-
This Week in Princeton History for July 24-30
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a professor’s nickname raises eyebrows in Boston, a campus visitor is surprised to see someone throwing a telegraph pole around, and more. July 25, 1867—The Boston Post reports, “The Princeton students call Prof. Aiken, late of Dartmouth, ‘Prof. Yank.’ They need two or three more Jerome medals…
-
This Week in Princeton History for July 17-23
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, fears of violence turn out to be unwarranted, a student is bewildered by the behavior of the locals during a visit from the U.S. President, and more. July 20, 1867—Physician George McCulloch McGill, Class of 1858, dies alone of cholera by the side of the road, having…
-
This Week in Princeton History for July 10-16
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a crime against a young alum draws national attention, an activist lambastes Princeton students, and more. July 10, 1993—At Fort Bragg, Lt. Lisa Bryant ’93 turns down multiple invitations to dance with Sgt. 1st Class Ervin M. Graves and asks him to leave her alone. In response,…
-
This Week in Princeton History for July 3-9
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Princeton is transformed into a national capitol, Aaron Burr’s grave makes the news, and more. July 3, 1799—Charles Ingersoll (Class of 1800) “was brought before the Faculty on the charges of irregularity in College and the use of profane Language … and assured the next instance of…
-
This Week in Princeton History for June 26-July 2
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, more than half of the graduating class is missing, Ulysses S. Grant is on campus, and more. June 26, 1861—At Commencement, The matter of most interest is in inquiries made in regard to old friends, many of whom are now enemies. A very large number of Princeton…
-
This Week in Princeton History for June 19-25
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a young alum succumbs to cancer, a Londoner seeks to donate to a fledgling North American college, and more. June 20, 1967—Former athlete Daniel M. Sachs ’60 dies of cancer at the age of 28. With the support of friends and family and in response to his…
-
This Week in Princeton History for June 12-18
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a new library has opened, bathing facilities are available, and more. June 13, 1970—Because Princeton University has taken over the building, the Princeton Inn will close today. It’s longest-residing guest, J. S. Van Syckel, will at last check out after 31 years.
-
This Week in Princeton History for June 5-11
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the baseball team has a disappointing loss, Georgia residents resolve to tar and feather an alum, and more. June 5, 1909—In a disappointing showing for the Tigers in New Haven, Yale shuts out Princeton’s baseball team 6 to 0. June 6, 1836—Citizens of Hillsborough, Georgia, meet to…
-
This Week in Princeton History for May 29-June 4
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students attempt to address the problem of “Shenanigagging,” a veteran proposes a memorial, and more. May 30, 1872—At a mass meeting called by the senior class, students discuss the problem of cheating on exams, then vote to condemn what is known in local slang as “Shenanigagging.” June…
-
This Week in Princeton History for May 22-28
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a decision made by the Bric-a-Brac is controversial, an anonymous donor gives $5 million, and more. May 23, 1901— The Trenton Evening Times asserts, “It is a fair question who are the greater social pests—the lunch-devouring Trenton girls on the Princeton campus, or the drunken Princeton students…
This blog includes text and images drawn from historical sources that may contain material that is offensive or harmful. We strive to accurately represent the past while being sensitive to the needs and concerns of our audience. If you have any feedback to share on this topic, please either comment on a relevant post, or use our Ask Us form to contact us.