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This Week in Princeton History for March 14-20


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the library extends its hours, an election bid makes history, and more.

March 14, 1974—Princeton University begins advertising for bids from contractors to remodel the Dormitory and Food Services warehouse into the nation’s 125th Wawa food store.

Office of Physical Planning Records - AC154 Cabinet 4, Drawer 7
Original architectural mockup of the Wawa food store, Office of Physical Planning Records (AC154), Cabinet 4, Drawer 7. Click here for an image gallery.

March 15, 1889—The College of New Jersey (Princeton) Library announces that it will offer extended hours due to student demand, closing at 6:00 PM rather than 5:00 PM each day.

Library_1883_AC111_Box_AD04_Image_8196
College of New Jersey (Princeton) Library (Chancellor Green Hall), 1883. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box AD04, Image No. 8196.

March 16, 1999—Steve Forbes ’70 becomes the first person ever to declare the intent to seek election as United States president via the internet. His campaign website, www.forbes2000.com, gets 4 million hits in 24 hours.

March 17, 1915—Princeton University’s students put on their last St. Patrick’s Day P-Rade and Senior Speech.

Senior_3-17-1912_Speech_AC112_BoxMP159_Image_4368
Crowds gather on Nassau Street to hear the “Senior Speech” following the St. Patrick’s Day P-Rade, 1912. Historical Photograph Collection, Campus Life Series (AC112), Box MP159, Image No. 4368. Read about the 1915 “Senior Speech” here.

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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