Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection
Document Type
Oral History
Publication Date
5-3-2002
Interview Number
MOH 353
Abstract
Jane (Gray) Muskie was born on February 12, 1927 to Myrtie (Jackson) and Millage Guy Gray. She grew up in the Waterville, Maine area, graduating from Waterville High School. Her father died when she was about 10years old, so her mother supported the family. During the summers, Jane and her mother traveled to various resorts in Maine so her mother could cook. Jane’s first job was dishwashing at one of these resorts. After graduation from high school, Jane worked in downtown Waterville at clothing stores. At the age of eighteen, she met Ed Muskie, a Waterville lawyer. They dated for three years before marrying in 1948. In 1986, she and Abigail McCarthy wrote a book entitled One Woman Lost, which focused on being married to politicians. At the time of the interview, she lived in Bethesda, Maryland. Jane passed away on December 25, 2004.
Use Restrictions
Copyright Bates College. This transcript is provided for individual Research Purposes Only; for all other uses, including publication, reproduction and quotation beyond fair use, permission must be obtained in writing from: The Edmund S. Muskie Archives and Special Collections Library, Bates College, 70 Campus Avenue, Lewiston, Maine 04240-6018.
Recommended Citation
Nicoll, Don, "Muskie, Jane Gray oral history interview" (2002). Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Collection. 294.
https://scarab.bates.edu/muskie_oh/294
Scope and Content Note
Interview includes discussions of: 1968 Senate campaign; Maine “Favorite Son” debates; Chicago convention; the Humphreys; raising her children during the vice presidential campaign; her involvement with the campaign; relationship with Eugene and Abigail McCarthy; writing a book with Abigail McCarthy; Muskie and Humphrey’s working relationships; Ed’s disappointment after losing the vice presidential race; New Hampshire media and Bill Loeb; party in Waterville after the presidential campaign; Ed Muskie’s mother and the 1968 and 1972 campaigns; Jane Muskie and Mary Hoyt on the snowy New Hampshire bus ride; the negative articles after the bus ride; Ed’s Manchester speech; Humphrey and Muskie family vacation after the 1968 election; Ed Muskie and politics after the 1972 election; religion and Ed Muskie; Secretary of State; Nestle Infant Formula Audit Commission (NIFAC); traveling during Ed’s later career; Equal Access to Justice in Maine; and Muskie’s career plan.