In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the rowing crew enters its first intercollegiate regatta, a professor’s connections come in handy, and more.

July 15, 1874—The College of New Jersey enters its first intercollegiate regatta. The freshman crew wins the contest against Brown and Yale.

July 17, 1787—At the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, Luther Martin (Class of 1766) moves the adoption of a resolution to make legislative acts of the United States supreme—the first step toward a federal government.

July 18, 1939—Robert Crawford (Class of 1925) offers to sing a song he composed for the judge of a contest to write the official song of the Army Air Corps. His winning score, “Off We Go,” beats out 756 others. Crawford first began composing music in Triangle Club.

July 19, 1951—Chemistry professor John Turkevich arrives at Idlewood Airport on his way to England with no ticket and only $27 in cash, but somehow manages to go there and back and spend only $1. His explanation is simply, “I have friends in Europe.”

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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