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This Week in Princeton History for June 26-July 2


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Board of Trustees expresses concern about vices on campus, a trek up Denali raises money for AIDS research, and more.

June 26, 1790—Having just returned from an evening at David Hamilton’s Tavern, four students put a calf in the pulpit of Nassau Hall as a prank, then flip the outhouse over.

June 28, 1848—The Board of Trustees, noting that “the vice of intemperance has prevailed among the students to an alarming degree,” directs the faculty to expel any student “who is ascertained to be in the habit of commonly using intoxicating drinks, or of frequenting taverns.”

Sketch by unknown author depicting students drinking at Princeton, “It’s a Way We Have at Old Nassau,” ca. 1863. Historical Photograph Collection, Campus Life Series (AC112), MP159, Image No. 4395.

July 1, 1971—Lawrence Hamm ’78 becomes the youngest school board member in the history of the United States.

Lawrence Hamm ’78 in 1971. Historical Photograph Collection, Campus Life Series (AC112).

July 2, 1993—Five students participating in Climb for the Cure reach the peak of Alaska’s Mt. McKinley (later renamed Denali), the highest elevation in North America, to raise money for AIDS research.

Photo from the Daily Princetonian.

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

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