Our 59th Anniversary: Volume 60 Has Arrived


The Georgetowner first published Oct. 7, 1954. Its frontpage held a profile, an essay, news about an outdoor art fair and column, entitled “Potomac Packett,” along with a memo from founding publisher Ami Stewart. It was the 20th century, yet this newspaper looked like it was from the War of 1812.

The succeeding owner-publishers have only been two: David Roffman and Sonya Bernhardt. Each has added his and her stamp on the paper. To leaf through the newspaper archives of the Georgetowner during the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s is to see hometown American history in the nation’s capital. How special it is to read a story in the Georgetowner that reports N Street neighbor John Kennedy is considering a run for the presidency.

Those seven individual decades have seen and brought many changes in America, in media and in journalism. You and we know all about the digital revolution and live it. Ways to communicate may shift, but a good story remains a good story. And truth remains the truth. These are core principles at the Georgetowner.

In 2014, the Georgetowner will turn 60 all the way, will introduce a few surprises — and will, no doubt, celebrate with its own gala.
Meanwhile, and more importantly, let us wish a great Georgetowner a happy birthday. Frida Burling turned 98 on Sept. 16. She had a party at her 29th Street home with her family. At 98, she still e-mails friends and family and remains interested in and supportive of her Georgetown community. And we expect to hear from her soon enough. Stay well and true, Frida, and we will, too.

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