James “Scotty” Reston is the author of three books of nonfiction, and a memoir, Deadline (1991). He wrote for The New York Times from 1939 until his retirement in 1989, except for a leave of absence from 1942 to 1945 to establish the U.S. Office of War Information in London.
Born in poverty in Scotland, Reston sailed with his mother and sister in steerage to New York in 1920. He began a career in journalism in 1934, and moved to DC in 1945, rising through the ranks at The New York Times until he was appointed a vice president of the newspaper. He won the Pulitzer Prize twice (1945 and 1957), as well as a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Four Freedoms Award, awards from the governments of France, Norway, Chile, and Belgium, and honorary degrees from 28 universities.
Reston was known for his close relationships with powerful men, notably Henry Kissinger and Edward Kennedy. In an obituary, R. W. Apple wrote: “he was forgiving of the frailties of soldiers, statesmen and party hacks—too forgiving, some of his critics said, because he was too close to them.”
Reston lived at this address from 1951 to 1975, with his wife and three sons. His wife, Sarah Jane Fulton Reston, known as Sally, was also a journalist, and two sons also went into journalism, Richard Reston and James Reston. James, who remained in the DC area, is the author of 13 nonfiction books and three plays.
This first house seems to attract journalists. In addition to the four writing Restons, later owners have included Tom Brokaw, Charlie Rose, Maureen Orth and Tim Russert.
The Homes
1637 34th St. NW, Washington, DC
James Reston
3124 Woodley Rd. NW, Washington DC
Located in Woodley Park neighborhood, Northwest- West of Rock Creek
James Reston
1637 34th St NW, Washington, DC, USA
Located in Georgetown neighborhood, Northwest- West of Rock Creek