eggs, tiaras, bracelets |
American Art | 30,000+ | Paintings, sculptures, photographs |
Organization | Field | Donations |
---|---|---|
Marjorie Merriweather Post Foundation | Environmental conservation, education, medical research | $1 billion+ |
Hillwood Estate Museum & Gardens | Art, history, education | $100 million+ |
Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts | Performing arts | $50 million+ |
Position | Company | Accomplishments |
---|---|---|
Executive Vice President | Postum Cereal Company | Diversified investments, expanded operations |
Chairman of the Board | General Foods Corporation | Oversee the company's growth and profitability |
Investor | Various industries | Prudent financial management, successful investments |
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