Janet MacEachern Papers

Jan MacEachern was born, raised, and educated in Wisconsin and was an active participant in political affairs her entire life. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a major in English, she taught high school for several years before her marriage to Angus MacEachern, an Army officer. For nearly 30 years, she traveled with Angus and their 3 children across the United States, Europe and the Far East, organizing young people's and women's groups in Germany and Okinawa, and serving on the Red Cross. In 1965, Jan and Angus set off in an air stream trailer on an extended road trip, eventually settling in Boulder City, Nevada.

Almost immediately, Jan became an involved and respected figure on the Nevada political scene. She attended City Council meetings, joined the Chamber of Commerce and the League of Women Voters, and registered as a lobbyist in Carson City. She served on several legislative committees and spent a considerable amount of her time analyzing proposed legislation and recommending positions for city and county agencies and non-governmental groups, such as Citizens for Private Enterprise, the Community Club, and United Way. In addition to her activities as a legislative watchdog, Jan wrote to her congress members, testified before legislative committees, arranged candidate debates and social functions, and produced voter guides and political informational pamphlets for the public.

Much of the work accomplished by the League of Women Voters and the Business and Professional Women of Nevada is due to Jan's active service. From amending by-laws to forming resolutions to analyzing bills for their impact on women, Jan served both groups consistently from the time she arrived in Boulder City until her death in 1993. In addition, she served as President of the Boulder City Democratic Party, attended state and national Democratic Conventions, and was a member of the Clark County Women's Democratic Club and its Educational Chair.

Jan's abiding interest in health care and senior citizen services earned her appointments to the Nevada Commission on Aging and the State Health Care Coordinating Council, whose mission was to develop regional and statewide health plans for the citizens of Nevada. She also served on the Economic Opportunity Board, whose purpose was to develop and administer programs to assist the poor, and chaired the Senior Day Care Advisory Committee. Other community service includes the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, the KLVX Community Advisory Board, and the El Dorado Valley Advisory Group.

In addition to her many certificates and awards for community service, in 1983 Jan was named Boulder City Lady of the Year in honor of her political acumen and her seemingly tireless efforts.