Bala Cynwyd Middle School recently welcomed a very special virtual guest—Howard Wright, a proud alumnus from the Class of 1945. Mr. Wright joined students via Zoom from his home in Boothbay, Maine, where he lives with his wife of 67 years. The visit offered students a rare, first-person glimpse into what life was like at Bala Cynwyd Junior High during the World War II era.

Mr. Wright spoke with students from Dr. Lloyd’s and Mr. Idol’s social studies classes, recounting vivid memories of his time at the school over 80 years ago. He recalled arriving at Bala Cynwyd after attending seven different schools and described the three years he spent there as “the happiest years of my life.”

He was surprised to learn about changes to the school’s layout—particularly that the current library was once the outdoor courtyard and main office. He fondly remembered climbing three steps to reach the principal’s office and was delighted to hear from Principal Jeff Hunter that those same steps still exist but now lead into the library. He was also pleased to learn that the original auditorium is still in use.

Throughout the session, Mr. Wright shared stories that brought history to life. Students learned about wartime rationing, blackout drills and “tin can stomping parties,” a spirited way students would collect and flatten cans to support the war effort. He even held up a flattened tin can during the call.

He described life as the youngest of five children growing up on Levering Mill Road and reflected on his time in clubs and sports at school. He spoke fondly of classes in mechanical drawing, wood shop, print shop, and typing, where students aimed for 30 words per minute. He even showed off a hand-printed program from a school show created entirely in BC’s in-house print shop.

Mr. Wright also reflected on how far technology has come. He remembered reading Dick Tracy comics and marveling at the character’s two-way radio watch—“way ahead of its time,” he said. He laughed about how today we not only have smartwatches, but also phones, computers, and digital cameras.

Now 94 years old, Mr. Wright said he only recently retired from skiing—at age 90—finding the modern boots too much trouble. He remains active, teaching sailing to both boys and girls, and proudly noted that the girls often outperform the boys. During the call, he introduced students to his wife, prompting a warm wave from the class.

Mr. Wright credited his teachers and principal for shaping his love of learning and his fond memories of Bala Cynwyd. Remarkably, he was still able to recall all their names eight decades later.

The visit was a meaningful opportunity to connect generations and reflect on how much has changed—and how much has stayed the same—since the 1940s. Mr. Wright’s humor, humility, and spirit left a lasting impression on everyone who attended.

Thumbnail Photo Source: Portland Press Herald