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This Week in Princeton History for September 19-25


In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the campus community prays for Birmingham, the Graduate College opens for occupancy, and more.

September 19, 1963—The University Chapel is open from 12:00-7:00 for prayer and meditation on the racial crisis in Birmingham, Alabama following the Ku Klux Klan bombing of 16th Street Baptist Church.

September 20, 1932—Acting Princeton president Edward D. Duffield ’92 writes to reassure students and alumni that Princeton will continue to function in spite of its serious economic and administrative challenges.

By reason of rigid economy and able administration Princeton completed the last fiscal year ending June 30, 1932, without a deficit, and we have every reason to believe that by added economies to offset possible loss of income from investments we will be able to show a satisfactory result for the coming year.

September 24, 1913—Princeton’s Graduate College opens for occupancy.

Postcard showing Graduate College and Cleveland Tower, ca. 1920s. Historical Postcard Collection (AC045).

September 25, 1760—Benjamin Rush has delivered what the Pennsylvania Gazette describes as “an ingenious English Harangue in Praise of Oratory” at Princeton’s Commencement in Nassau Hall.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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