-
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 April 24-30
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, a fight breaks out over fashion, a sophomore dies of a somewhat mysterious illness, and more. April 25, 1964—Two undergraduates deliver 9,000 three-by-five cards to New York radio station WABC in a bid to elect Robert Goheen, president of Princeton University, as “Principal of the Year.” The…
-
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 January 16-22
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students have a reputation for misbehavior, people claiming to be Nigerian royalty seek pen pals, and more. January 17, 1882—The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports, “The Princeton students seem to have recommenced the disgraceful rowdyism which brought the college into such disrepute some time since,” saying that just…
-
This Week in Princeton History for November 29-December 5
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, basketball tickets will get a new look, the press observes expansion of Princeton’s campus, and more. November 29, 1965—Princeton University’s Director of Athletics announces that tickets to Princeton basketball games will no longer feature a picture of Bill Bradley ’65.
-
Princeton’s Class of 1880 v. the Class of 1881
By Carter Mulroe ’20 The freshman vs. sophomore rivalry is one of Princeton’s oldest customs, dating at least as far back to 1760 when a code of unofficial laws stated that “every freshman sent on an errand shall go and do it quickly and faithfully and return.” This was what Princeton once called “horsing,” now…
-
This Week in Princeton History for February 18-24
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, hazing makes national headlines, McCarter Theater opens, and more. February 18, 1878—During a particularly severe outbreak of hazing, a gunfight breaks out on Nassau Street between freshmen and sophomores, with one student being shot…
-
This Week in Princeton History for August 31-September 6
In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, an increase in the cost of food inspires student entrepreneurs, the Civil War fells an alum, and more. September 2, 1975—Prices on most items available at the Student Center go up by five cents.…
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.