The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

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Hillwood Drawing Room

The fine French and Russian decorative arts, paintings and antiques with which Marjorie Post stocked her homes were more than a passing interest for the heiress, and she often worked with famed British art dealer Sir Joseph Duveen. The 18th century desk (shown here) is unique because of its many hidden compartments. Allegedly built for Marie Antoinette, it was acquired by Post in 1920.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

Hillwood Foyer

Guests to Hillwood would arrive via a flower-lined motor court and then enter into this bright space. Surrounding the glistening marble room are portraits of Russian monarchs, and adjacent to the grand staircase are men’s and women’s coatrooms where guests, like First Lady Lady Bird Johnson, could leave their outerwear and prepare to meet Marjorie Post.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

French Drawing Room

The sumptuous French drawing room contains beautiful Gallic antiques and a large inlaid tapestry. It was here that Post would greet her guests. Upon entering, they'd order their drinks from a butler who would “go away to the butler’s pantry, prepare the drink, and bring it back on a tray,” Chung explains. The room’s French style mirrored the grounds of Hillwood, and from the room, doors allowed access to Post’s hedge-lined French parterre garden.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

The Big Room at Camp Topridge

Post’s Adirondacks getaway, Camp Topridge, consisted of a main lodge, a Russian-style dacha and many cottages and outbuildings. The Big Room, which was filled with Native American objects and furniture, was where guests would have cocktail hour. Post also held film screenings here—she had professional projection equipment at Topridge. To accommodate the screenings, it was the staff’s job to rearrange the complicated array of furnishings. Post’s youngest daughter, former actress Dina Merrill, once recounted that when she sat in the room and didn’t move, people would walk right by her without noticing her presence because of all the things packed into the space.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

Hillwood

As Post was a major power player in the Washington social scene, Hillwood’s expansive lawn was the scene for plenty of mingling by the city’s elite. Post held frequent weekend garden parties, especially during the spring. During the Vietnam War, Post opened her house and lawn to returning servicemen, throwing them a luncheon with music and cocktails to show her gratitude.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

Marjorie's Private Bedroom

Post’s private bedroom at Hillwood was also decorated in a French style. Her room is located directly above the French drawing room, so it too had views to the French parterre garden. Post, who insisted on getting almost nine hours of sleep each night, had folding security shutters installed on her bedroom windows.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

Guest Suite at Mar-A-Lago

This refined guest suite shows the many different styles employed at Mar-A-Lago. Guests included political matriarch (and neighbor) Rose Kennedy.

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Read the Full Story ≫

Dining Tables at Mar-A-Lago

Post brought her love of entertaining on a grand scale to her Florida estate, holding large dances. “The square was for square dancing, and the round was for ballroom dancing,” Chung explains. It was during one such party that Rose Kennedy square-danced for the first time, reportedly saying, “I haven’t had so many attractive dancing partners since I was a debutante.”

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

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The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags:

The Manses of Marjorie Merriweather Post - Gallery

Three homes of the 20th century socialite were the stomping grounds of politicians and the elite. A new book opens the door

Written by Christopher Farrell

Tags: