North Light Has Seen Thousands Come through the Door in Their 70 Years of Serving the Community!

"North Light was never meant to be a permanent thing, but somehow, it took on a life of its own," according to its founder, school principal Ann Wright. Its humble beginnings as the North Light Boys Club in 1936 during the Depression era arose from the need to promote the welfare of the community through the social, educational and athletic development of its youth. It served as a beacon of light for the young men in the community, amid unemployment and poverty, delinquency and vandalism.

That was 70 years ago. As one alumni put it "Growing up in Manayunk in the ’60s and ’70s meant hearing phrases like, “down mainy” (Main Street), “up the ridge” (Ridge Avenue), and “at the club” (North Light Boys Club). Yes, North Light Boys Club! That is what North Light Community Center was known as when I was a girl. The fact that it was named “Boys Club” did not faze me because it was “my club.” I remember one year, early in the ’70s, T-shirts were printed up with NLGC, the “G” for girls of course. I wore mine proudly. It wasn’t until the early ’90s that North Light finally dropped the Boys Club and went with the politically correct North Light Community Center, more appropriate for the services provided."

Today, North Light is hoping to reconnect with "alums" who may have a story or photo to share about their experience at North Light over the years. Below are some photos from the archives dating back as far as 1959. If you recognize anyone, (perhaps even yourself!) send your comments, anticdote or picture to alumni being sure to include the year(s) you were involved with North Light, the capacity of your involvement and any contact information you wish to share.