-
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 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 April 17-23
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, enrollment numbers are released, a change in admissions policy makes the news, and more. April 17, 1863—The Catalogue of the Officers and Students of the College of New Jersey is available for purchase at the office of the Princeton Standard. Current enrollment is listed as 223. (Enrollment…
-
This Week in Princeton History for March 27-April 2
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the University Library seeks donations of special collections material, two new dormitories are being constructed, and more. March 29, 1922—In response to a request from the Department of History to deliberately collect material related to the American South, and noting that the John Shaw Pierson Civil War…
-
This Week in Princeton History for February 27-March 5
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Ted Cruz ’92 weighs in on campus safety, local women find the campus a good place for fundraising, and more. February 28, 1990—In response to the University’s announcement that locks will be installed on dormitory entry doors, Ted Cruz ’92 is quoted in the Daily Princetonian opposing…
-
This Week in Princeton History for April 25-May 1
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students prepare to go to war, a graduate sets off for the West, and more. April 25, 1931—In London’s Saturday Review, French author Andre Maurois writes of his experience teaching French literature at Princeton as a visiting lecturer for a semester: Most [American students] are not at…
-
This Week in Princeton History for January 24-30
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, an alum urges Americans to put the Civil War behind them in order to defeat a new mutual enemy, the local newspaper advocates scrapbooking, and more. January 24, 1817—The New York Commercial Advertiser reports that students at Princeton “are in a state of revolt.” January 25, 1764—Around…
-
This Week in Princeton History for December 20-26
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the son of the Mississippi governor’s presence becomes controversial, prominent professors oppose fallout shelters, and more. December 22, 1821—The New Hampshire Sentinel reports that the will of Elias Boudinot has left a portion of his estate to Princeton. The institution will use the gifts as follows: $10,000…
-
This Week in Princeton History for November 8-14
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, an alum resigns the U.S. Senate in anticipation of war, two undergraduates chase down a criminal suspect, and more. November 9, 1903—Controversy has erupted locally over the town’s first Black postman, A. B. Davis, who secured his appointment in competition with several white applicants. Kansas’s Wichita Searchlight…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 23-29
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, dog-powered butter churns are available locally, Princeton University celebrates an alum’s achievement in a new way, and more. August 23, 2011—Princeton University’s website announces a ban on freshman rush for Greek organizations. August 27, 1835—James Petrie and Donald McCay invite interested residents of Princeton to order dog-powered…
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.