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This Week in Princeton History for November 14-20


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, football rivalry with Yale begins, an African American graduate breaks through a color barrier, and more.

November 14, 1969—Charles Conrad, Jr. ’53 is in command of the Apollo 12 mission, the second mission in which humans will travel to the moon, when it launches today. He carries four Princeton University flags with him.

Moon_Flag_AC053_Cropped
Flag taken to the moon by Charles Conrad, Jr. ’53. Memorabilia Collection (AC053).

November 15, 1873—The College of New Jersey (Princeton) plays football against Yale for the first time. Yale gets off to a bad start when two players kick the ball at the same time and it explodes. Princeton wins 3-0. With that, one of the most storied rivalries in football history is born.

Cropped_Scrapbook_Princeton_Yale_Thanksgiving_1890_AC26_Box_172
Ad, 1890. Scrapbook Collection (AC026), Box 172.

November 16, 1894—James McCosh, 11th president of the College of New Jersey (Princeton), dies at 84.

james_mccosh_ca_1890_ac111_box_mp65_image_2566
James McCosh, ca. 1890. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box MP65, Image No. 2566.

November 20, 1995—Donna Hill Staton ’79 is sworn in as the first black judge on the Howard County (Maryland) Circuit Court.

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Donna Hill ’79. 1979 Nassau Herald.

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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