In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, dorm residents “grope their way in the darkness,” an epidemic halts the swim team, and more.

December 5, 1878—The Princetonian complains about the lack of lighting in Reunion Hall: “Another term is almost gone, and the students rooming in those entries are still compelled to grope their way in the darkness.”

December 7, 1936—An epidemic of pink eye, an injury, and a student leaving school halt Princeton University’s swim team.

December 8, 1985—Police pick up a man in Wu Hall who is on an apparent quest to locate Brooke Shields ’87 and has approached several students asking where to find her.

December 10, 1944—Princeton University President Harold Dodds speaks on behalf of American educational institutions at the Nobel Prize luncheon at the Waldorf Astoria in New York. This is the first time the awards have been given in the United States.

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

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