Main content
Princeton University Class Records
Notifications
Held at: Princeton University Library: University Archives [Contact Us]
This is a finding aid. It is a description of archival material held at the Princeton University Library: University Archives. Unless otherwise noted, the materials described below are physically available in their reading room, and not digitally available through the web.
Overview and metadata sections
The Class Records consist of a diverse set of materials documenting the history and activities of Princeton University classes during their time as undergraduates and as alumni. In the collection are correspondence, newsletters, publications, photographs, and memorabilia, all of which pertain to a particular Princeton University graduating class and its members.
The most common type of material in the collection is class secretary records consisting of correspondence to individual classmates. These letters regard updates to class notes, questionnaires sent to classmates regarding their information to be updated in reunion books, directories, and other publications, as well as University sponsored events such as Alumni Day, football weekend, faculty lectures, and most importantly Reunions. Heavily documented in these records are the activities of the reunions committee for many classes in planning major reunions. In addition to class secretary files, administrative correspondence is also included from various committees serving under the Alumni Association of Princeton University as well as from regional alumni associations. The most common among these are the Princeton Club of New York and the Princeton Club of Philadelphia, respectively.
Of particular note in the Class Records are 19th century proclamations, broadsides printed and posted by classes (often the freshman or sophomore class) to insult each other or declare the end of hazing periods. These posters are often humorous and feature typical 19th century typefaces and design.
In some instances donations made by individual alumni have been included in the Class Records collection. These often consist of undergraduate material relating to class day exercises, sophomore dances, junior orations, class photographs, and sometimes scrapbooks. Additionally, pieces of memorabilia such as hat bands, pins, and banners used at reunions have been included in this collection.
Though nearly all alumni classes are represented in the Class Records to some degree, the amount of material pertaining to any particular class varies greatly. By far the largest amount of material is related to classes from the late 1890s to the 1940s. Documentation for classes from the 18th century consists almost entirely of secondary materials compiled by later researchers.
The collection has been organized into the following series by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
The following materials were consulted during the preparation of the history section: Leitch, Alexander. A Princeton Companion. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 1978. Selden, William K. Going Back: The Uniqueness of Reunions and P-rades at Princeton University, 1999. The Alumni Association of Princeton University website.
Additional accruals of materials to be added to the Class Records collection are expected to continue indefinitely.
Much of the material that forms the Class Records collection has been given to the University Archives piecemeal by alumni and class officers. Particularly in recent years, accession numbers have been assigned to record the provenance of any one item in the collection, however the provenance of some earlier accessions is unclear.
For preservation reasons, original analog and digital media may not be read or played back in the reading room. Users may visually inspect physical media but may not remove it from its enclosure. All analog audiovisual media must be digitized to preservation-quality standards prior to use. Audiovisual digitization requests are processed by an approved third-party vendor. Please note, the transfer time required can be as little as several weeks to as long as several months and there may be financial costs associated with the process. Requests should be directed through the Ask Us Form.
This collection was processed by Rosalba Varallo Recchia with assistance from Sarah Vitali '11 in 2009. Finding aid written by Rosalba Varallo Recchia and Daniel Brennan in 2009. Oversize items added by Christie Peterson with assistance from Suchi Mandavilli '14 in January 2011. Additional previously unprocessed/uncataloged materials added by Christie Peterson in May 2012. Series 19 added by Lynn Durgin in January 2016. Class of 1913 alumni file accrual found in repository and added to Series 9 by Annalise Berdini in December 2018. Class of 1909 material found in repository (AR.2019.046), as well as Class of 1881 material (AR.2019.024) added in 2019 by Phoebe Nobles. In 2019, box numbers assigned to previously unhoused oversize material were changed (now Boxes 385-439).
Appraisal information was not recorded at time of processing.
Organization
- Alumni Association of Nassau-Hall (College of New Jersey)
- Princeton University
- Princeton University. Class of 1802.
- Princeton University. Class of 1806.
- Princeton University. Class of 1837.
- Princeton University. Class of 1896.
- Princeton University. Funds and scholarships.
- Princeton University. National Alumni Association.
