Rob Jones
Rob fondly recalls his experiences as a youngster on the American Home Front. He remembers going door-to-door as a Boy Scout collecting scrap metal and saving bacon fat for use in explosives manufacturing to take to the butcher in Arlington, Mass.
Rob, who has been a volunteer tour guide since 1996, was born in Cambridge, Mass. and grew up in Arlington . He worked for years at the local A&P (Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co.) after school and weekends for 25 cents an hour. Rob started at the bottom, stocking shelves, was promoted to the produce department and eventually worked his way up to become a cashier.
Rob graduated from Arlington High School in 1948. In 1949 he enlisted in the Army and attended the Signal School at Fort Monmouth, N.J. He was stationed at Fort Bragg , N. C. when the Korean War started. His unit, the 4th Signal Battalion, was sent to Korea in August of 1950 to handle the communications for the 10th Corps. Rob re-enlisted and was sent to West Germany for three years. When discharged, he had completed eight years of active duty. In 1959 he started work as a civilian with the National Security Agency at Fort Meade, Md. He retired in 1985 after putting in 25 years active service.
Rob met his wife Mary Ann of Charlestown, Mass. and they were married in December 1955. They have five children: four daughters and a son. The Roys retired to New Hampshire in 1991, first settling in Alton and then moving to their present home in Laconia . Mary Ann Roy passed away on July 20, 2007. The Wright Museum family extends its deepest wishes of condolence to Rob and his loved ones during this difficult time.
One of their favorite pastimes was square dancing and traveling across N.H. and Mass. to enjoy an evening of dancing with their peers. Rob's hobbies also include collecting military patches and playing cards.
In 1996 while shopping in Wolfeboro, Rob decided to visit the museum and “check out what was behind the tank outside!” He liked what he saw and has been a regular weekly volunteer on Thursday mornings ever since. Rob especially enjoys talking to students and teachers visiting as part of a school group. He also enjoys speaking with veterans and hearing about their frontline experiences.
Thank you, Rob, for volunteering and helping the Wright Museum educate our young people about the achievements of the Greatest Generation!
