Bob Shea, a native of Salem, grew up on Larkin Lane, a quiet street in Salem Willows.  He is one of five children of Mary Ann and Bob Shea, Sr.  Bob was educated in the Salem public school system and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Engineering from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy on Buzzards Bay, Cape Cod Massachusetts. 

Bob sailed as a Marine Engineer for five years aboard the SS Energy Independence; a 675 foot, self-unloading coal carrier which for many years, supplied coal for the power station on Fort Avenue in Salem, today known as Dominion.

After serving five years as a Merchant Marine, he dabbled in everything from banking to landscaping but all the while, he never lost sight of his dream of owning and operating a bed & breakfast in his hometown. 

In December of 1995, Bob purchased a two family home on Hardy Street. This 1808 Georgian Federal had been severely neglected over the years.  After only four short months of non-stop renovations, Bob’s labor of love came to fruition.  On July 12, 1996, the Morning Glory Bed & Breakfast opened its doors.  This dream of Bob’s could not have happened without the selfless dedication of his dad, Bob Sr., who gave 100% of his time and labor throughout the entire renovation. 

Today, Bob Sr. continues to lend his support, knowledge and labor with every aspect of improving the Morning Glory B&B.  Bob’s mom, Mary Ann, has been and continues to be a huge asset to the Morning Glory as well ‘operating’ as its chief baker!  Mary Ann has always had a love for baking.  Among her specialties, guests are likely to enjoy blueberry crumb and raspberry swirl coffee cakes, irish bread, lemon bread, cranberry scones, and banana bread.

This year, Morning Glory celebrates its 12th season!  Bob continues to enjoy his work as much today as he did back in 1996.  Whether it’s meeting new people from around the world, or welcoming back the many 'friends' that return to his B&B each year, hosting the Morning Glory remains Bob’s passion and he couldn’t dream of doing anything else!