A Review: The Houses & Collections of Marjorie Merriweather Post & The Symbolic Rose for Valentine's 

Thank you for this comment. I have received many comments from people that seem to be bothered that she was born into a family of wealth. One viewer became so irate when I offered many examples of her exceptional abilities, that I had to ban his comments (which I rarely do).

You are more than welcome! C.W. Post, her father, was not a well person, nor a wealthy man. He went to Battle Creek, Michigan for the “cure” in the late 19th century. At that time, cereal was considered a health food. So, dozens and dozens of cereal companies sprung up in and around Battle Creek. Kellogg’s prevailed, but Post Cereals managed to build a profitable company with unique brands like Grape Nuts (which continues to this day). Marjorie was not born into wealth. Although her father was chronically ill, he persisted in learning and trying to develop better food products for his own health, as well as for profit. As I wrote previously, he took his little girl to board meetings. She was not very interested and would have liked to be playing with other children her age. Members of the board were not particularly happy with the presence of a child. After the meetings, C.W. Post would quiz her about what she had learned, any ideas she might have for the problems the company were facing, as well as her opinion of board members and their ideas. Decades later, employees of General Foods referred to their employer as “Generous Foods”, or simply, “The General”. A sometimes paternalistic organization that she created; knowing that if she treated people well, they would “perform, not just comply”. (For example, employees could travel with first-class tickets, IF they worked in the office until 5:00, and then traveled in the evening. Her goal wasn’t just getting a full day’s work out of an employee; rather, a more efficient, more effective team if everyone was in the office and available for meetings during regular office hours. If an employee wanted to travel during the daytime, that was an option, and it wasn’t questioned - of course, they traveled coach.)

Wow- that’s a great story! It was featured a lot in the book. She converted it into an occupational therapy center for convalescent soldiers during World War II. So may details in this book. I really enjoyed it.

Mara Go Go is one of the tackiest houses in America. Mrs Post had tons of money, but she was bankrupt on taste.

I appreciate both the flowers and the gratitude, thank you! 🌷

I'm so glad you enjoy the channel and thanks for letting me know! 💗

Thank you very much and I appreciate your well wishes. It was a tough 2 weeks!

Thank you for such a thoughtful comment. My heart is blessed! 💗

I had heard that yellow roses also meant jealousy but the florist I spoke with and the "Martha Stewart Living" article failed to mention that, so I just assumed I was mistaken. Thank you for that and the other info about flowers. If I do any more content about flowers- I'll ask you! 😉

I hope you have a wonderful Valentines as well! I always appreciate your comments.

Thanks for watching. I'm shocked that I haven't been to this estate, but I will go, and soon!

Hill wood is beautiful. If your ever in DC area it’s a must see…

Thank you! 💗

Thanks for watching! I appreciate your well wishes and advice. I hope you stay safe in the E.R. ❤️

I've never been to Hillwood Estate either. It is on the list for my next visit to D.C.. Thanks for watching and Happy Valentine's Day to you also!

It's a beautiful, fascinating place to visit. Her collections are amazing. Such beauty everywhere...

Thanks for watching and I appreciate the well wishes.

I'm so glad you enjoyed it. Her life was a lot of fun to read about. She had great parents that influenced her positively. Keep an eye on your sister. I hope she fares well and I hope you don't get it. Thanks for watching.

Thank you, this was a great book. I had no idea of her business skills and extent of her collections. I appreciate your comment!

I love that story. Treasure your photographs- my great grandfather invented the first oil burning tobacco curer. Tobacco was big money in the region I am from. His home had a helicopter landing pad on the top floor. I only have a few pictures as my uncle became a little greedy (with everything). Thanks for the comment.

@@thetartantopiary Love your story too! A lot of what I have are actually newspaper clippings/articles. Every time she did ANYTHING there was a story in the paper. There’s one of her holding my father when he was about 2. Something about Socialites and their children, their picture was in the middle and large while the others were small and on the edge. (La-di-da) My Dad was into genealogy the last 5 or so years of his life, both his family and my mothers. Always thinking there’s more time…I didn’t listen or ask many questions. 😞 I have a folder he gave me related to my Maternal side. But not one for his side. Live and learn, but I sure wish I’d listened better. 😊. Keep getting better…We NEED you out here in RU-vid watching land! There’s not another channel like yours.🌹

Thank you- We had five arrangements and were able to deliver four of them. Most of the recipients are elderly neighbors and although the day was dark and rainy, their gratitude made up for the dreary day. Thanks for the sweet comment. Happy Valentine's Day!

