Community is more than just a word; it’s a concept that embodies connection and shared experience.  In Schwenksville, this sense of unity is vividly brought to life each year at Community Day, a celebration that highlights our local businesses, town history, and its people.  This Saturday, Meadow Park will transform into a lively hub of festivities, showcasing what makes our town truly unique.  Central to this celebration is a tribute to Robert K. Albright, whose life story perfectly reflects the deep-rooted strength and warmth of a community that I have come to love.

Born on January 2, 1925, Robert Albright’s early years were defined by his work at the family-run Albright Grocery on Main Street, where he developed a strong work ethic and a deep bond with his hometown.  In 1943, following the example of his older brother, Alexander George Albright (1916-1992), Robert was drafted into the Army.  His service during World War II was marked by exceptional bravery, culminating in his capture and internment in three German POW camps.  He was liberated by British troops on April 20, 1945.  Despite the severe hardships he faced, these experiences had a profound impact on his later life.

After the war, Albright redirected his energy toward rebuilding his life.  He enjoyed a long career at PECO and devoted himself to his family while nurturing a passion for craftsmanship.  Upon retiring in 1983, he dedicated himself to creating detailed wooden models of historic Schwenksville buildings.  These large models, known as the “Albright Houses,” represented more than just a hobby, but a “love letter” to his hometown.

In 2011, Schwenksville Borough proudly received Albright’s handcrafted models as a gift from his family.  To honor this legacy, the Borough displayed the models at Community Day, in local businesses, and in the Fire Company Museum.  With the completion of the new Borough Hall and Community Center in 2020, multi-functional display cases were incorporated into the Community Room to permanently showcase these treasured models.

Each of Albright’s thirty-two houses were crafted with the meticulous attention of an architect and the heart of an artist.  Albright began each model with a photograph or archival image as a reference and assembled his models utilizing scrap materials.  It is said the paint, often a mix of oil and water-based, was chosen more for availability than consistency.  Working on several models simultaneously, each took several months to complete.

Throughout his life, Robert Albright was an active member of the Schwenksville community, serving as a volunteer firefighter and assistant Scout Leader.  He passed away on October 8, 2018, and his beloved wife Doris followed on November 26, 2023. They rest together at Keelys Church Cemetery, close to the home they shared on Limerick Road.  Their enduring love is reflected in their two daughters, four grandsons, and six great-grandchildren, who carry forward their legacy.

Robert Albright’s military service earned him a Campaign Medal, three Bronze Service Stars, a Presidential Unit Citation, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Victory Medal.

Join us for Community Day at Meadow Park, 300 Main Street, on Saturday, September 21, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

All photos of the Albright Houses by Penny Orr, for the Schwenksville Historic Committee.

Vernfield Store, Schwenksville Auditorium, Spring Mount Observatory, Perkiomen Hotel

Schwenksville Train Station, The National Bank of Schwenksville, Memorial Park, Little Red School House

Schwenksville Item, Ice House, Fairview School House, Bump Hastings Garage

Bromer’s Store, Bergey’s Grist Mill, Zieglerville Station, Weldon House

Spring Mount School House, Rahn’s Hotel, Pennypacker Mansion

Pennypacker Barn, Miller School, Lederach Chapel, Kratz Mill

Keelys Church, Graterford Hotel, Clemmers Mill, Bromer Motor Sport