Looking back at the year 2019 is largely a personal endeavor. You might have been promoted at work or won the lottery, and think 2019 was a resounding success. On the flip side, you might have lost a loved one and had two root canals and think it was the pits.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: This was a pretty important year for The Classic W, because it was the year in which we launched. Thanks to our readers for sticking with us and for making 2019 such a smashing success — here’s looking forward to what 2020 may bring!

Now, without further ado, let’s go back and revisit our most-read stories of 2019:

1. Turnpike Gates’ Ryan Smith Talks Punk Rock, Tom Waits and the Philly Skyline in an Exclusive Interview

The Classic W‘s first Q&A was nothing if not intriguing, and it was also our most-read story of the year. Turnpike Gates frontman Ryan Smith opened up in a wide-ranging discussion about life and his musical influences, and also provided our readers with context and background on some of the songs on the group’s 2018 record.

2. Six Things You Didn’t Know About Salem

To many people, Salem is synonymous with the 17th-century witch trials, but the city is so much more. This article detailed six little-known facts to make the popular tourist destination come to life.

3. News That Was Actually Published: Newark Water (November 1891)

On the heels of Flint’s water crisis, one of the most alarming news stories of the year involved the revelation of lead contamination in the water in Newark, New Jersey. Our crack historical investigation team found that this was not the first scandal in which Newark’s waterworks have been embroiled, as evidenced by this 1891 article from a Jersey City paper.