Subject
- Publisher
- University Archives
- Finding Aid Author
- Rosalba Varallo Recchia
- Finding Aid Date
- 2009
- Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research use with the exception of Series 19, Class of 1942 President's files, and some files in Series 9, Classes of 1911-1915. In series 9 and 19, files on individual alumni are closed for a period of 40 years from their creation. The remaining files are open. Restrictions are noted in the folder descriptions.
- Use Restrictions
-
Single copies may be made for research purposes. To cite or publish quotations that fall within Fair Use, as defined under U. S. Copyright Law, no permission is required. The Trustees of Princeton University hold copyright to all materials generated by Princeton University employees in the course of their work. For instances beyond Fair Use, if copyright is held by Princeton University, researchers do not need to obtain permission, complete any forms, or receive a letter to move forward with use of materials from the Princeton University Archives.
For instances beyond Fair Use where the copyright is not held by the University, while permission from the Library is not required, it is the responsibility of the researcher to determine whether any permissions related to copyright, privacy, publicity, or any other rights are necessary for their intended use of the Library's materials, and to obtain all required permissions from any existing rights holders, if they have not already done so. Princeton University Library's Special Collections does not charge any permission or use fees for the publication of images of materials from our collections, nor does it require researchers to obtain its permission for said use. The department does request that its collections be properly cited and images credited. More detailed information can be found on the Copyright, Credit and Citations Guidelines page on our website. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us through the Ask Us! form.
Collection Inventory
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1798 to 1855.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1856 to 1875.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description10 boxes
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
2 folders
Composite volume assembled by Charles B. Alexander, binding together programs, circulars, bulletins, printed correspondence and the like relating to the Class of 1870 and their reunion activities. With bookplate "The Princeton Library of New York."
Physical Description1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1876 to 1880.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description31 boxes
12 boxes
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
16 boxes
1 box
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 box
Formerly Boxes 19G, 19H, 19I, and 19J.
Physical Description4 boxes
1 box
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1881 to 1890.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description14 boxes
3 boxes
3 folders
Consists of miscellaneous records related to the Class of 1881, including alumni literature, a notebook about a student Decemviri Society founded in 1879, four letters from Francis Craven to Charles Craven (Princeton Class of 1881) when the latter was a student at Princeton. Also contains correspondence from Craven '1881 to William Vlymen, Class Secretary for the Class of 1881.
Physical Description1 box
In 1912, Members of the Class of 1881 were each sent a questionnaire asking for information about their family, background, time at Princeton and after. Newspaper clippings and class correspondence were added to the questionnaire folders. Folders were also created for those who did not return questionnaires. Records were a gift of the family of Charles Edmiston Craven, Class of 1881. 106 folders in total.
Physical Description2 boxes
2 boxes
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
4 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1891 to 1895.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description35 boxes
3 boxes
1 folder
2 boxes
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
7 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
3 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
2 boxes
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
21 boxes
17 boxes
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
9 folders
2 folders
4 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
5 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
5 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
4 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
5 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
3 folders
3 folders
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
3 folders
2 folders
1 folder
3 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
2 folders
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
4 boxes
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 folder
1 box
1 box
1 box
1 folder
1 folder
Includes programs for a Lynde Prize debate and Triangle Club's "Hon. Julius Caesar" production (1894); invitations for commencement activities and the opening of the Tiger Inn Club House; correspondence from his father; a grade card; and an album of class autographs. In the correspondence, Bailey's father offers advice on the approach that his son should take to his college experience on matters of finances, friendship and study, such as "A few dollars makes but little difference in an event that occurs only once in a lifetime. I have never complained of extravagance on your part and don't believe I will ever have occasion to do so. I told you and Fred that I did not want you to try to graduate at the head of your respective classes, and that I did want you to have a good time. It would be too bad not to finish up your college life in as pleasant a manner as possible."
Bailey1 box
This series includes a variety of records that document the class years 1798 to 1855.
The series has been arranged by class year, but within each class, no arrangement has been imposed; the papers remain in their original order.
Physical Description29 boxes
11 boxes
7 boxes
1 folder
1 folder