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This Week in Princeton University History for July 28-August 3


By April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment in our recurring series, Queen Elizabeth II speaks positively about Princetonians, the nation’s governors gather on campus, and more.

July 29, 1786—Students take turns reading John Byron’s Narrative aloud to one another to entertain themselves before dinner.

July 30, 1852—Following a publication criticizing the lack of a marker on Aaron Burr Jr.’s grave in Princeton Cemetery earlier this month, a monument has just been put up with a brief inscription.

Three people gathered around a large headstone in a cemetery
The grave of Aaron Burr, 1860. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box AD10, Image No. 9472.

August 2, 1976—The Princeton Weekly Bulletin reports on an unusual reference to Princeton University from Queen Elizabeth II, who noted in her recent address to the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland that the presidencies of John Witherspoon and James McCosh were “but two examples of the individual parts played by countless Scots” in the development of the United States.

August 3, 1992—To conclude the National Governors’ Conference held in Princeton this year, America’s governors gather in Jadwin Gymnasium, where they can have photos taken with the 1991 Super Bowl trophy, eat fresh peaches found on every table, drink New Jersey wine, and take in a special performance by the Beach Boys. Busy campaigning for president, Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton skips the party.

NATIONAL GOVERNORS' ASSOCIATION INTERFAITH WORSHIP SERVICE SUNDAY, AUGUST 2, 1992 8:30AM to 9:30AM PRINCETON UNIVERSITY CHAPEL
Several events for the 1992 National Governors’ Conference took place on Princeton’s campus. This is the program from the Interfaith Worship Service held in Princeton University Chapel. The cover image depicts a map of New Jersey with a square representing Princeton superimposed over a silhouette of the Chapel. Office of the Dean of Religious Life and of the Chapel Records (AC144), Box 43.

Did you read the previous installment in this series?

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