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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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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…
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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.
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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