On Tuesdays and Thursdays this year, a dedicated group of students have been meeting after school in 25A to revive a student newspaper that has been out of print for decades.
Originally launched in 1959 by another group of dedicated students using typewriters, the paper, according to the 1959 yearbook, was first known as The Lookout and later renamed The Cultivator. The newspaper told stories from Saul’s campus for decades before ceasing publication in mid- 1980s. Past attempts to bring it back, including one in 2006, were unsuccessful.
Students of The Cultivator tracked down alumni from the 1960s to ask them about their experiences as student journalists. Ellen Laitinen, from the Class of 1964, recalled how different technology was back then.
“We were VERY low tech…you now have far more sophisticated equipment to produce it,” Laitenen said.
Harold Tichenor, also from the class of 1964, remembers how the team produced the paper with the technology of the day.
“My memory is that we did a single fold so that it produced four pages and ran them off on what was called a Gestetner or mimeograph,” Tichenor said. “This was prephotocopy or Xerox Technology. You had to prepare a stencil and crank it around to feed ink through.”
Despite the lack of modern technology, the paper was a platform to highlight school activities and foster community pride.
The Cultivator was originally published in print, using what were then considered modern technologies. Now, as media consumption shifts to digital platforms, we are embracing this transition by moving to an online format, allowing for greater accessibility and engagement.
According to the 1960s yearbook, the school newspaper was also kept in the lights with the support of the student body, as well as activities such as bake sales, contests and the dance, “Under Paris Skies”.
William Mifflin, Class of 1964, remembers the pride he felt in creating The Cultivator.
“The school was much smaller back then,” Mifflin said. “A few of the students were responsible for laying out the content including taking group photos with help from some faculty members. I recall that we were very proud of the finished product.”
Decades later, the spirit of creativity and pride that defined The Cultivator’s early days continues to inspire new generations of students.
“Our mission was to showcase the uniqueness of the school,” Mifflin said.
In 1963, The Cultivator was a thriving student-run newspaper, made up of dedicated writers from ninth to twelfth grade. Under the guidance of their advisor, Mrs. Schreibman, the staff worked to inform the school community by separating truth from rumor, much like public newspapers in the larger world. Though the paper faced challenges, committed students always stepped up to ensure its success. The yearbook expressed hope that future generations would continue to support and contribute to The Cultivator.
The current revival of The Cultivator aims to honor that legacy while embracing modern technology. This year the club has reached new heights, with donations from many. The Cultivator has been able to acquire new and better equipment from WHYY.
Marlowe Whittenberg, class of 2026, is one of the students currently reviving The Cultivator.
“The student newspaper provides an incredible path to many careers and colleges,” Whittenberg explained. “The skills gained (though not everyone will go into journalism) diversify into so many careers as the media controls so many aspects of life. It allows Saul students to come together, work with one another to convey as well as share the uniqueness of school.”
As The Cultivator returns, it serves as a reminder of how creativity and teamwork can connect a school and preserve its history for future generations. Now, with over $2,000 in donations and a team dedicated to its success, we are ready to continue that legacy. Our hope is to create a publication that not only informs but also unites, giving students a voice and preserving the stories that define us. As we turn the page to this chapter, we look to the past for inspiration and to the future with excitement, determined to make The Cultivator a lasting tradition once more.
