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This Week in Princeton History for August 2-8


In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Morrison Hall is under construction, James Carnahan takes the helm as president, and more.

August 2, 1836–The Boston Traveler reports: “Princeton, N. J.—This is now one of the most flourishing places in our sister state, and various handsome buildings are being erected there with astonishing rapidity. Among these are the new college edifice, which is nearly finished; two halls for the use of public societies; a new Presbyterian church; a new African church, (built by the Methodists,) and a banking house.”

The “college edifice” in the Boston Traveler‘s report was then named West College (now Morrison Hall). It is shown above ca. 1860. Photograph by George Warren. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box MP87, Image No. 3580.

August 4, 1925—The Borough Council approves a plan to pave Witherspoon Street.

August 6, 1823—James Carnahan is installed as president of the College of New Jersey in Princeton. An observer writes, “At ten in the morning, the Collegians, and members of the Theological Seminary, assembled in the College Chapel, whence they marched in procession to the Church. The largeness of the assembly was only equalled [sic] by its highly respectable appearance. The fair part of the audience, in particular, fully confirmed our opinion of the modesty and beauty of the Princeton ladies.”

August 8, 1979—A member of the Class of 1980 files suit against Princeton for negligence related to his December 16, 1977 fall from the roof of Patton Hall. The institution maintains that its policies prohibiting students from going onto dormitory rooftops are clear.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

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