Eva Adams was born in Wonder, Nevada on September 10, 1908, the daughter of Verner Laur Adams and his wife Cora Adams. During Eva's childhood, the Adam's family moved around the state often as her father was called out to work to set up numerous facilities in mining camps for Wingfield. These facilities included hotels, commissaries, and bars. Due to the frequent re-locating in her early years she learned independence and how to make friends easily. Also Adams adapted to be happy where ever she was. Eventually Adams' mother insisted the family settle down in Reno, Nevada. Adams graduated from Reno High School at age 14. She then attended the University of Nevada, Reno, where she was a member of Kappa Alpha Theta, graduating in 1928, at age 19. After graduating from college, Adams moved to Las Vegas, Nevada to become a teacher at Las Vegas High School. During this time, she became involved with the Clark CountyDemocratic Party and was introduced to Pat McCarran. She returned to Nevada in 1940 to briefly join the English department of the University of Nevada, Reno; shortly thereafter, Pat McCarran, by now United States Senator for Nevada, invited her to move to Washington, D.C. to become his Administrative Assistant. She worked for Senator McCarran until his death in 1954. She then worked for McCarran's successor, Ernest S. Brown, in 1954, and then Alan Bible from 1954 to 1960. In 1961, President of the United States John F. Kennedy named Adams Director of the United States Mint, and Adams subsequently held that office from October 1961 until August 1969. Adams was recommended by Senator Alan Bible because of her previous knowledge and experience on precious metals. She was the second woman to hold the title of Director at the Mint. Nonetheless, Adams had a significant impact. She cleaned up processes and made them more efficient. During her time there, they added approximately 100 new coin presses, which was outlined in her article on the “Changes in Coinage”. She was present during The Coinage Act of 1965, which eliminated silver from the American dime and quarter. She also helped plan the opening of the current Philadelphia Mint, which opened in 1969. Once the Mint was operating, Adams resigned. This was primarily because President Nixon put pressure on Adams to leave, since he wanted a Republican as the director. Following her career at the Mint, Adams was the assistant to the chairman of Mutual of Omaha. She did this until 1978. During this time, she was also named director of the Medallic Art Company of New York City and served on the American Numismatic Associationboard of governors. Adams died in Reno on August 23, 1991.
Education
Awards and distinctions
Distinguished Nevadan Award at the University of Nevada
