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This Week in Princeton History for June 6-12


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a decision is reached about the location of the Graduate College, swords are banned from campus, and more.

June 7, 1910—A long battle ends when the Board of Trustees accepts the bequest of Isaac Wyman, Class of 1848, and with it Dean Andrew Fleming West’s plan to build the Graduate College across from the Springdale Golf Club. Woodrow Wilson, whose hopes of locating the College in the center of campus have been dashed, will resign his University presidency and leave Princeton for politics as a result.

Wilson's_GC_plan_AC127_Box_27_Folder_5
Woodrow Wilson’s plan for the Graduate College imagined dormitories built adjacent to the existing 1879 Hall (at Washington & Prospect) to create inner and outer courtyards. Today, this space is occupied by the Woolworth Center, home of the Department of Music. Graduate School Records (AC127), Box 27, Folder 5. Click to enlarge.

June 9, 1970—The FitzRandolph Gates, which have been kept closed most of the time for generations, are opened permanently as a symbol of the University’s welcoming attitude to the community in response to student activism.

Fitzrandolph_Gateway_ca_1970_AC111_Box_SP03_Image_687
View of the closed Fitzrandoloph Gateway facing Nassau Street, ca. 1970. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box SP03, Image No. 687.

June 10, 1794—The faculty resolve to ban certain types of weapons from campus: “Whereas disorders have arisen in college by some of the students making an improper use of swords & pistols, the faculty unanimously ordain that in future no student shall be permitted to use any such instruments, under pain of high censure or expulsion as the faculty shall deem proper.” (Source)

June 12, 1993—On Harsha Lake near Cincinnati, Princeton’s undefeated women’s crew wins the first of three consecutive National Collegiate Rowing Championships.

Women's_crew_member_1993_Bric
A member of the Princeton University women’s crew, 1993. Photo from the 1993 Bric-a-Brac.

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

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