In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, James McCosh is elected president of the College, thousands turn out to witness Firestone Library open for the first time, and more.

April 27, 1980—Princeton Against Registration and the Draft (PARD) holds its second protest of Jimmy Carter’s proposal for requiring registration for selective service, in spite of the country not being at war.

April 29, 1868—The Board of Trustees elects James McCosh as president of the College of New Jersey.

April 30, 1949—A crowd of over 2,000 people gathers to watch University Librarian Julian P. Boyd unlock Firestone Memorial Library to mark its official opening.

May 2, 1874—Princeton’s baseball team defeats the amateur champions of Philadelphia, the Zephyrs, 10 to 2.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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