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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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