by April C. Armstrong *14

In this week’s installment of our recurring series, polio shuts down the swimming pool, a professor wins a Nobel Prize, and more.

October 5, 1893—The Philadelphia Inquirer reports that Princeton students and faculty are “indignant” over exaggerated reports of college hazing. Princetonians insist that sophomores did not, as has been rumored, attempt to drown a frosh recently.

October 7, 1931—After two cases of polio among students, Dr. Joseph Raycroft advises others to avoid travel and crowded indoor spaces. The swimming pool has been closed as a precaution.

October 8, 1924—The Princeton Alumni Association of Shields, Pennsylvania challenges any other alumni association to beat their record for their first annual meeting. The town “contains about one square mile, has a population of 157 … Its principal industry is raising boys for Princeton. Shields has no stores, only homes. It has a post office. It has one slot machine. It has one church…” Yet 100% of the 12 alumni who live there were in attendance were said to be at the first annual meeting. Royal S. Goldsbury, Class of 1891, who has been elected “Publicity Man,” explains: “We believe this meeting to be unique (pronounced u-neek) for two reasons: first, because of its unprecedented percentage, and second, because the meeting though talked of was never held.”

October 9, 1995—Molecular biology professor Eric Wieschaus wins the Nobel Prize for Medicine. The award recognizes his genetic research on fruit flies, which has provided insights into embryonic development.

Did you read the previous installment in this series?

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