14. Her marriage to May led to changes at Mar a Lago and her other estates
Throughout most of her life, Marjorie expressed little tolerance for alcohol, in the sense, she disapproved of its consumption. All of her estates were liberally stocked with alcoholic beverages for her guests, though she limited the times in which they were served, as well as the amount of wine available at meals. For decades, the cocktail hour preceding dinners at Mar a Lago was brief, only about fifteen minutes. Herbert May enjoyed alcohol, drinking liberally, and under pressure from her husband, Marjorie extended the cocktail hour at Mar a Lago. She also allowed the guest suites to be stocked with liquor. Old friends were shocked at the change, since Marjorie was a Christian Scientist throughout her life. Her own habits regarding the use of alcohol did not change.
Sometime before 1964, Mar a Lago served as the scene for a drunken romp in the swimming pool featuring a naked Herb, and several other naked males, including some teenage boys. Who took the photographs and how they made their way to Marjorie’s desk is disputed, though blackmail has been suggested by some biographers. Some were graphic. Marjorie responded by initiating a divorce from May, finalized in 1964. Though Marjorie expressed shock at learning her husband was gay, she had been warned in advance of the marriage, including by her daughter, actress Dina Merrill. When Herbert suffered a stroke a few years later, Marjorie paid for his medical expenses. She also remained close with Herbert’s children from his previous marriage for the rest of her life.