In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Christmas holiday is extended to 9:45AM, a graduate eulogizes George Washington, and more.

December 26, 1944—The President of Princeton University generously allows for an extension of the Christmas holiday, dismissing students from classes that meet at 7:45 and 8:45AM. Classes resume at 9:45AM.

December 27, 1799—In Congress, Henry “Light-Horse Harry” Lee, Class of 1773 and father of Robert E. Lee, eulogizes George Washington as “first in war, first in peace, and first in the hearts of his countrymen.”

December 29, 1903—The seventh annual gathering of the Society of College Gymnasium Directors meets at Princeton University. Princeton is represented by its own highly influential gymnasium director, George Goldie.

December 31, 1808—The faculty of the College of New Jersey (Princeton) hold a meeting to discuss “the conduct of some of the students who had been engaged in disturbing the order of the College by getting intoxicated, keeping disorderly rooms, and doing several acts of mischief during the Christmas holy days [sic].”

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

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