Private lives
Our lives have become more complicated in some respects, even everyday things like logistics and clothes. For instance most of my wardrobe was geared to housework and gardening and welfare work. It’s a little different now. – Hazel Hawke
The wife of a politician learns early on that the wounds her husband receives are hers to heal – with sympathy, with laughter, and with her own courage. – Enid Lyons
The public are often presented with a very formal, controlled view of Prime Minister’s wives through the media and well-staged political events. But what happens when these women are ‘off duty’ and behind closed doors? What are their secrets, past times or quirky traits? Are Prime Ministerial couples as united in private as they are in public? What did they do before or after they were a Prime Minister’s wife? Do we ever get to know the private women behind the public image?
Pattie Menzies’ Shanghai slingshot. Courtesy of Heather Henderson, daughter of Pattie Menzies.
Pattie Menzies’ Shanghai slingshot
Pattie Menzies was a public figure who led a very private life. Although known as the Grand Lady of Australian politics, behind the scenes she was a down-to-earth, family-oriented person. She lived by the strict rule of ‘no talk of politics at home’, and admitted that she did not thrive on the excitement of the ‘political game’. When asked by a reporter what her idea of happiness was, she replied ‘Quiet. Complete quiet’.
Pattie kept this shanghai tucked in to a creeper at the Lodge. When she and her husband sat outside for coffee, she frequently leapt to her feet, reached for it, and took a pot shot at a currawong, saying ‘I can’t stand those beastly birds! They are always attacking the baby birds!’
Love letter from Joe Lyons to Enid Lyons. National Library of Australia, courtesy of Brendan Lyons.
Love letter from Joe Lyons to Enid Lyons
Joseph Lyons was 35 when he married Enid Burnell, 17, in April 1915. Together they had twelve children. Despite the hardships imposed by Joe’s political career, he and Enid maintained a romantic and loving relationship throughout their many years together. Joe would write daily letters to Enid in which he would inform her of what was going on, ask her advice, and always express his love for her.
Pattie Deakin. Courtesy of Judith Harley, granddaughter of Pattie Deakin.
Watercolour paintings by Pattie Deakin
Despite her many philanthropic duties, Pattie Deakin’s heart was in the home. She insisted on creating a restful home environment for her husband and took great pride in their children.
Initially close to Alfred’s sister Catherine, the relationship deteriorated as Pattie felt Catherine was interfering in the family. As a way to relax, Pattie would wander into the bush near her home ‘Ballara’ and paint the native landscape. She particularly loved the orchids.
Wireless from the Chifley House. Courtesy of Chifley House, Bathurst.
Wireless from the Chifley House
Elizabeth Chifley had no interest in politics and rarely participated in the ‘official’ duties that came with being married to the Prime Minister, remaining out of the public eye at her small cottage in Bathurst.
Separated from Ben during the week, she listened constantly to the radio for any news of her husband. There were radios in almost every room in the house.
Friends recall Elizabeth’s ‘calm and dignified grace’ in which she accepted her lifelong illness and her husband’s absences. In reality Elizabeth and Ben Chifley lived in separate worlds. Hers was domestic and private, his external and public. Despite this there can be no doubt they both cared deeply for each other, and had a relationship which worked well for both of them.
