In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, an excavation for new construction finds evidence of the original indigenous inhabitants of the area, a sophomore sees the inauguration of George Washington, and more.
April 21, 1802—A letter to the editor of Baltimore’s Democratic Republican attempts to reign in rumors that a student expelled from Princeton subsequently went on to incite an “insurrection” at the College of William and Mary, saying that student was suspended, not expelled, and is still in New Jersey, and therefore cannot have stirred up any rebellions in Virginia.
April 22, 1881—The Prince reports that an indigenous hatchet and stone pestle have been found in the excavation of Brown Hall.
Princeton University’s Brown Hall, ca. 1900. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box MP07, Image No. 0147.
April 23, 1789—On spring vacation from Princeton, Jacob Burnet, Class of 1791, is in New York to witness the arrival of George Washington for his inauguration. “New-York bay was literally white with vessels and boats of all sizes, filled with admiring multitudes, both male and female, clad in their richest attire. Many of these vessels had bands of music on board, and all of them displayed flags painted for the occasion, each having an allusion to some interesting event in the life of this great man.”
April 25, 1935—Journalist Dorothy Thompson speaks to an audience of mostly local women in McCosh 50 on the significance of Germany’s National Socialist Party, warning that Adolf Hitler plans to take over all of Europe.
For the previous installment in this series, click here.
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