-
This Week in Princeton History for November 11-17
By April C. Armstrong *14 In this week’s installment in our recurring series, stolen lasagna is a topic of widespread discussion, students donate to a charity to combat yellow fever, and more. November 12, 1975—An investigative report in the Daily Princetonian details widespread corruption and theft in the Department of Food Services. Although there are…
-
This Week in Princeton University History for October 14-20
In this week’s installment in our recurring series, faculty are polled about their support for women’s suffrage, the band is banned, and more.
-
This Week in Princeton History for December 25-31
By April C. Armstrong *14 In this week’s installment in our recurring series, the holiday meal excites a student, the Glee, Mandolin, and Banjo Clubs are praised, and more. December 25, 1839—On this “glorious Christmas” at Princeton, a student notes, dinner is “rather better than common—and oh, wonder! Mince pies!!!” December 26, 1900—West Virginia’s Wheeling…
-
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 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 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 January 30-February 5
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students send egg rolls to a celebrity, an agricultural program is proposed, and more. January 30, 1898—Princeton president Francis Patton urges students to join the Temperance Movement and accept college rules against drinking, even if their own consciences would permit them to drink. I should be exceedingly…
-
This Week in Princeton History for July 25-31
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a student vows to eat no more lobsters, an athlete wins a significant award, and more. July 25, 1956—Joseph Levy *58 is traveling with his new wife via the Andrea Doria from Genoa after their wedding in Paris when the ship collides with the Stockholm off Nantucket…
-
The “Down South Kitchen” and Family Life in Princeton University’s Isabella McCosh Infirmary
When I wrote about the myth of slave quarters in Princeton University dormitories, there wasn’t room to tell you about the service workers who did sleep under the same roof as Princeton students for half a century. Today’s post considers the home one Black family made at Isabella McCosh Infirmary while they cooked and cleaned…
-
Foodways for Princeton Students, Part II: Diversified Menus, 1855-2010s
This is the second post in a two-part series examining student foodways at Princeton. As mentioned in the conclusion of last week’s post in this series, the campus refectory was no longer an option after the Nassau Hall fire of 1855. This meant that eating clubs became entrenched in Princeton’s traditions. There were many transient…
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.