In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students organize a Glee Club, betting on football makes the news, and more.

March 16, 1866—Students join with the community to observe a day of fasting, prayer, and confession. All business and schools are closed, and farmers have come in for miles to join in the services held at the First Church. In announcing the fast day, the Princeton Standard explained the intent: “It is hoped that the revival of religion in the College may be extended to the people of the town.”

March 17, 1885—Internationally acclaimed singer Emma Cecilia Thursby performs in University Hall. The Daily Princetonian will pronounce the concert “one of the best treats of the season.”

March 18, 1874—Noting that “the lack of one has been seriously felt during the past few years,” a group of students organize a Glee Club.

March 19, 1903—Chicago’s Interior reports that bets totaling $50,000 were placed on the recent Yale-Princeton football game (about $1.6 million in 2022 dollars).

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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