In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, a typing class is starting, reform-minded undergraduates organize, and more.

December 9, 1958—Registration is underway for an undergraduate typing course. For six dollars, students will learn how to type about 20-30 words per minute.

A variety of options were available to students who wanted to hire typists. This was one of several ads for typing services that ran in the Daily Princetonian in 1958.

December 11, 1938—Several members of Princeton University’s faculty join with over 1,200 others to condemn Germany’s politicizing of science.

December 12, 1894—Students form a Civil Service Reform Club and Anti-Spoils League.

Civil Service Reform was a national movement in the late 19th century. It pushed for an end to cronyism and nepotism in favor of meritocracy in determining who would work in government service. (Click to enlarge.) Civil Service Reform Association Files (MC037), Box 3.

December 15, 1916—Princetonians plan to join in a mass protest of the deportation of civilians from Belgium at Carnegie Hall in New York.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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