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This Week in Princeton History for May 15-21
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the baseball team lacks uniforms, a stained glass window will be installed soon, and more. May 17, 1869—The New York Herald observes that Princeton’s baseball team lacks a uniform: “The Mutuals were attired in their new uniform, of a dark slate color, and presented a very neat…
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This Week in Princeton University History for May 8-14
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a speaker urges students to refuse to support war in their jobs, a senior’s mustache is admired, and more. May 8, 1964—The Committee on Student Life votes to recommend to the Board of Trustees that mandatory chapel attendance (known as the “chapel rule”) be abolished for Princeton…
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This Week in Princeton History for May 1-7
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, athletes enjoy a special treat after defeating Yale, a student is arrested for participation in “unbridled idiocy,” and more. May 1, 1934—In an interview with Redbook Magazine, Harold Dodds explains how the Great Depression is changing Princeton. In 1929, 20% of incoming students were self-supporting; now, 40%…
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This Week in Princeton History for April 24-30
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a fight breaks out over fashion, a sophomore dies of a somewhat mysterious illness, and more. April 25, 1964—Two undergraduates deliver 9,000 three-by-five cards to New York radio station WABC in a bid to elect Robert Goheen, president of Princeton University, as “Principal of the Year.” The…
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This Week in Princeton History for April 10-16
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, state law raises the drinking age for college students, a new photography studio opens, and more. April 10, 1846—New Jersey law now prohibits tavern keepers from selling alcohol to college students under the age of 21. April 11, 1935—A total of 13 women’s organizations convene on campus…
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This Week in Princeton History for April 3-9
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, locals warn students of the consequences of pranks, debates are raging over military presence on campus, and more. April 4, 1874—Locals warn students not to cry “fire” as a practical joke, as occurred last week: “Some day perhaps the actual wolf will come when men may stay…
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This Week in Princeton History for January 23-29
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Princeton seeks to build housing for married students, locals consider the merits of slavery in the South, and more. January 23, 1946—Princeton University requests an amendment to local zoning regulations in order to build a “garden-type housing project” to accommodate 150 to 170 families. The proposed housing will…
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This Week in Princeton History for December 26-January 1
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, immigrants are required to be fingerprinted, faculty are investigating mysterious explosions, and more. December 26, 1940—Under the recently passed federal law known as the Alien Registration Act, all local non-citizens must complete registration with the Princeton post office by this date. All will fill out five forms…
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This Week in Princeton History for December 19-25
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, alumni have the chance to see proposed dormitory plans, a student plot to make eggnog is foiled, and more. December 22, 1890—The Charlotte News notes that “A large number of Princeton students passed the city yesterday en route south.” December 23, 1908—Today’s issue of the Princeton Alumni…
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This Week in Princeton History for December 5-11
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the junior class selects a speaker for a campus event, a concerned writer condemns political activity among students, and more. December 5, 1860—The Chapel has a new organ “instead of the old one which has grated upon the feelings of all for the last long while.” Made…
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