Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, led a troubled life following her husband's assassination in 1968, marked by family upheaval and a chaotic home environment.
The challenges she faced included problematic interactions with household staff and difficult living conditions at the Kennedy family estate, Hickory Hill, something that the family is scrambling to hide.
In the aftermath of RFK's death, Ethel remained at Hickory Hill with her 11 children, including Rory Kennedy, born just months after the assassination. Known for her devout Roman Catholic faith, Ethel continued her life dedicated to the memory of her husband. However, life at Hickory Hill was marked by turmoil, with staff referring to it as "Horror Hill" due to Ethel's unpredictable behavior.
Former staff members described frequent outbursts of anger from Ethel, which caused significant stress. Relationships with her staff were strained, leading to negative impacts on their health. One particular staff incident involved a black maid being fired after inadvertently attempting to discard old notes from Sen. Kennedy. This confrontation shocked actor Peter Lawford, who was present and disturbed by Ethel's reaction, particularly given his involvement in the civil rights movement.
Despite the Kennedy family's allure, many employees faced harsh realities once inside the household. Noelle Fell, a former assistant, recounted numerous instances of verbal and physical abuse, including the time Ethel slapped a maid over a misunderstanding about face cream. Such incidents often left employees traumatized, with some resolving never to return to work at the estate.
Public confrontations were not unusual for Ethel. She once tore up a parking ticket in front of a police officer, resulting in a court summons where she was fined. Another encounter with a cab driver resulted in a physical altercation over fare disputes, leaving onlookers stunned.
The condition of the estate itself also declined over the years. The once-majestic Hickory Hill grew dirty and repugnant due to the multitude of pets allowed to roam freely indoors. Staff and visitors noticed unsanitary conditions, and attempts to clean up were often futile as the mess accumulated. From dog excrement to the remains of a giant turtle named Carruthers, the estate deteriorated, much to everyone's dismay.
Several accounts of Ethel's interactions with public servants highlighted her volatile temper. A notable incident occurred when she ripped up a parking ticket issued by an officer, an act that landed her in court, resulting in a fine. Relations with cab drivers were tense as well; one situation escalated into a physical dispute over the fare, demonstrating Ethel's readiness to confront adversaries.
The grandeur of Hickory Hill faltered under the strain of neglect and Ethel's indifference towards cleanliness. Multiple pets, including dogs and the famed turtle Carruthers, were left to roam the estate, leading to destructive hygiene issues that affected the staff and visitors.
Despite efforts to maintain some semblance of order, the chaos prevailed, leaving a lasting impression on those who lived and worked there.
Ethel's erratic conduct and disregard for the consequences were reflected in her approach to challenges both within the estate and in public interactions. The dismissal of a maid over a misunderstanding became more than an issue of internal staff management; it showcased the deep-seated frustrations and racial tensions prevalent at Hickory Hill. The shocked reaction of those like Peter Lawford, who witnessed these moments, highlighted the broader implications of Ethel's actions.
Despite the disarray at the estate, it remained a symbol of the family's storied past. Yet, Ethel's unpredictable behavior and the lack of control over her anger tainted its legacy. Long after the tragedies that thrust her into widowhood, Ethel Kennedy's life at Hickory Hill remained marked by difficulties experienced behind closed doors, away from public view.
The reputation of the Kennedy family initially attracted many employees to Hickory Hill, only for them to encounter the harsh conditions within. Despite the troubles, the estate and its stories continued to captivate those intrigued by the Kennedy legacy, albeit shaded by the personal challenges faced by its matriarch.
Ethel Kennedy's life at Hickory Hill was characterized by interpersonal discord and chaos. From her explosive interactions with staff and public servants to the ever-present mess caused by pets, the "Horror Hill" moniker aptly described the environment she cultivated.
Yet, woven into this tapestry of turmoil were the enduring elements of faith and family loyalty that defined Ethel in the years following her husband's untimely death.
