Stuff You Missed in History Class Marjorie Merriweather Post
Nov 12, 2025
Discover the remarkable life of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a pioneer in business who managed a huge corporation in her 20s. From her early days as a philanthropist during WWI to her design and construction of the iconic Mar-a-Lago, she made a lasting impact. Explore her marriage to stockbroker E.F. Hutton and her strategic transformation of Postum into General Foods. Delve into her later life as an influential hostess in Washington and her vision for Hillwood as a public museum, all while championing charitable causes.
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Wealth As A Tool For Philanthropy
- Marjorie Merriweather Post combined extreme wealth with hands-on philanthropy throughout her life.
- She actively expanded her fortune to sustain long-term charitable work rather than simply spending it away.
Childhood Lessons In Business
- C.W. Post taught young Marjorie business by involving her in real company work from labeling jars to attending meetings.
- He also gave her shares as a child so she would steward wealth responsibly as an adult.
Sudden Control Of The Family Company
- When C.W. Post died by suicide in 1914, Marjorie inherited and fought legally for control of the company.
- At 27 she became head of a $20 million business, though social mores forced her husband to act as her proxy in some board settings.
