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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…
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This Week in Princeton History for August 10-16
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Alfred A. Woodhull enters the Class of 1856, the Princetonian asks town residents to stop looking at undergraduates, and more. August 10, 1854—Having successfully passed the entrance exam, Alfred A. Woodhull enters the Class of…
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This Week in Princeton History for June 22-28
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, James McCosh expresses concerns about youth wasted in the gymnasium, the Princeton Rocket inspires Williams College, and more. June 22, 1874—In his report to the Board of Trustees, College president James McCosh expresses concerns…
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This Week in Princeton History for April 27-May 3
In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, James McCosh is elected president of the College, thousands turn out to witness Firestone Library open for the first time, and more. April 27, 1980—Princeton Against Registration and the Draft (PARD) holds its second…
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