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This Week in Princeton History for November 27-December 3

In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, undergraduates protest the presence of African Americans in chapel, a computer virus is spreading all over campus, and more.

November 28, 1868—Students at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) begin circulating a petition to ban African Americans from chapel exercises after James McCosh allows a black student from Princeton Theological Seminary to attend his lectures on the life of Jesus, but few faculty are willing to sign it and McCosh remains unmoved.

Clipping from New York Tribune, December 8, 1868. The relevant portion reads as follows: “A young man (colored), of fine abilities and address, a graduate of a Western college, and at present a student of the Theological Seminary of this place, has dared to present himself at the College Chapel on Sunday afternoon for the purpose of listening to the President’s [McCosh’s] lectures without the permission of the sympathizers of the ‘Lost Cause,’ who feeling themselves deeply injured are now circulating a protest, which being duly signed, will be presented to the Faculty protesting against the further privilege of colored men entering the Chapel during any Chapel exercise. Thus far no movement has been made by the more liberal minded against this pernicious protest, for they have confidence in the good sense of the Faculty, and believe that such an article will be treated by them with contempt.”

November 29, 1806—The faculty meet to consider the case of six students who tried to strike a resident of Princeton with a chair and threatened him with a knife. Francis Henry of the Class of 1807 confesses to threatening the townsperson with a knife and is suspended. Five other students are admonished before the faculty “for abetting Mr. Henry in the crimes…”

November 30, 2000—The “Navidad” computer virus is spreading throughout the campus in the guise of an emailed Christmas card. Administrators encourage students to download anti-virus software to protect their computers.

December 2, 1896—Members of Cap and Gown Club move into their newly built clubhouse.

Cap and Gown Eating Club, Princeton University, ca. 1900. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box MP23, Image No. 552.

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.

April C. Armstrong *14

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