[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 21 (Friday, February 2, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF JAMES MATTHEW EVANS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 2, 2018

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. 
James Matthew Evans, the late Landscape Architect of the United States 
Capitol.
  Matthew was an essential fixture in Washington on Capitol Hill during 
his prestigious tenure from 1995 to 2011 as Landscape Architect for the 
United States Capitol Building and Grounds. He was well regarded by his 
colleagues, friends and many Members of Congress, alike, for both his 
friendly disposition and admirable work ethic. Matthew was dedicated to 
ensuring that the Capitol was well maintained, and made countless 
contributions to the aesthetics and design of its gardens and grounds. 
Prior to his work for the United States Capitol, Matthew honed his 
skills by working as a landscape designer in the private sector.
  While serving as Landscape Architect of the Capitol, Matthew worked 
to maintain hundreds of trees, shrubs, and millions of plants and 
annuals, and preserved perennial plantings around the 290 acre Capitol 
Complex, and oversaw the dedication of commemorative trees for many 
notable figures. In addition, Matthew was directly responsible for the 
design and upkeep of Bartholdi Park, located between the Rayburn House 
Office Building and United States Botanic Garden. Matthew was also the 
author of a book titled The Landscape Architecture of Washington D.C., 
a studied compilation of notable sites and places around the District 
of Columbia. He was a real student of history.
  Matthew is remembered by his wife Ruth Ann, whom he was married to 
for over thirty four years, and by his two daughters Kathy and Heidi. 
All of us take this moment to recognize and appreciate those, like 
Matthew Evans, who worked behind the scenes to keep our nation's 
Capitol and grounds beautiful for decades.
  Mr. Speaker, I now ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
honoring the life of James Matthew Evans, retired Landscape Architect 
of the Capitol.

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