The Golden Age of Trucking Museum
Featured Volunteer

Joan Manchester was born in Hartford, Connecticut went to grammar school there, and later moved to Rocky Hill. She graduated from Wethersfield High School. Joan worked for eighteen years at Wesleyan University as an Administrative Assistant and is currently retired.

Joan has been married to Bob for 46 years and they have three children; Bob, Brian and Kelly and nine grandchildren. One of their grandsons, Carter, is a junior volunteer at the museum and looks forward to coming at every opportunity.

The Manchester’s meet Dick Guerrera, the museum’s founder, in October of 1964. Bob and Dick both started work at American Oil, Company (AMOCO) on the same day in New Haven, Connecticut. Dick stayed two years, worked with Shell Oil Company one year and then started his own business in November of 1967. During this time, Bob and Joan became lifelong friends with Dick and Fran. Dick is Godfather to their daughter Kelly. Bob started to go to antique truck shows with Dick in 1990. A favorite show that they haven’t missed in 17 years is the Owl’s Head Maine show.  Joan and Fran would also go along to many of the shows, especially the Maine show. Joan and Bob became invloved with The Golden Age of Trucking Museum early on as members, volunteers and exhibitors of their Autocars.

 Joan says, “We thoroughly enjoy our time spent at the museum and the many people that we have met.”

You will see Joan at least once a week volunteering her time at the museum. She is often in the gift shop straightening out the inventory and helping out our visitors. You can’t miss her friendly smile. Hat’s off to Joan!