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New Jersey Board of University Extension Records
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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 New Jersey Board of University Extension was proposed in 1915 by Princeton president John Grier Hibben to formulate a strategy for the coordination of the university extension programs of the various colleges in the New Jersey area. The board, comprised of representatives from Princeton, Rutgers, Stevens, and the New Jersey Board of Education, studied the disparate continuing education efforts of the relevant institutions, and made proposals for the improvement of these programs.
Collins, Varnum Lansing (1870-1936)Varnum Lansing Collins served as Princeton University's Secretary from 1917 to 1936. Collins wrote several books on Princeton's history.
Born in Hong Kong, Collins obtained his education in Paris and London before coming to Princeton as a member of the class of 1892. As an undergraduate, he was editor of The Nassau Literary Magazine, president of the Cliosophic Society, leader of the Glee Club, and a member of the Triangle Club. After receiving an Honorary A.M. from Princeton in 1895, Collins worked in the University Library as a reference librarian until he joined the faculty of the Department of Modern Languages in 1906. He was made full professor six years later and assumed the position of clerk of the faculty—a position he held until 1935. Collins also served as the secretary of the Graduate Council from 1917 until 1927 and was an instrumental figure during the years that the Council successfully conducted its $2,000,000 campaign for faculty salaries.
In 1917 he became University secretary and served in this role for nineteen years. When ill health forced Collins to retire in 1936, the Board accepted his resignation "with regret" and named him Historiographer to Princeton University. Collins had written a number of books on Princeton history, notably a biography of President John Witherspoon, a history of Princeton, and a guide to the town and the University. His love and knowledge of Princeton led to the grassroots development of the University Archives. Named editor of the General Catalogue/Biographical Catalogue in 1906, he compiled files on alumni and on possible, doubtful, and fraudulent "alumni" that have been used by researchers ever since. As secretary he began what is now known as the Historical Subject Files, a collection of Princeton history, lore, and trivia organized by subject.
The records consist of organizational materials pertaining to the formation of the Board as well as plans and conference minutes. Also included are letters from conference invitees, indicating their intentions to attend. The bulk of these invitees were New Jersey politicians and college administrators.
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People
- Collins, Varnum Lansing (1870-1936)
- Demarest, William H. S. (William Henry Steele) (1863-1956)
- Hibben, John Grier (1861-1933)
Organization
Subject
- Publisher
- University Archives
- Finding Aid Date
- 2007
- Access Restrictions
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This collection is open for research use.
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