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This Week in Princeton History for November 20-26


In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a woman’s presence in class draws comment, new penalties for late library books are imposed, and more.

November 20, 1930—Princeton University has set a record for most student disappearances, with more missing persons than any other college or university.

November 21, 1878—Louisa Maclean’s attendance in Professor James Murray’s course in English Literature draws comments from students at the College of New Jersey (Princeton).

Louisa Maclean’s lecture notes from James Murray’s course in English Literature, College of New Jersey (Princeton), 1878-1879. Lecture Notes Collection (AC052), Box 44, Folder 8. The Princetonian said the course was only for women, but we think this is likely to have just been a tongue-in-cheek reference to Maclean’s presence in the classroom.

November 22, 1804—The Faculty approve a new penalty for failing to return a library book on time: “If any student neglect to return a book at the time prescribed by the laws of the College he shall be prohibited from taking out any book belonging to the Library for one month.”

November 23, 1942—An air raid surprises Princeton University (the air raid office usually gets a few minutes advance warning, but not this time). Students and residents work together in response and earn praise for their performance on this test, with “rain adding considerably to actual battle conditions.”

Air raid precautions for the occupants of Nassau Hall, ca. 1942. Office of the Secretary Records (AC190), Box 34, Folder 15.

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

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