This Week in Princeton History for October 29-November 4

In this week’s installment of our recurring series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Art Museum reopens in a modernized environment, the football team’s stunning victory over Penn sparks a riot, and more.

October 29, 1966—The Princeton University Art Museum reopens in its new home in a new McCormick Hall.

The new McCormick Hall was built on the site of the old McCormick Hall and Art Museum extension. The 1880 building, pictured here, was advanced for the 19th century but no longer a suitable home for Princeton’s collections. Historical Photograph Collection, Grounds and Buildings Series (AC111), Box SP05, Image No. 1216.

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This Week in Princeton History for August 14-20

In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, mail service to dorms changes, a member of the Class of 1992 reports the murder of his parents, and more.

August 14, 1997—Two antique Chinese snuff bottles (together worth a quarter of a million dollars) are discovered to be missing from the Princeton University Art Museum, which will prompt the Department of Public Safety to partner with the FBI to conduct a sting operation to catch the thief.

August 16, 1943—Due to a shortage of workers, mail will only be delivered once per day to dormitories at Princeton University as of this date.

August 17, 1788—The mother of a student at the College of New Jersey (Princeton) writes to him, “I am glad to find by your letter that you have a dancing and a fencing master. These accomplishments are very necessary for finishing a young man’s education.”

August 20, 1989—Lyle Menendez ’92 calls 911 to report that he has found his parents murdered in their home. He will later confess to killing them with his brother, Erik, in conversations with their psychologist.

Less than six months after the death of his parents, Lyle Menendez ’92 purchased the Spring Street Cafe in Princeton and announced plans to start a chain of buffalo wing restaurants. Photo from the Daily Princetonian. He was arrested for double murder a few weeks later.

For last week’s 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 December 8-14

In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the Triangle Show appears on national television, the Board of Trustees votes to establish the Graduate School, and more.

December 8, 1988—The Student Friends of the Art Museum get the first look at the renovated museum’s new wing.

Art_Museum_Construction_ca._1980s_AC111_BoxAD1_Folder_7

Renovations of the Princeton University Art Museum underway, 1985, Historical Photograph Collection (AC111), Grounds and Buildings Series, Box AD1, Folder 7.

December 9, 1947—Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, president of the World Jewish Congress and co-founder of the NAACP, speaks in McCosh 50 during Hanukkah, with celebratory words about the founding of the modern state of Israel.

December 10, 1950—After suspension and flagging interest in the 1940s due to World War II, Princeton’s Triangle Show revives itself with the first of what will be many annual appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show.

Mark_Lawrence_'42_C._Robert_Jennings_Ed_Sullivan_&_Fred_Kelly_AC122_Box_74

Mark Lawrence ’42, Robert Jennings, Ed Sullivan, and Fred Kelley, 1950, Triangle Club Records, AC122, Box 74.

December 13, 1900—The Board of Trustees votes to establish a Graduate School, and appoints Andrew Fleming West, Class of 1874, its first dean.

Andrew_F_West_1889_AC059_Box_FAC103

Andrew Fleming West, 1889, Historical Photograph Collection, Faculty Photographs Series, Box FAC103.

For last week’s installment in this series, click here.

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