Robert and Mary King are the recipients of the Woolwich Historical Society’s “Distinguished Service Award” given annually to recognize “unsung heroes” of the community. The Kings live in a home Bob built himself in 1960 on River Road, not far from Day’s Ferry.

For many years, they’ve been active together in the community’s Woolwich Day celebration. Bob was responsible for arranging the popular antique auto show, one of this year’s featured attractions. King takes pride in his collection of six vintage vehicles that he’s restored. They include a Model A Ford pickup truck and 1953 Mercury two-door hardtop. He’s currently restoring a vintage 1965 Ford Falcon station wagon.

The Kings are both members of the Maine Obsolete Auto League, or “MOALs” as it’s known for short. Bob’s the current president and Mary is the treasurer.

Bob also belongs to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Trucker Historical Association. Along with the Model A pickup, he also owns a restored 1956 Ford 1-ton dump truck and a 1963 Ford pickup.

The couple also volunteer together on the Riverside Cemetery Association; Mary is the organization’s secretary and Bob’s on the board of directors. Mary is a past treasurer of the Woolwich Historical Society, a post she held for 10 years. Over the years, she’s also served as a ballot clerk both at town meeting and during the general election. She’s a member of Brunswick-Topsham Daughters of the American Revolution.

The Kings enjoy talking about days gone by and both know a good deal about Woolwich’s colorful past. Mary, a native of Woolwich, can trace her family history back to before the Civil War; her maiden name is Leeman. “I was one of 13 children,” she told the newspaper, adding she attended the former Nequasset School off Barley Neck Road with her brothers and sisters.

“There were eight grades there and just two teachers; they each taught four grades,” she said. The building is still standing today but is now a private residence.

Bob readily admits he’s “from away.” He was born and brought up across the Kennebec River in Bath. Not long after he finished high school, a friend talked him into enlisting in the Army, he said.

“The funny part about that is that the Army took me but not him,” he laughed. King said he wound up doing a two-year tour from 1955 to 1957 and spent part of his military service stationed in Germany.

Before he retired, King worked for many years at Bath Iron Works, the last few in management. He’s the elder brother of David King, chairman of the Woolwich select board.

The Kings recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary. They were married in the former Nequasset Congregational Church, now known as the Nequasset Meeting House across from the town office.

The Kings raised two sons, Daniel and Alan, who are both married with families in Auburn and Topsham, respectively. The couple have five grandchildren, two step-grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

The couple will be the guests of honor at the 14th annual Woolwich Historical Society’s Recognition Dinner and Silent Auction Saturday evening, Oct. 1, at the Taste of Maine Restaurant. Ticket sales closed Monday, Sept. 26.

The Woolwich Historical Society is located in the building alongside the town office on Nequasset Road.