The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1897-10-23
PRINCETON,S FIRST SITE.
a Tablet Unveiled Yesterday by Colonial
Danes In Elizabeth.

ELIZABETH. n. j., Oct. 22.-The original site
Of Princeton University was marked this after
noon by a tablet of bronze, which was unveiled
by the New Jersey Society OF the Colonial Danes
of America. The tablet was placed in the wall
OF tho chapel Of the First Presbyterian Church.
which stands on Broad street, Mt the corner Of
Caldwell place. Under the original charter
granted the College OF New Jersey on Oct. %.
1746, the trustees elected the Rev. Jonathan
Dickinson President OF tho new university,
and fixed the location OF the college at
"Elizabethtown." The Rev. Jonathan Dickinson
lived on Pearl street, and tho first class Of
students that entered the college boarded with
him. A few hundred feet from the old Preshy-
terian Church OF which President Dickinson
was pastor stood q small frame structure
which was called the academy. There the class
OF Ave students received instruction from May,
l7I7, to October, 174S. when Jonathan Dickin.
son died. Then the college was removed 10
Newark. The academy, which was burned down
during the Revolution. stood on the ground now
occupied by the First Presbyterian Church
chapel.
The services commcmorating the founding Of
the college and incident to the unwilling OF the
tablet began at noon to-day, when the men,
bers Of tho New Jersey Society OF Colonial
Danes and a number Of guests were enter.
tanned at a luncheon by the Elizabeth Danes.
The unwilling services were held j. 3 O'Clock in
tho First Presbyterian Church, which stands
but a few yards from the grave Of Princeton's
first President. The edihce was beautifully
decorated with Princeton colors. one flag be-
ing the property OF the Princeton Club OF New
York. William j. Magic, Chief Justice OF tho
New Jersey Supreme Court and an aiumnus OF
Princeton. presided. Princeton University fac
uIty was represented by Prof. Andrew Fleming
West. who delivered an address. 1t had been
arranged that the remainder OF the ceremonies
should take place on the lawn surrounding the
chapel, hut owing TO IL shower, they were
held within the church. Mrs. j. u. Bedlc OF Jer-
sey City, President of the New Jersey Society Of
Colonial Danes, made the presentation speech.
giving the tablet into the care and keeping of
the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church.
In behalf OF the trustees, Judge f. $. Atwater
accepted the gift and charge. The tablet which
had been yelled by a beautiful Princeton flag.
was unveiled by Mrs. Lewis OF Trenton and
Mrs. Sherman of MOrristown. descendants of
Jonathan Dickinson. The flag was then pre-
scented TO Princeton University by Robert Stock
ton Green, a grandson OF the eighth President
of Princeton and also an alumnus of the college.
1t was accepted by Prof. West. who said that it
would be placed in Nassau Hall.
The tablet is an oblong plate OF bronze . feet 6
inches by 2 feet. The inscription, which is sur
rounded by a wreath and thirteen stars. Is as
follows:
This tablet marks the nrst site OF Princeton Uni
versty. Incorporated Oct. 22, l748. Erected ny the
Elizabeth member OF the New Jersey Society OF Co
lonial Danes OF America. Oct. 22. 1897.