Reeling in the Years

In this most significant and historic of cities, we celebrate anniversaries. Living in Georgetown, you’re never far from its icons.
Our cover story marks the 125th anniversary of the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 35th Street and Volta Place. But we have helped call attention to other milestones this year.

Mt. Zion United Methodist Church on 29th Street is celebrating its 200th anniversary as one of the oldest and most respected places of worship not only in Georgetown but in Washington itself. Generations of the African American community in Georgetown have grown up, prayed, sorrowed, celebrated and passed on here. The larger community shares in its proud history of keeping on keeping on.

Tudor Place on 31st Street is in the midst of celebrating its own bicentennial as a historic jewel in Georgetown. With its connections to George and Martha Washington and to the Civil War, the estate defines why Georgetown is a historic district. Its rolling green frontage, formal gardens and spectacular mansion add up to history incarnate — worthy of a new book, “Tudor Place: America’s Story Lives Here.”

Especially after its recent renovation, the George Town Club on Wisconsin Avenue has been able to combine elegance and informality, a balancing act that the club pulls off with panache. This, we suspect, is the secret of its success, making and keeping it one of Washington’s best places to congregate, celebrate, contemplate and negotiate (not necessarily in that order).

The Georgetowner newspaper turned 62 on Oct. 7. That’s a long time, with three separate owner-publishers and a parade of talented writers, editors, photographers and designers. Our shared and continuing goal is to make The Georgetowner an enduring part of this village and city — along with its digital version, Georgetowner.com. We’ve even given ourselves a birthday gift: a newly designed website.

Our longevity would not have happened were it not for our readers and advertisers. There is a special relationship at work here: we support the community and the community supports us. Thank you for another lively and rewarding year.