Adelaide Breevort Close initially rose to fame as the daughter of Marjorie Merriweather Post. Adelaide was considered an avid sportswoman in the horse racing industry in her later life. Adelaide’s mother was a famous American socialite of her time. After her maternal grandfather’s demise, Adelaide’s mother inherited her family company Postum Cereal Company that helped her amass a fortune of $250 million.
Memorable Life Of Adelaide Breevort Close
Welcomed into this world by her parents on July 26, 1908, Adelaide grew up in a world of privilege and luxury. Her mother, Marjorie Merriweather Post, was the heiress to the Post cereal fortune, and her father, Edward Bennett Close, was a prominent investment banker. Adelaide’s childhood was marked by opulent vacations, private schools, and extravagant parties. However, her parents’ divorce when she was just seven years old had a profound effect on her.
Despite the challenges that Adelaide faced, she found solace in her love of horses. As a child, she would spend hours riding and caring for her ponies. Later, she would become an accomplished equestrian, competing in horse shows across the country.
Adelaide’s Work In Horse Breeding & Racing Industry
Adelaide Close’s passion for horses led her to become involved in the horse breeding and racing industry. Close established her own breeding operation, the Blue Ridge Farm in Virginia, where she raised Thoroughbreds.
Adelaide was also an active supporter of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and served on its board of directors. Close was committed to preserving the history and tradition of Thoroughbred breeding and racing and was known for her extensive knowledge of bloodlines and pedigrees.
Adelaide Close’s Dedication In Preserving Her Family History
In addition to her involvement in the horse industry, Adelaide was also dedicated to preserving the legacy of her family’s estate, the Hillwood Estate. The estate was originally built by Marjorie Merriweather Post in the 1950s and was filled with priceless works of art, rare books, and other treasures.
After Marjorie’s death in 1973, Adelaide inherited the estate and worked tirelessly to maintain its beauty and historical significance. She opened the estate to the public, allowing visitors to tour the gardens, museum, and other areas of the property.
Adelaide’s dedication to Hillwood was recognized by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, which awarded her the National Preservation Award in 1993. She also served as a trustee of the National Museum of American History and the Corcoran Gallery of Art.
Family Life Of Adelaide Close
Adelaide Durant MacNeille Riggs, better known as Adelaide Breevort Close, faced many challenges in her personal life. She struggled with alcoholism and went through a difficult divorce from her second husband, Merrall MacNeille. Adelaide Close’s previous husband was Thomas Wells Durant. Adelaide tied the wedding knot for the third time with Augustus Riggs IV.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Adelaide Breevort Close Riggs was a remarkable woman who lived a life of privilege and luxury but faced personal challenges that she overcame through her dedication to her passions. Her love of horses led her to become a prominent figure in the horse breeding and racing industry, and her commitment to preserving the Hillwood Estate has ensured that it will remain a national treasure for generations to come. Adelaide’s legacy is a testament to the power of hard work, dedication, and passion, and she will always be remembered as a true trailblazer in her fields of interest.
