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This Week in Princeton History for February 29-March 6


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Ethel Barrymore is on campus, undergraduates head to Washington to celebrate a presidential inauguration, and more.

March 1, 1969—The new Jadwin Gym is dedicated at a Harvard-Yale-Princeton track meet.

March 2, 1931—Ethel Barrymore appears in the opening of “Love Duel” at McCarter Theater.

Ethel_Barrymore_Prince_28_Feb_1931
Ethel Barrymore, ca. 1931. Photo from the Daily Princetonian.

March 4, 1897—Princeton sends a delegation of students to Washington for William McKinley’s inauguration as president of the United States.

McKinley_Badge_AC123_Box_406
William McKinley badge, 1897. Supporters pinned these badges to their clothes, which depict McKinley on top of a golden box reading “OUR STANDARD” because McKinley campaigned on the gold standard. Princeton University Library Records (AC123), Box 406.

March 5, 1912—Princeton University Registrar Charles H. Jones decides to fire his office assistant, on the basis that “he had but one virtue, that of punctuality,” but “this virtue in time became the most loathsome of vices, for I would that he had never been on the job.”

Charles_Jones_to_Charles_McAlpin_5_Mar_1912_AC190_Box_41_Folder_5
Charles H. Jones to Charles W. McAlpin, March 5, 1912. Office of the Secretary Records (AC190), Box 41, Folder 5.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.


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