There is a woman on tik tok who does the series “Rich people who rich right” And I have submission. Well- kind of a submission. This women rich-ed in the past tense and she riched herself into her own museum
Marjorie Merriweather Post— Privilege and generational wealth aside— Marjorie knew how to “rich.” Marjorie Merriweather Post daughter to C.W. Post. Heiress to the General Food Corporation. General Foods is now Kraft. (That may ring a bell as general goods is not the same company it used to be.) Basically her family owned jello, cereal and a bunch of things.
Marjorie, being an only child, inherited her father’s business making her rich-rich.
“When I began [collecting] I did it for the joy of it, and it was only as the collection grew and such interest was evidenced by others, that I came to the realization that the collection should belong to the country.”
– Marjorie Merriweather Post
I discovered the Hillwood Estate while planning my birthday party. Unfortunately, the estate was having a deep cleaning during the month of January so I was unable to reserve the date I wanted. I was devastated— but planned to come back for a tour during the open season.
Outside of the Mansion
The staff and community at the Hillwood were amazing. They welcomed me and took care of me from the moment I pulled into the estate gates till the moment I left. For a small donation you are able to tour the Hillwood estate which was Marjorie’s spring and fall home located here in D.C.
Big Marjorie, not the little one. She loved a good Cartier set. The museum has some of her pieces on display as well.
Marjorie posts bought this estate in 1955 and spent two years renovating and expanding the home. She wanted the home to accommodate her expensive lifestyle while also serving as a museum for her various expensive collections. All throughout the home you are able to see the union of Marjorie’s love for the finest things in life as well as hosting.
Portrait of Countess Julia Samoilova with her foster daughter Giovanina and her servant and dog. This picture is in the Pavilion Marjorie would host her friends in to dance after a heavy meal or watch a movie. This is an example of how she merged her love for nice things with hosting. The countess pictured in this portrait was known to have lived an extravagant social lifestyle that many in society disapproved of. Luckily she had an inheritance to support her lifestyle and didn’t live for the approval of others. It is believed this was a portrait of her coming home from a night on the town to be greeted by her foster daughter and servant. What I find interesting about this painting is the boy pictured, sometimes, I see this painting and he is not smiling but pictured here he is. So I wonder what is the original photo.
Marjorie owned a lot of Porceline. Her goal was to not just have nice things but for her home to be a place for her friends to use these nice things as well.
There were three requirements she had for the things she collected, I was only able to get two- in my notes from the tour (sorry there was so to take in that I couldnt type as fast as I listened. BUT you should check out the museum and let me know.)
The requirements:
Exquisite design
Royal connections
?
This will be a WFA mystery until I visit again and ask.
During party planning I went down a rabbit home and learned all that I could on Mrs. Post. My good sis loved the finer things, this extravagant lifestyle is showcased in her winter home which is now owned by Donald Trump Mar a lago.
I was especially connected to her dinning room, I cannot tell you why. It looked like royalty. I loved the room. Marjorie intended for this home to eventually be a museum. Every room is intentionally packed with expensive art pieces and history.
Sisters— I must admit, I was so inspired. Being a woman, and so empowered is so beautiful to see. Walking through her home gave me ideas on ways I would love to leave legacy for my generations to come. Or maybe for the world, as Marjorie did.
I want to be intentional about my mansion. Rome wasn’t built in day, neither was the Hillwood Estate, Or Chataeu Djan—Or Chataeu Adu? I have time to get my name together.
I appreciate the intention Marjorie put into creating this experience. I got a guided tour of the home and then had lunch at the Merriweather café. They also have high teas there. This museum is also pet friendly, Marjorie loved her dogs and even had a cemetery for all of her pets. I look forward to my next trip to the estate.
Catherine the Great in the foyer
