Historical Lehi
Honoree Robb Strong’s years of volunteerism celebrated
Nicole Kunze | Lehi Historical Society
For nearly 10 years, Robb Strong has been a familiar and beloved presence at the Lehi Historical Society. Week after week, he has quietly and voluntarily helped preserve Lehi history—scanning and uploading thousands of photographs to the Society’s nearly 5,000 biography files, greeting visitors and sharing his knowledge of longtime Lehi families.
When someone walks through the doors of the Historical Society, there is a good chance Robb will recognize a name, remember a family connection or know something about the person they have come to research. For the Historical Society, Robb is a trusted friend, a dependable worker and an important link between the Lehi of today and generations of Lehi residents who came before.
Robb still remembers the organization’s early days, when meetings were held in a small building near the Lehi Skate Park. The Society was new and small enough that volunteers brought their own folding chairs for monthly gatherings, an arrangement that felt humble, practical and full of hope. Robb was there as the organization grew, and for nearly a decade, he has grown along with it.
Robb, the youngest child of Jim and LaVee Strong, has carried Lehi in his bones for as long as he can remember. He has lived in Lehi his whole life, growing up with a deep sense of belonging and the kind of familiarity that comes from knowing streets, families and landmarks by heart.
His school years followed a clear Lehi path: Lehi Elementary, Lehi Jr High and Lehi High School. In elementary school, he settled into a close-knit grade, the Class of 1986, and found friendships that lasted.
For Robb, fourth grade became a highlight. The class learned Utah history and civics through an imaginative project that turned the classroom into a functioning “town.” Robb was elected mayor, a role that made him proud and gave him an early taste of serving others, even in the playful, earnest way children do when they are trusted with something real.
Fifth grade was another favorite year, thanks in large part to his teacher Mr. Marlin Barnes, who often pulled out his guitar during the music portion of class. Outside the classroom, a neighborhood carpool got kids to school, with the moms taking turns driving.
After school, Robb often walked the mile home, coins in his pocket and anticipation on his mind. Main Street offered the kind of everyday magic children remember for decades: candy bars at the Lehi Drug Store, ice cream at Greenwood’s Milk Depot and Alligator Jaws at Lehi Bakery.
Around fifth grade, Robb took over his older brother’s newspaper delivery job. What began as a straightforward route became a bigger responsibility when The Daily Herald offered him a second route; soon he was delivering to 100 homes. The work taught consistency and persistence and connected him to neighbors. A paperboy contest added a bright chapter to those years. He and a group of other stellar paperboys got to go to the Salt Palace to see the Ringling Brothers Circus.
In junior high, Robb tested his confidence in another way by running for student government. He lost the elections, and later laughed at his campaign slogans, which were enthusiastic, if not especially persuasive. Among the best were: “Vote for ROBB, he’ll do the JOB” and “You can’t go WRONG when you vote for STRONG.”
In his senior year at Lehi High School, Robb was invited into the vice principal’s office and given an opportunity that matched his steady work. Having completed required courses, he was allowed to finish high school early and attend Utah Valley Community College, now UVU, earning elective credits that counted for both high school and college. He still walked at graduation. He earned an associate’s degree from Ricks College in Rexburg, Ida., in 1987.
