On this day in Arlington history, November 23, 1903: The final edition of the Barcroft News is published. The Barcroft News began publication on June 7, 1903. Its four pages were 4″ wide by 5 3/4″ long and it served a community of 20 houses.
According to its masthead, the first Barcroft News was written, edited and published in 1903 by O. Edward Haring, the son of Oscar Haring, who ran a general store at Columbia Pike and Four Mile Run. Eddie Haring was then 18 years old. He was “a very bright, likeable fellow and the hero of all the neighborhood belles and the ring leader in all the sports and social events as well,” according to Louise Payne’s recollection in her article on Barcroft.
Mr. Haring wrote these parting words in this final issue:
TO OUR READERS
With this issue the regular publication of the Barcroft News ceases. The object of its publication has been rather that of pleasure than profit. This editor has accepted a position in the city which requires so much of his time that he can no longer devote that care and attention necessary to the fortnightly production of a paper in keeping with his ideals. However, not wishing to sever entirely our connection with our readers, the paper will continue to appear, but at irregular intervals. We have much enjoyed our six months’ experience in the field of journalism; but there is a possibility of getting a surfeit of a good thing. Those subscribers who have paid beyond this issue will be given the option of having the excess returned or of having it placed to their credit in payment for the occasional issue. Every endeavor will be made to make the spasmodic publication as worthy of your patronage as was the regular edition, and we hope to have most patrons remain with us.”
