What Happened to the Many Mansions of Marjorie Post? (Mar-a-Lago) 

Marjorie Merriweather Post being accused of pulling off an art heist is ridiculous! She saved and rescued great works of art for posterity, using her money wisely to facilitate the process. Miss Post is to be commended as a patroness extraordinaire of the arts and not condemned as an art thief by those who are obviously not so well informed. We shall not dwell on your faux pas. I still like watching your videos of interesting houses. Do continue.

CW Post didn't 'technically' leave it all to Marjorie. She had to fight the board of the company and win in court in order to take over. But she was tenacious, and proved up to the task.

"Art Heist" "Individual in 1985" very charged choice of words.

I enjoyed the video and your research, but am aghast at your portrayal of her as a thief. MMP fed millions of Russians that were starving at the time. The Russian Government at the time was destroying or selling all the historical items that belonged to the Romanov Dynasty. The WORLD ought to THANK HER for SAVING all those art treasures and for taking them to America where they would be saved and restored. Yes, she probably obtained some items that had been stolen, but all of the Russian artifacts had been stolen from the Romanov Family. Stalin and his government hated the Romanov Dynasty and wanted all traces of them removed. I for one am Thankful that a Billionaire saved some of the finest treasures of Russia.

I’ve been to Hillwood in DC. it’s a beautiful home still configured as the home it was at the height of Marjorie’s living there among ALL her museum pieces in every room. How the home is showcased is not for the making of the museum, but how the home actually looked then…..and has stayed that way. It’s a beautiful property.

She was a remarkable woman. Philanthropist, art collector, business woman & socialite. She was not as successful in her personal relationships. She was Barbara Hutton’s aunt by marriage & mother of actress Dina Merrill. My favorite house of hers is Hillwood. The art she collected was purchased at a fair price from current owners. Provenance may have been questionable due to revolutions but she did not do anything illegal or out of the ordinary for the time.

My Aunt was a good friend of Marjorie and I was told that Marjorie was never happy with her relationships because all the men she married did not have as much money as she and viewed the men as gold diggers. Hell, so few men in the world have the kind of money she had!

I actually met Marjorie’s daughter Eleanor in the late 1990’s. I remember her stories, the best one was how when she was a child, the Post’s yacht Sea Cloud was fitted with one of the world’s first refrigeration systems in order to have Thanksgiving dinner while half way around the world. Refrigeration system provided by Clarence Birdseye himself. Also worked for General Foods and your research is spot on.

A room to store her “fresh flowers” and a addition 19 (individual) rooms for her servants! Holy moly!

During the Gilded Age, a few men invested in America's burgeoning industrialization - the railroad and large ships among others. These men fought each other, but also willingly (or involuntarily) merged companies to create behemoths, generating fabulous wealth. Then, Marjorie and her numerous husbands did largely the same. She lived, she married, but she built an empire with her restless ambition all along the way. Today, practically everything we eat and use (aside from computer-related) had its start in one of these little companies without which our lives would be more meager. It's fascinating!

If you ever visit Hillwood, they tell how the Czarist artifacts purchased by Ms Post were in fact thrown out to be broken down and destroyed. She purchased the items (DID NOT STEAL) that were available and they are all on display as museum pieces for the public to enjoy. For those of us who love history, but will never be able to afford to go to Russia to visit their Armory, it is exhilarating to see.

My mother and I both grew up in Washington, D. C., not far from Mrs. Merriweather Post's house, which is proprerly called Tregaron. One day, she came around the corner in her chauffer-driven "block long" limousine. She looked through her lorgnette at my father, who was mowing the lawn clad only in shorts and shoes. But we lived higher up on the hill than she did, so we "looked down on her".

Ill-gotten Art? Plundered? I wouldn’t go that far.

There is no house like Mar a Lago. Paradise on earth.

So Cool, I only learned a few years back, reading an old Life Magazine from 1960, that Ms. Post was born in Springfield Illinois, I too was born in Springfield Il., in 1963, and still live there, Also I did not know until recently that actress Dina Merrill was her Daughter., Really neat to know that..

Marjorie Merrieweather Post was one of the last real Barron's who knew what it was like to earn wealth and how to spend it! America's Castles has a great history on how she worked side by side with her father to create the Postum Cereal Company which she later incorporated into General Foods. ❤️🙏

Fascinating story of Marjorie Post & her mansions & husbands!!! I especially like the penthouse mansion!!! 👍🙂

Love your channel! This episode was especially intriguing! The history and the pictures captivated my interest and left me wanting MORE!! Thank you, This House❤

Fun fact; Post's Grand daughter, Ellen Charles, races her horses in Maryland, under the name, Hillwood stable

Loved this video Ken! Go Marjorie! Loved the history of her and how she came to her glory and a woman who knew what she wanted, at least in the moment she knew what she wanted and then it changed particularly her marriage Adventures. I love the ending of the story that she wanted that house not sold off but wanted it to be open to the public and donated her art to the Smithsonian. Great story thank you. I like the last house the best, and I love the story of the penthouse and how that came about

Imagine being so rich that your house inherits $10M

Great segment, as are they all! Just to add - she also had the original Hillwood Estate in Brookville, Long Island, New York, now C.W. Post College. And also, Topridge, which was her "camp" on Saranac Lake in the Adirondacks upstate New York. What a life!

