by April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment in our recurring series, veterans can return to Princeton for free, a father warns his son to pay more attention to his education, and more.

August 5, 1964—Following students’ claims that a local barber refused to cut Black hair because he did not know how to do it, the secretary of the State Board of Barber Examiners warns local shop owners that they will lose their licenses if they refuse service to Black customers. “All persons licensed by the board have the basic knowledge of how to shave and cut the hair of all races,” Frank Marchese writes.

August 6, 1945—Veterans returning to Princeton may attend for free. They will pay $300 for room and board, but all other expenses will be covered through funding provided under the new G. I. Bill of Rights.

August 9, 1861—The Princeton Standard speculates that the departure of Southern students from Princeton might increase enrollment among free states.

Excellent ministers in the Presbyterian Church, who would gladly patronize this College, have refused to send their sons to it, because of the exceptionable manners and morals of many young men who have been raised on the plantation and unaccustomed to self restraint.

August 10, 1831—John Forsyth, Sr., Class of 1799, writes to his son, John Forsyth, Jr., Class of 1832, on the subject of “a most appalling exhibition of minor delinquencies.” The younger Forsyth has been absent from morning prayers 32 times, from his room during study hours 45 times, and from recitations 13 times. The student’s father warns his son to attend more to his studies and go back to his room earlier in the evening. “You may find something to do until ten o’clock quite as useful as chattering with the lively girls, or whispering soft nonsense into willing ears.”

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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