This Week in Princeton History for March 23-29


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Blair Tower clock gets a sophomore makeover, students give Grover Cleveland a birthday present, and more.

March 23, 1899—Poet John Whitcomb Riley, whose best known work, “Little Orphant [sic] Annie,” has continued to inspire numerous other artists, gives a poetry reading in Alexander Hall.

March 24, 1985—A group of sophomores decorate the Blair Tower clock’s face with Mickey Mouse.

1985-3-25_Prince_Mickey_Blair_Tower
Photo from Daily Princetonian.

March 25, 1971—Princeton University president Robert Goheen ’40 announces his resignation, having overseen many significant changes to the school, including the initiation of coeducation.

Robert_Goheen_AC193_Box_563
Robert Goheen, Office of the President Records: Robert Goheen Subgroup (AC193), Box 563.

March 26, 1907—Princeton students march to the home of former U.S. President Grover Cleveland to present him with a gold loving cup in honor of his seventieth birthday.

Last_photo_of_Grover_Cleveland_1908_AC348_Box_1
Last photo of Grover Cleveland, age 70, Grover Cleveland Collection (AC348), Box 1.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.


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