Tag Archives: John Tyler

This Week in Princeton History for September 12-18

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In this week’s installment of our recurring series, the number of applications sets a new record, New Jersey’s new governor expresses support for the new college, and more.

September 13, 1876—James McCosh reports that the number of applications for admission to Princeton reached an all-time high this year: 160.

September 15, 1845—John Tyler visits the campus with J.S. Green and future Senator John Renshaw Thomson, Class of 1817.

Jonathan Belcher. Image courtesy Belcher Ogden Mansion.

September 16, 1747—Jonathan Belcher writes to a friend in London about his arrival in New Jersey, where he has just begun his sojourn as governor after 10 weeks at sea.

I have been received by the good People com’itted to my care with all possible appearance of Respect and Satisfaction and I hope it will be my care to continue it by endeavouring in all laudable ways to render them an Easy happy People who I find unlearn’d and unpolite–and am therefore putting forward the building of a College in this Province for the Instruction of the youth in the Principles of true Religion and good Literature–and I have a good Prospect of bringing it to pass. [sic]

September 17, 1787—Nine alumni of Princeton are present at the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia: Alexander Martin, Class of 1756; William Paterson, Class of 1763; Oliver Ellsworth, Class of 1766; Luther Martin, Class of 1766; William Churchill Houston, Class of 1768; Gunning Bedford, Class of 1771; James Madison, Class of 1771; and Jonathan Dayton, Class of 1776.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.

This Week in Princeton History for June 6-12

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In this week’s installment of our recurring series, students consider adopting distinctive hats, the U.S. President makes a “pilgrimage” to Princeton’s campus, and more.

June 7, 1877—In order to visually distinguish themselves from townies (in Princeton slang, “snobs”), the Class of 1878 is contemplating starting to wear mortarboards as everyday wear.

Although we see a few different hat styles in this photo of the Class of 1878 (taken in 1878), we do not see mortarboards, which suggests the idea did not take root. Historical Photograph Collection: Class Photographs Series (AC181), Box 4.

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This Week in Princeton History for June 14-20

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In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Mills Tariff Bill is debated, the Prince offers a guide to “scarce” women’s restrooms, and more.

June 14, 1928—A member of the Class of 1913 is struck by lightning and dies just before joining classmates at an outdoor reunion dinner near Palmer Stadium.

June 18, 1843—Charles Godfrey Leland writes to his father to defend Princeton students against accusations of disrespecting President John Tyler during Tyler’s recent visit to campus, saying press reports exaggerated the incident. “It is true that they did hiss Tyler, but not much.”

June 19, 1888—Students debate the Mills Tariff Bill, which has split the Democratic Party and become the central issue of the 1888 presidential election.

June 20, 1970—For the sake of incoming female undergraduates, the Daily Princetonian’s Special Class of 1974 issue includes a list of women’s restrooms on campus, “a commodity last year’s coeds found scarce.”

Restroom in Palmer Physical Laboratory, ca. 1960s. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box AD06, Image No. 8713.

For the previous installment in this series, click here.

Fact check: We always strive for accuracy, but if you believe you see an error, please contact us.

This Week in Princeton History for June 8-14

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In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, Bob Dylan finds inspiration at Commencement, a sitting U.S. President visits Princeton for the first time, and more.

June 8, 1976—To raise money for various projects, the Princeton University Library auctions off an “Inverted Jenny” stamp from its collections for $170,000.

June 9, 1970—Bob Dylan receives an honorary Doctorate of Music from Princeton University, on the grounds that “Although he is now approaching the perilous age of thirty, his music remains the authentic expression of the disturbed and concerned conscience of young America.” Dylan’s experience at Princeton will later inspire the song, “Day of the Locusts.”

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Bob Dylan at Princeton University’s 1970 Commencement. Historical Photograph Collection, Campus Life Series (AC112), Box AD31, Folder 23.

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