A Marriage Good as Gold

WINSTED - After 50 years of marriage, Bob and Ann Jones are still smiling just as they did on their wedding day.

Married Feb. 15, 1958, Bob and Ann met while attending the original Gilbert School, now the community college.

"I was looking for a date to go to the drive in," said Bob. Fifty years later they are proud to talk about the joy they have had raising four children and six grandchildren.

Bob graduated from Gilbert in 1956 and immediately joined the Marine Corp. Ann followed in the class of 1957. The next year they were married.

"We got married while I was still in the service," said Bob. "I got out as an E-4, but it was all peace time so I wasn't in during any conflicts. I got out on May 27 [1959], and went to work for O&G on June 1."

Seven years ago he retired from O&G after 42 years of service. He remembers working as much as 80 hours a week during the first 20 years of his employment and he is proud to say he was able to provide for his family.

"That was the choice I made that I was going to work and support them," said Bob.

He made just $1.65 per hour when he was first hired, but the hard work paid off and in 1963 they were able to buy a home of their own.

"We had a goal of being in our own house in five years and we made it. At $1.65 we could save money for a down payment on a house," said Ann.

Ann was a stay-at-home mom for many years and raised four children, Cheryl, Barbara, Robin and Daniel. When Daniel entered elementary school, Ann took a job in the school cafeteria and remained in the kitchen for many years, retiring just last year.

"I was able to be off with the kids. It was a good spot to be a mom and have the same schedule as the kids," said Ann.

Since retiring, both Bob and Ann are enjoying life. All six of their grandchildren - Kyle, 14; Casey, 15; Tara, 17; Thomas, 18; Darren, 19; and Ashley, 23 - are close by and keep them busy with numerous sporting events and other activities.

"It keeps us young minded," said Ann.

During the winter months they have begun to take advantage of their free time and enjoy Florida, just as many of their friends are doing. However, this year they stayed home to celebrate their anniversary with friends and family at a big party on Saturday (Feb. 16).

"I'm making my own wedding cake," said Ann.

While an entire ceremony will not be held, Ann is looking forward to the church service on Sunday at First Congregational Church on North Main Street, where her family are all active members. There the minister is planning a service about commitment. Two of her children, who are in the choir, are planning special music to celebrate their parents' anniversary.

Bob said that a solid foundation when he and Ann were growing up contributed to their longtime marriage and those of his children as well, who have all been married over 20 years.

"We came from good stock, the both of us. Our parents were married forever. We didn't know any different," said Bob.

"We're very fortunate to have a very close-knit family," said Ann.

Ann and Bob agree that communication and love are what kept them going strong all these years.

"Sometimes there isn't time for [communication] and that can be an obstacle," said Ann.

"You have to consider love and affection," said Bob.

Bob and Ann know they are fortunate to have a good life together. While sometimes times were hard, they are proud of the way their children turned out and the parents they have grown to become. After 50 years of marriage they haven't picked apart all of the bad times, but reflect on the good and what their life together has become.

"Marriage isn't easy. Marriage, you have to work at. You can't just sit back and watch. When you have a lot of good positive things going on around you, it's easy to stay on the path," said Ann.