In this week’s installment of our ongoing series bringing you the history of Princeton University and its faculty, students, and alumni, the community gets the first public transit option for leaving town, George H. W. Bush visits the campus, and more.

March 30, 1868—John C. and Sarah H. Green endow building and library funds; later gifts include Chancellor Green Library and the School of Science.

March 31, 1766—John Barronhill of Philadelphia and John Merferear of New York announce a new stage wagon route they will run. A one-way journey between their two cities takes two days March-November and three days the rest of the year. Passengers will spend their nights in Princeton during the trek. Princeton residents may take the day-long trip to Philadelphia or to New York for 10 shillings each way.

April 1, 1852—Charles C. Jones, Jr., Class of 1852, writes to his parents, “Today at twelve o’clock we looked at the spots on the sun through Professor Alexander’s telescope. Three were seen—rather small, yet quite distinct. Our class is so large that each individual could only view them for a few seconds and then give place for another.”

April 3, 1987—Vice President George H. W. Bush speaks at the Woodrow Wilson School’s conference on “Leadership in the Modern Presidency.”

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

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