Dan Silverman, Prince of Petworth, Citizen of the District of Columbia.
Today is the official 20th anniversary of PoPville/Prince of Petworth and it has officially been proclaimed PoPville Day by Mayor Bowser. I can hardly believe it, so let us:
Remember, remember, the 5th of November,
Community, curiosity and plot.
I see no reason
Why our community
Should ever be forgot.
Prince of Petworth, Prince of Petworth, ’twas his intent
To inform about the city and its residents
Hawks*, Restaurants and so much more were sent
Lovely District of Columbia to embrace
With a passion that is true, sturdy shoes and a camera
By the people’s providence and their grace
Holler all, holler all, let the bells ring with mirth
Holler all, holler all
No Kings, Yes Prince of Petworth!

In all seriousness this is an incredible honor. I want to thank the Mayor and all in her office for making this happen. November 5th 2026 marks 20 years since I started this little blog that has become so much more. It has become a heartbeat to so many. But at heart it shall always remain this little community blog. On November 5th 2006 I wrote: “A test for the future! Stay tuned.” And what a future it has been. To me it feels like a fever dream. Did all this really happen? Was it all a dream?
Did we shut down 14th and U Street and dance and scream with joy when Obama was first elected? Did it snow like 3 feet in a month and a half? Did the cop really pull a gun on the guy that threw the snowball? Did that guy really throw the sandwich? Is a bike lane going there? Was that an ATV? So many scooters. Did you see that carbque? Oh METRO. Streetcar, I hardly knew ya. Circulator. Diet Coke Taxi colors. How many days since a driver flipped a car? Did the Beastie Boys really play the 9:30 Club? So many shows. So many fires. So many stolen wheels. How many flowers have bloomed? Did we really debate the $15 burger at Marvin? Marvin. Did we dance at Marvin? Palena. Did we debate kids dining in restaurants? Dogs on patios? Woof! (more…)