Gus Modig Collection

Oscar Gustav “Gus” Modig (1913-2003) was one of Marjorie Merriweather Post’s most trusted staff. During his forty-four years of “loyal, dedicated and devoted service,” Gus was employed at three Post residences: Mar-A-Lago, Tregaron and Hillwood. It was at Hillwood that he would spend most of these years, beginning in 1957 and ending with his retirement in 1992.

Born in Sweden, Gus came to the United States in 1937, and became a citizen after serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. He earned two Purple Hearts and the Silver Star for gallantry, losing a finger during the invasion of Italy. Like many veterans, he rarely spoke of his experiences; staff at Hillwood were largely unaware of his service record during his lifetime.

When Marjorie Post appointed Gus Head Butler at Hillwood in 1959, she suggested he be referred to as “Mr. Gus,” a reflection of the importance of his role. Gus was deeply involved with daily household operations, but especially with Marjorie’s social engagements, for which she was famous. During their time together they came to rely on each other: one family member noted that “he was devoted to her and she was to him.”

This mutual devotion and respect led Marjorie to quietly pay for extra nursing care when Gus underwent surgery in 1970. It was also the reason that even after his retirement, Gus returned to Hillwood every year on the anniversary of Marjorie’s birthday to place flowers at her grave. When he retired in 1992, he was recognized by the Hillwood Foundation Board as “the embodiment of the transition [of Hillwood] from a beautiful and elegant home…to a museum.”