By April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, gasoline shortages strain local residents, a change in campus fashion surprises returning alumni, and more.

June 29, 1979—As gas lines lengthen during an ever-worsening shortage, Stefanelli’s American Station on Bayard Lane continues serving coffee and doughnuts today. Ultimately, more than 400 motorists will get a snack while they wait for their gasoline. A few other local stations have closed, having no gasoline at all to sell.

June 30, 1889—A writer in the Philadelphia Record reports,

It struck some of the old fogies queerly on their visit to Princeton College commencement to find the students arrayed in mortarboards and gowns. It was not so in the ’20’s, when my father was there, nor later when the Whig Society made me an adopted graduate for my father’s sake.

July 1, 1836—The Second Division of the Senior Class offers orations to the public on diverse subjects, including Temperance, Monuments, and Mohammed.

July 4, 1863—Independence Day is not celebrated in Princeton. Those who feel up to it can attend programs in Cranberry or Somerville, but many simply let the holiday pass without commemoration, given the ongoing conflict with the Confederate states.

Did you read the previous installment in this series?

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