Resident John Noble named first Heritage Hero
By Jennifer Gray Contributing Writer

(l to r) Mayor Nancy Stevens congratulates John Noble after he was named the recipient of the 2007 Heritage Hero award. PHOTO/JENNIFER GRAY

Marlborough - Mayor Nancy Stevens announced Sept. 17 that John Noble, a lifelong resident of Marlborough, has been named the first recipient of the Marlborough Heritage Hero award. The annual award, in conjunction with the Heritage Festival, will be given to a Marlborough citizen who has been active in promoting Marlborough's heritage and preserving historical items.

Noble, 85, is a charter member of the local chapter of Disabled American Veterans and has been an active member of the Marlborough Chapter of the VFW, Marlborough Historical Society, Olde Marlborough Inc., Marlborough Historical Commission and Marlborough Hospital Board of Directors and is a Hillside School trustee. He is the past president of the Marlborough Merchants Association and is the current chair of the Board of Directors for Marlborough Savings Bank. He has received numerous awards and honors for his service in the Marlborough community.

A 1942 graduate of Marlborough High School, Noble worked as a stock boy at Concannon's on Main Street. He was later promoted to assistant manager and eventually purchased the business. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service in World War II. He and his wife, Claire, have been married for 63 years and raised three children in Marlborough. Noble retired in 1992.

Noble enjoys collecting historical items and photographs. His collection of photographs contains historical photos of all kinds, including approximately 500 pictures of downtown Marlborough.

The Heritage Hero award will be presented to Noble at the Marlborough Heritage Festival, which will be held on Main Street Sunday Sept. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This community-wide celebration will feature arts and crafts, antique and jewelry vendors, street entertainers and a food court. In case of rain, the festival will be held in downtown's west parking garage at the intersection of Granger Boulevard and Newton Street.