15. Marjorie changed the Washington social scene
When Marjorie began renovating Hillwood she found the social scene in Washington lacking. To her, it did not reflect what should be present in the nation’s capital, especially as regards music, theater, and ballet. She manicured the lawns and gardens of Hillwood to host teas and outdoor concerts. Invitations to those events, as well as her formal dinners and receptions, were coveted among the Washington elite. She deliberately designed the interior of the home to be her private residence as well as a showcase for her collections of art, tapestries, curios, and the fabulous Faberge eggs. She displayed Sevres porcelains, extensive collections of statuary, and finely bound classic books.
Hillwood was not only a destination for the elite attending Marjorie’s parties and dinners. In the 1960s, America’s presence in Vietnam steadily expanded, and many of the wounded recovered at Washington area hospitals. As she had at Mar a Lago during World War II, Marjorie opened Hillwood to veterans. She hosted teas for their benefit, as well as for their attendance. At the same time, she raised money for organizations supporting veterans, as well as donating liberally from her own pockets. She hosted benefit performances of the arts for veterans, including at Walter Reed Army Hospital and Bethesda Naval Medical Center, again absorbing the cost. For decades the social events of the nation’s capital centered on the White House. During Marjorie’s residency in Washington, they centered upon her.