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This Week in Princeton History for August 24-30


In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, employees become eligible for Social Security benefits for the first time, Town Topics honors George Kennan ’25, and more.

August 26, 1913—William Howard Taft writes to accept an invitation to speak at the dedication of the Graduate College’s Cleveland Tower.

Cleveland Tower, ca. 1915. Historical Postcard Collection (AC045), Box 1.

August 27, 1868—The Princeton Standard reports: “Yesterday the familiar sound of the college bell again greeted the ear. The students assembled in the College Chapel at 3 o’clock. Hand shakings were gone through with, friendly greetings were exchanged, many new faces were scanned and commented upon, and altogether, the campus again showed forth signs of busy life and activity and were led to exclaim, ‘College has commenced.’”

August 28, 1950—Employees of Princeton University are legally eligible for Social Security benefits for the first time.

August 29, 1968—Town Topics names George F. Kennan, Class of 1925, its “Man of the Week” for his work as a diplomat.

George Kennan in Moscow. George F. Kennan Papers (MC076), Box 184.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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