Thank you Charla. I had to laugh at the description "stinky COVID", but you are right, it was indeed! Thanks for the well wishes and I hope you have a sweet Valentine's Day. ❤️

Thank you for that lovely comment. Happy Valentine's Day to you as well.

Thank you so much, Dulce, and Happy Valentine's Day to you!

Yes, I enjoyed this book immensely. Thanks for watching, I'm glad you enjoyed it!

They were delivered yesterday and well received- we even got some cookies and hot chocolate from 2 of the neighbors. Thanks for watching and I hope you have a happy Valentine's Day also!

Thank you, Maria! I appreciate the tip. I'm glad you enjoyed the video.

Thank you, I was a little intimidated by mixing the colors and using no greenery, but I did like the outcome.

I appreciate that. Thanks for watching.

I am sorry you have been feeling bad. A month is a long time! I have never had my energy zapped like this before. Don't push yourself if you can help it. I hope you feel better soon and have a sweet Valentine's Day!

I agree

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for the comment.

John, I am so sorry about your experience with COVID. I really had a minor case comparatively. I can’t imagine being in the hospital for a month. The lingering fatigue is really the only thing I’m dealing with. How are you doing now? I’m so glad you recovered and thanks for sharing your story.

@@thetartantopiary Well, this month marks the two year anniversary of getting out of the hospital. Before the illness I couldn't have imagined that kind of hospital stay either. I was very healthy. My stamina is probably around 85% back to where I was before... which I'm very thankful. I was very glad to see that you are already back working in your garden, pruning your hydrangeas. Just please don't overdo! :)

Thank you for the love and prayers! I'm so glad that you enjoyed the video. It brings me happiness to be the recipient of your kind comment. You are a sweet spirit and please know that I appreciate it!

@@thetartantopiary You are so welcome---may Spirit bring you to your highest good!!

I read about this college in the book. Thank you for commenting. The photos of that lodge blew me away. I hope your time there was nice. I imagine it must have been beautiful!

Many people discount her business acumen and her generous philanthropic acts because she was born into wealth. This book does a good job at illustrating the wisdom and restraint she had, not only to keep the wealth, but to more than double it.

Thank you for that, I am feeling much better.

Happy Valentine’s Day to you! Thanks for the well wishes and I am grateful to be feeling so much better. I hope all is well on your end. Take care and I always appreciate your thoughtful comments.

Thank you for watching!

I'm sure you will enjoy it. I am in NC and not terribly far from Washington DC ( 5 hour drive). I should go more often. I have never been to Hillwood Estate and Museum BUT it is on my list and I hope to visit this summer. Thanks for watching and Happy Valentine's Day to you as well! 💗

Thank you for the sweet comment. It makes me happy.

This makes me happy, Thank you for watching and letting me know!

I appreciate the recommendation and will definitely take the B-100. Thanks for watching and commenting.

Great! I was shocked at the low prices of the roses. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are my "go to" for flowers,

@@thetartantopiary I was actually going to ask you where you bought the flowers. Thx for the tip!

What a great place to study. I was unaware that the flowers for Queen Elizabeth's funeral were chosen from the gardens of the Royal Family. The meaning and thought behind these arrangements are fascinating. Thanks for sharing that. I hope you have a splendid Valentine's Day! 💗

Thank you!

For some reason I am drawn to orange roses. I like to mix then with ivory!

This is a sweet reflection on your personality. I do give myself bouquets, but what I've learned is that I receive as much happiness (if not more) by giving flowers to others. 💐

I appreciate your prayers and am so grateful for your kind thoughtfulness.

Yes, the video of the desk was provided by Hillwood Museum. They do have it on display in the French Drawing Room.

@@thetartantopiary Thank you for this and I just found the book new on eBay for 38 GBP ! Can't wait as I love reading such books and never consider them as just images. xo

I had the same thought, and to be honest, my curiosity about the interior of her homes is one reason I ordered this book. It is, however, full of information I found to be extremely interesting. Thanks for watching.