-
This Week in Princeton History for September 25-October 1
By April C. Armstrong *14 In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Lafayette is on campus, a sophomore secures an unusual mode of transportation, and more. September 25, 1824— Marie Jean Paul Joseph Roche Yves Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de Lafayette, is on campus to receive an honorary L.L.D. in a “temple” constructed for…
-
This Week in Princeton History for September 18-24
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a new president formally takes the helm, the Dean of the Graduate School defends an unpopular policy, and more. September 20, 1974—A Pepsi-Cola strike is now in its fourth week, and some of Princeton’s dining halls have run out of the carbon dioxide gas needed to make…
-
This Week in Princeton History for September 11-17
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, efforts to help sleepless bunnies are helping, Princeton donates a cannon to a scrap metal drive, and more. September 11, 1868—Due to a family illness, James McCosh has delayed sailing for America. September 12, 1980—To solve problems with insomniac lab rabbits, the bunnies at the Biochemical Sciences…
-
This Week in Princeton History for September 4-10
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a system is put in place to warn passengers of departing trains, a new student reflects on having a roommate of a different race, and more. September 4, 1868—So people do not miss their trains, a bell will now be rung five minutes before departure from Princeton,…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 28-September 3
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the Wyman estate reverts to the University, a student is unimpressed by a New York tourist attraction, and more. August 29, 1921—Susan B. Dickinson, widow of Daniel Dickinson and daughter of William Wyman, dies. According to a provision in the will of her uncle, Isaac C. Wyman…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 21-27
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a member of the Class of 1931 meets with tragedy while engaged in heroic efforts to save others, an employee stages a stakeout, and more. August 23, 1981—Under new legislation signed by Ronald Reagan this month, students who secure educational loans after this date will be required…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 14-20
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, one alum condemns lynch mobs, another observes an enemy army arriving, and more. August 14, 1818—Following an investigation, faculty suspend sophomore George W. Giles and discipline three other students for “supping at the tavern” without permission. Though the others will face only reproof, “Mr. Giles had also…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 7-13
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a member of the Class of 1858 pays for tuition and fees, a false report of a war ending causes confusion, and more. August 7, 1842—An observer praises the graduating class for holding their farewell dinner without alcohol. “Friend” writes to the Daily National Intelligencer, “Such a…
-
This Week in Princeton History for July 31-August 6
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a professor helps Albert Einstein get a message to the Roosevelt administration, an alum plans a celebration in honor of the new Constitution, and more. August 1, 1898—In a short article about Francis Cleveland having to smooth over hurt feelings when the children of college professors judged…
-
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 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.