I grew up across from Mar-A-Lago in the 80s when it was shuttered in mystery and even came out to myself on the seawall with the sun coming up over the tower. I would be very lucky to visit multiple times in the late 1990s and it was actually a very intimate space even though it had just been converted to a club. You never felt overwhelmed. I even went to the local sales of discarded items from the estate including the original torch bearer's lanterns. It was truly a magical space. Sadly Mrs. Post's (for some reason I always call her Mrs. Post) Adirondack NY Camp Topridge property was left out of the video. It is an amazing property. So is the Sea Cloud. Wonderful video as always.

She also donated much of the land that is Rock Creek Park, located in the center of NW Washington.

You didn't tell the entire story of her collecting and also left out a home she purchased in Washington DC before Hillwood years. BTW!, The Smithsonian returned Hillwood to the family because it couldn't maintain the estate according to the directives of Mr. Post. Her daughter, Dina Merrill established a foundation that successfully maintains and operates the estate.

I thought the mansion on top of apartment complex was an example of thinking out of the box. She must have been an extraordinary woman.

A daughter to Marjorie and EF Hutton was Dina Merrill, the beautiful and popular actress of the fifties and early sixties. I must say one aspect of this story I’m not certain to be accurate. I worked at the hospital in West Palm Beach where Marjorie was brought during her final illness. When she passed it was well known within the hospital but for her privacy’s sake the information regarding the circumstances were not available immediately available for public consumption. This was not an uncommon practice at the time as one’s privacy was respected. Within the hospital everyone was aware when Dina Merrill was with her mother in the hospital. The hospital was St. Mary’s.

I live in Battle Creek where Post and Kelloggs were both founded. Post here was not changed to General foods. We used to be called Cereal City. Kelloggs brothers story is very interesting also. The Kellogg Foundation took one of the homes from Kelloggs and moved it downtown, restored it and uses it for Residents who come to work at the Foundation. This was not John Harvey Kellogg but his brother who was a Dr who started the Foundation. There is a beautiful home at Gull Lake that was also preserved. Maybe you could do the Kellogg Brothers homes 🏡 Thanks for the vidoe

I've always heard that at Mar a Lago, she was stingy about cocktails and made everyone square dance.

Thank you so much for all the hard work! I really appreciate it!

What about her home on Long Island where C.W. Post College is now located? Hers was one among the many beautiful homes on LI's Gold Coast.

My Granddad was Vice President of manufacturing for General Mills! He was also from Springfield, Il

Thank you getting on with it and telling the story, Too many bloggers stretch it out. Again thank you

Wow, this is fabulous! If it wasn't for you, I never would've heard of any of this. Thank you! Now I just need to inherit $530 million & find one husband.

Ken you do a wonderful job bringing these long lost treasures to our attention and to life!👍👍❤️

Fascinating story and well done! General Foods was located in White Plains, NY. My grandfather worked there starting as a janitor then ultimately becoming facilities manager. He retired the year I was born in 1970. And now I also see why there’s the Merriweather Post Pavilion in MD as I’m presuming that was built when she lived in DC. I wondered who that was named after. I’ve been there for a few concerts. 😁

Wow great video. History and architecture in one video. Love it.

I had the pleasure of visiting Hillwood. It not only is an amazing home but the reflection of a magnificent Lady whose collections displayed there enthrall the visitor. The Docents are extremely professional and your groups are small in order to provide enjoyment and learning. The grounds are magnificent. And lunch is a delight. Be sure to place this on your wish list!!!

Thanks for another great video. Your voice is so soothing & I'm crazy about houses! Really glad I found your channel!

Thank you for the tour of this gorgeous mansion!💝😊 First one is my favorite. 😁💝

Perfect for my lunch today😋 Thank you this house!!!

I had never even HEARD of her! Thanks so much for your channel to bring me all these wonderful homes and the crazy people behind them.

Fascinating woman and story 👏👏👏 I'd love to know more about her and her family

I love the info on these houses …it’s so interesting and informative…thanks.

Great story! She lived big!

love these videos

Marjorie was married to Edward Close for 14 years. I wouldn’t call that a brief marriage.

When E. F. Hutton talks, people listen.

I like your channel very much! I just subscribed!

MMP may have bought "stolen" art, but she bought it from a government that no longer existed and from one that no longer wanted it. So I'd say she found a bargain she couldn't resist. 😉😄

wow, luxury lifestyle. Lots of money. She was intelligent too. Thanks for your video. : )

Enjoyed this. Thanks!

Thank you!

Great vid, thanks.

Thanks for this amazing video.

