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This Week in Princeton History for April 3-9
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, locals warn students of the consequences of pranks, debates are raging over military presence on campus, and more. April 4, 1874—Locals warn students not to cry “fire” as a practical joke, as occurred last week: “Some day perhaps the actual wolf will come when men may stay […]
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This Week in Princeton History for September 12-18
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the number of applications sets a new record, New Jersey’s new governor expresses support for the new college, and more. September 13, 1876—James McCosh reports that the number of applications for admission to Princeton reached an all-time high this year: 160. September 15, 1845—John Tyler visits the campus […]
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This Week in Princeton History for September 5-11
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the arrival of undergraduate women draws attention, a recent graduate reflects on the contrast between life as a student and life on a war’s front lines, and more. September 6, 1969—Amid media fanfare and besieged by unsolicited attention from their male peers, undergraduate women arrive on campus. […]
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This Week in Princeton History for May 16-22
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the administration bans automobiles on campus, a student writes to a friend to say being admitted to Princeton has not improved him, and more. May 18, 1925—In response to student complaints, starting today, private automobiles, motorcycles, and carriages will no longer be permitted on Princeton’s campus, except […]
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This Week in Princeton History for May 2-8
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, Bob Hope jokes with students, a Pennsylvania newspaper questions James McCosh’s decision-making, and more. May 2, 1836—The Mammoth Exhibition of the Zoological Institute in New York (an early traveling circus) is in town. Those who pay the 25-cent admission fee are promised a view of exotic animals, […]
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This Week in Princeton History for March 7-13
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, locals take note of the Gold Rush, the Emperor of Japan honors an alum, and more. March 8, 1882—The Chicago Tribune reports that rumors are circulating that James McCosh will be forced out and replaced by John Hall after losing his temper in chapel when several members […]
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This Week in Princeton History for January 17-23
In this week’s installment of our recurring series, heavy snow holds up the mail, the McCosh family host a party for students, and more. January 17, 1995—Paul Muldoon, director of the Creative Writing Program, wins the T. S. Eliot Prize for Poetry. January 18, 1796—Israel Crane (Class of 1797) complains to the faculty that “Mr. […]
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When the Great Blizzard of 1888 Hit Princeton
One of the worst storms ever to hit the United States is typically known as “Great Blizzard of 1888,” but you may find it referred to as the “Great White Hurricane.” In it, Princeton students played a historic role in rescuing passengers aboard a train stuck in a snowbank, people were trapped inside for a […]
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This Week in Princeton History for December 21-27
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, an Ohio newspaper weighs in on a judge’s decision, James McCosh recovers his stolen horse, and more. December 23, 1893—The Cleveland Gazette complains about the decision of a Mercer County judge to fine two […]
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This Week in Princeton History for September 14-20
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, John Maclean defends the expulsion of students, Quadrangle Club opens, and more. September 15, 1870—James McCosh interrupts a brawl between sophomores and freshmen on Nassau Street over canes with a shout of, “Disperse, young […]