Marjorie Merriweather Post: Life, Legacy & The Cereal Heiress's Story

Could a single individual truly embody the spirit of an era, shaping not just the business world, but also the realms of art, philanthropy, and even diplomacy? The life of Marjorie Merriweather Post proves, without a doubt, that it's not only possible, but that such a life can leave an indelible mark on history.

The story of Marjorie Merriweather Post is one that transcends mere biography; it's a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of ambition, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to leaving the world a richer place. The author, in various accounts, has done an excellent job in capturing the essence of her life. The storytelling is vivid, immersing readers into the challenges and triumphs of Marjories journey, with the pace of the narrative flowing seamlessly while keeping the readers curiosity engaged. Marjorie Merriweather Post lived a life that, in many ways, echoed the opulence and grandeur of a bygone era, a time when queens set the standard for lavish living, a lifestyle few can afford today.

As the only child of C.W. Post, the founder of the Postum Cereal Company, Marjorie inherited the company in 1914 at the tender age of 27, becoming one of America's first prominent female business leaders. Her journey began, quite literally, in her father's barn, where she once spent time gluing cereal boxes. Who could have foreseen that C.W. Posts cereal company would grow into the General Foods empire, with Marjorie at its helm? She was born in 1887 in Springfield, Illinois, the sole heir to a breakfast enterprise.

Attribute Details
Full Name Marjorie Merriweather Post
Born March 15, 1887, Springfield, Illinois
Died September 12, 1973 (aged 86), Washington, D.C.
Occupation Businesswoman, Philanthropist, Socialite, Art Collector, Diplomat
Founder of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens
Inherited Postum Cereal Company (later General Foods Corporation)
Father C.W. Post (Charles William Post), Founder of Post Foods
Marriages 1. Edward Bennett Close (m. 1905; div. 1919)
2. E.F. Hutton (m. 1920; div. 1935)
3. Joseph E. Davies (m. 1935; div. 1955)
4. Herbert A. May (m. 1958)
Children Adelaide Breevort Close, Eleanor Post Hutton, Nedenia Hutton
Legacy Hillwood Estate and Gardens, a museum showcasing her art collection and lifestyle.
Philanthropic Activities Supported various charities, art institutions, and political causes throughout her life.
Notable Interests Art collecting, interior design, travel, square dancing
Reference Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens Official Website

Marjorie's influence extended far beyond the boardroom. She was a businesswoman, collector, museum founder, and philanthropist. She became head of the $20 million cereal company when her father died in 1914, a company that would later become the General Foods Corporation. She was in Moscow at just the right time, when Stalin and his government were selling objects for hard currency.

The story of Marjorie Post is also one of reinvention and of navigating the complexities of personal relationships within the public eye. In September 1935, a month after their split was reported, she received a divorce decree in New York on the grounds of adultery. Within months after the divorce, she married in Washington. Her four marriages offer a glimpse into the life of a woman constantly adapting to new circumstances and building new relationships.

A glimpse into Marjorie Posts personal archives; a passport to Marjorie Merriweather Posts Paris: Secrets and stories from the city of light; a study in art and design, along with a virtual studio visit with artist. These glimpses reveal an individual who meticulously curated not only her art collection and her homes, but also her own narrative.

Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post was an iconic tastemaker during the era known as the Roaring Twenties. One hundred years later, Hillwood celebrates Posts influence on the period with a special exhibition focused on her impeccable attire, impressive art collection, and sumptuous design. The Hillwood museum and gardens, is a showcase for her stately collection of decorative arts. Adelaide Breevort Close was a philanthropist known for being the daughter of American businesswoman Marjorie Merriweather Post and her first husband, Edward Bennett Close, an investment banker.

Learn about the life and legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post, an American businesswoman, socialite, and philanthropist. Her story is one of remarkable achievement, from her early days to her rise as a prominent figure. Learn about the life and achievements of Marjorie Post, the heiress of the Postum Cereal Company and the founder of General Foods. She was also a diplomat's wife, a square dance lover, and a generous donor to various causes. Explore her marriages, children, business ventures, civic activities, and art acquisitions from 1887 to 1973. This Marjorie Post book takes readers through the pivotal moments that shaped her life from her enterprising ventures in the family business to her role as a diplomat's wife. Each chapter weaves together the personal and professional triumphs and challenges she faced, painting a portrait of a woman whose influence extended well beyond the confines of her family business.

The estate, first bequeathed to the National Parks Service after Post's death, was too costly to maintain and was sold back into private ownership. The legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post lives on, not only in the continued success of Post Consumer Brands, but also in the enduring impact of her philanthropy and the beauty of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

Individual membership costs, and family memberships are a testament to the ongoing relevance and significance of her contributions. The property was initially bequeathed to the national parks service after Post's death. Marjorie Merriweather Post's journey began gluing cereal boxes in her father's barn as a young girl. No one could have predicted that C. Posts cereal company would grow into the General Foods empire, with Marjorie as its heiress and leading lady. Post inherited the Postum Cereal Company in 1914 following the death of her entrepreneur father, C.W. Post, becoming one of the wealthiest women in the United States at the age of 27.

Marjorie Merriweather Post’s treasures from Hillwood are out of storage

Marjorie Merriweather Post’s treasures from Hillwood are out of storage

Portrait of Marjorie Merriweather Post wearing a Cartier

Portrait of Marjorie Merriweather Post wearing a Cartier

The Diplomatic Legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post The National

The Diplomatic Legacy of Marjorie Merriweather Post The National

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