Enjoyed your video, the history and information behind it. Next time I did I DC, I will be sure to visit the site.

Great history about Ms. Post. She was a smart but 15 years goes fast. My favourite is the DC Estate. Thank you!

I stayed two nights at the Post estate in the Adirondacks. She was known to have fresh flowers flown in from the California once a week when she stayed there. She made sure to have the dear fed with hay and other grains in the depth of winter. The estate at that time I was there, was in the hands of the State of NY which was given to them from M.Post estate.

Actress Dina Merrill was one of her daughters and was considered the wealthiest actor ($5 billion).

Excellent presentation well done Marjory Post had an incredible life filled with privilege & was a good example of money being able to buy taste

Excellent!

If you are exploring penthouse mansions, there is one that rises above all others (and, in my opinion, is one of the most mysterious and beautiful of all penthouses ever) the grand "chateau in the sky" that sits atop the Pierre Hotel in NYC. It is literally a Beaux Arts three story chateau overlooking Central Park. Please tell this story. I am fascinated by this penthouse. Please tell it's story.

Her last home was my favorite! I love big mansions with large gardens. It is a stunner!

Very interesting video. Thank you.

Wonderful video sir!

The Communist Party after murdering Czar Nicholas II and his family were anxious to sell Antiques to anyone that could pay the price. That she was one person who bought some of the items only marks the fact that these Antiques would probably not exist today had she not bought many of the items legally. Mar-O- Lago is by far the beautiful Estate she ever built.

Beautiful video. Thank you.

How about Camp Topridge in the Adirondacks? That’s an awesome place she had too!

Thanks for the very compelling bio of this dynamic woman. You may want to consider changing your audio recording method as the sound has so much echo that your narration isn't very clear.

Love learning new and exciting history. She had such beautiful taste.

Thank you so much for using someone without a British accent to narrate this video!!😀

This episode is so exciting!!!

Great video, new sub! Thank you!

There is a new historical fiction novel “The Magnificent Lives of Marjorie Post” by Allison Pataki. My book club loved it! Lots of discussion.

I subbed love your content ❤️❤️

I don't think that she stole the art from the Soviets. They were more than willing to sell, using those monies to help modernise the new Soviet Union. There wasn't a lot of sentimental feeling for the Romanovs, so, the paintings and jewels and tapestries were willingly sold. Marjorie was lucky as hell to get her dollar dusted hands on them. Probably saved a lot of the objects from being destroyed. I will say she was more like a benign black widow spider...after she got what she wanted from those rich and influential men, she divorced them. No tears, one of her daughters was actress/socialite Dina Merrill...they all lived well, members of the American Royalty.

Thanks for this very informative video

I've toured Hillwood, was fabulous!

Appreciate the video

Fascinating!

Thank you for sharing your research

I have enjoyed watching your videos!

Thanks!

I am reading a book about her. It's pretty true of her life.😊

They're all beautiful

I thought she also had a very posh camp at Saranac Lake, NY

C. W. Post did more than pass away: he shot himself! Her first husband Edwin Close would become the grandfather of Glenn Close by the son he had with his 2nd wife. Marjorie wanted GF to but out Clarence Birdseye for $2 million. E.F. Hutton shot down the idea; when the company did buy Birdseye a few years later, it was for$56,000,000 (should have listened to her). She sailed her yacht to the Soviet Union without bothering to get visas for the crew. Herbert May was from the May Department Stores family. She had the same, but different, problem with him that she had had with E.F. Hutton: Hutton couldn't keep his hands off any pretty girl he saw - May couldn't keep his hands off any handsome boy he saw (at least according to her biography "Heiress"). Whoa!!!! How could you forget Camp Topside her enormous Adirondacks estate? That's camp as in the Breakers is a cottage.

I’ve been to the Hillwood Estate in DC many times and love it there. This video was very informative.

Her homes are the most beautiful I have seen from your videos !

Very enjoyable

Marjorie had many beautiful homes. Her penthouse and her last home were absolutely beautiful. The gardens, and the art collection were amazing. I wish that I had the chance to visit her last Estate.

Very well done..I like the Manhattan house

Ill-gotten, not ill-begotten. Those meant two completely different things.

What about her camp in the Adirondacks? Known as Camp Topridge.

Can you spotlight The Oceanside in Magnolia, MA and associated buildings? The Magnolia Historical Society could be of great help. The Hesperus was also another fine hotel in Magnolia of that era. Love your channel!

Great blogger!!

Thank you. Marjorie also amassed a jaw dropping jewellery collection including Russian Orthodox (Priest) diamond crowns and jewelled church artifacts as religion was suppressed during & after the Revolution - can give the crown jewels a run for their money. All her estates are gems.

I love this stuff 💕👵🌺

Stunning homes.🇨🇦

I think I like Marjorie's way of thinking!!! When you get bored with a husband throw him away and just get a new one... The things you can do when you are RICH..... 🤣🤣🤣🤣