Nany Evans oral history.indd - Washington Secretary of State

Cambridge Associates. They provide financial investment advice, primarily for foundations,
colleges and universities. Deb works for a large retail company located nearby. Ipswich is a
beautiful area, but it’s complicated getting around there. If they’re both gone when we visit
we can’t get anywhere – unless we go out and hitchhike. There’s no public transportation. I
wanted to offer to do something for them – “Can I go to the store and get you something?”
– I wouldn’t know how to get to the store because nothing is the same direction and
everything is 20 minutes away in some direction. There are all these old country roads,
which at one time were probably cow paths or something. It’s very old. A lot of antique
shops. And all these little villages. It’s lovely. They have seven acres and they board
horses. The oldest of their girls, Emily, is 13. She rides and jumps. She’s a big rider now,
and that’s all nearby. So it’s great. I think both sets of parents were questioning why they
would live there and work in Boston for over an hour commute each way, but once you get
there it is lovely. Mark is a gardener. He loves to garden, but he has no time to garden. And
they go skiing every weekend in the winter, up in New Hampshire.
Hughes: I wonder if the reason your boys haven’t sought elective office is because they
had a front row seat to see what it was like for their dad?
Evans: I don’t know, because a lot of sons and daughters (of politicians) do go into politics.
I don’t know. It’s just not their choice, I guess.
Hughes: In 1972, you said, “I really hope our boys are busy and active in politics. Not
necessarily running for office, but I would be disappointed if they weren’t concerned about
what our government is doing.”
Evans: That’s true. But they are interested and they do pay attention.
Hughes: You don’t have very many regrets, do you? You’ve had a pretty amazing life.
Evans: I’ve had a wonderful life. I’ve been very, very fortunate in a lot of ways. A
husband and children in primarily good health – not always, but we’ve gotten through
every difficulty that way. Dan’s had some cancer. I’ve had it, and obviously, Eloise. But
we’ve survived those. And we’ve had wonderful experiences; traveled on our own and
sometimes with a delegation of some sort; met amazing people. We’re lucky. We’re still
fairly healthy and active and involved. And I feel fortunate that we can do that.
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