First Question: Have you ever heard of Grape-Nuts? If you haven't, open your eyes next time you are in the cereal aisle at the grocery store. It has been on the shelves since 1895 so no excuses. Contrary to its title, Grape-Nuts does not actually contain grapes or nuts, but it is a name that has been selling for nearly 120 years. The businessman, Charles William Post, who launched this cereal also started the Post dynasty, a consumer packaged goods company. Do you like Fruity Pebbles or Honey Bunches of Oats? Those are also produced by Post. Upon his death (and her mother's) in the 1910's, their daughter, Marjorie Merriweather Post, took over the company.
Second Question (which I now notice is actually the third): Have you ever wondered what happens to the fortunes made from such a company? For Post, obviously some of it went back into the company, or it wouldn't exist today; however, another portion of it went to funding Marjorie's love for artwork. She began purchasing 18th and 19th century French artwork as well as items from the House of Romanov in Russia. In 1955, Marjorie purchased an estate, named Hillwood, where her great collection could reside.
Today, Hillwood has become a hidden gem to the D.C. area. The mansion and its beautiful grounds are now open to the public. Its location is just north of D.C. near Rock Creek Park, and in the distance, one can see the Washington Monument. Seeing that I love studying the Romanov dynasty (ever since our trip to St. Petersburg.....yes, I have read biographies of some of the rulers), I was very excited to visit this off-the-beaten-path tourist destination. It is definitely a must-see attraction if you ever visit D.C.
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| The front of the mansion, where guests would arrive for her lavish garden parties. Eros stands in the center of the circle. |
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| Why can't I find a couch with an extendable end table such as this? Practicalities just don't exist these days. |
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| Some of the beautiful artwork and ornate vases. I am currently working on a re-creation of this; it'll be done in 20 years. |
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| Loved the ceiling and lighting in this entertainment room. |
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| The library, my favorite place in any mansion. |
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| The beautiful dining room. |
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| A breakfast nook where the indoor plants made the garden outside seem to come right into the room. Very cool! |
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| A portrait in a portrait gallery.....and the universe implodes. |
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| Catherine the Great's portrait is the larger image....She is one of the most intriguing people to me; born in Prussia, married into the Romanov family, and ended up ruling Russia. |
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| I'm pretty sure everyone from henceforth should incorporate a piano in their bedroom. Play me some lullabies. |
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| My nerdy husband. We go together so well. |
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| The grounds were separated into different gardens. This area was called the French Parterre. |
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| This was the rose garden and Marjorie's gravesite. |
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| And the putting green. |
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| Yes, this happened. |
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| A fierce lion stands guard off the back porch. You can also see the Washington Monument from here. |
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| Roar! Who's cowardly now? |
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| Stepping stones in the Japanese Garden. |
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| More stepping stones. |
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| No worries, I have found my chi. |
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| I shall call you Lily, and you shall rest on pads. |
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| A beautiful flower garden where fresh flowers were and still are picked everyday to decorate Marjorie's many rooms. |
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| Bees and sunflowers. Epipen prepared. |
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| More of this magnificent garden. |
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| The greenhouse holds one of the country's greatest orchid collections. |
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| ORCHIDS! |
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| Ideas for my future lawn. |
