Permanent URL: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/np193917q
William K. Selden Collection on Eating Clubs, 1906-1994: Finding Aid
AC030
Princeton University Shield
65 Olden Street
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA
Phone: 609-258-6345
Fax: 609-258-3385
mudd@princeton.edu
http://www.princeton.edu/~mudd
Published in 2001
©2006 Princeton University Library
Summary Information
- Creator:
- Selden, William K.
- Title and dates:
- William K. Selden Collection on Eating Clubs, 1906-1994
- Abstract:
- The William K. Selden Collection on Eating Clubs contains research materials collected by Selden for the publication, Club Life at Princeton; An Historical Account of the Upper-Class Eating Clubs at Princeton University. Selden donated the material to the Archives in 1994.
- Size:
- 0.63 linear feet (2 boxes)
- Call number:
- AC030
- Location:
- Princeton University Library. Department of Rare Books and Special Collections.
Seeley G. Mudd Manuscript Library.
Princeton University Archives.
Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA - Language(s) of material:
- English.
- Storage note:
- This collection is stored onsite at the Mudd Manuscript Library.
History of the Eating Clubs
As Princeton's student population expanded in the middle part of the 19th century, eating clubs were established to provide sufficient dining services. Eating clubs filled the social vacuum created when Greek-letter fraternities were banned in 1855 and became the dominant social influence among undergraduates. Throughout their history, the restricted clubs were criticized for their exclusivity and for creating artificial barriers among the student population. Membership declined in the years following the Second World War, particularly in the 1960s and 1970s when students sought more egalitarian social institutions. In 1969 the admittance of women into the University caused a stir among the clubs, but many embraced the change and opened membership to women. In 1979 Sally Frank, a third-year student, filed a lawsuit with the New Jersey Division of Civil Rights when she was denied membership in three of the exclusive clubs. The final verdict, announced in 1992, forced all clubs to admit women to their ranks. There are presently 14 active clubs on campus, the oldest of which is the Ivy Club, established in 1879.
Description
The collection contains primarily clippings, arranged chronologically, from The Daily Princetonian as well as clippings from Princeton Alumni Weekly and Princeton Weekly Bulletin documenting the activities of Princeton University's Eating Clubs. Topics found within this collection include the University's Bicker policy and women's rights in the Eating Club system. Relevant reports, such as the Report on Undergraduate Residential Life, and personal correspondence are also found.
Access and Use
Access
Collection is open for research use.
Restrictions on Use and Copyright Information
Single photocopies may be made for research purposes. Permission to publish material from the collection must be requested from the University Archivist. Copyright is held by the Trustees of Princeton University.
Processing and Other Information
Processing Information
This collection was processed by Theresa Marchitto in January 1995. Finding aid written by Theresa Marchitto in January 1995.
Descriptive Rules Used
Finding aid content adheres to that prescribed by Describing Archives: A Content Standard.
Encoding
Machine-readable finding aid encoded in EAD 2002 by Techbooks and Cristela García-Spitz on October 20, 2006.
Finding aid written in English.
Preferred Citation
Identification of specific item; Date (if known); William K. Selden Collection on Eating Clubs, Box and Folder Number; University Archives, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.
Subject Headings
These materials have been indexed in the Princeton University Library online catalog using the following terms. Those seeking related materials should search under these terms.
- Princeton University -- Societies, etc.
- Princeton University -- Students -- Social conditions.
- Clubs -- New Jersey -- Princeton.
- College students -- New Jersey -- Princeton -- Social conditions.
- College students -- New Jersey -- Princeton -- Societies and clubs.
- Clippings.
- Reports.
Browse other finding aids related to the following terms:
Contents List
Correspondence, May 23, 1958 - April 16, 1995
Box 1, Folder 1 Reports, December 13, 1906 - February 15, 1973
Box 1, Folder 2 Reports, June 1974 - August 2, 1994
Box 1, Folder 3 Clippings, April 2, 1906 - February 24, 1950
Box 1, Folder 4 Clippings, May 10, 1950 - January 29, 1959
Box 1, Folder 5 Clippings, February 4, 1960 - November 17, 1966
Box 1, Folder 6 Clippings, November 18, 1966 - February 4, 1972
Box 1, Folder 7 Clippings, September 14, 1972 - February 5, 1979
Box 1, Folder 8 Clippings, February 8, 1979 - March 30, 1981
Box 1, Folder 9 Clippings, April 13, 1981 - July 25, 1983
Box 2, Folder 1 Clippings, September 8, 1983 - February 9, 1988
Box 2, Folder 2 Clippings, February 15, 1988 - November 29, 1990
Box 2, Folder 3 Clippings, December 7, 1990 - January 29, 1995
Box 2, Folder 4
Permanent URL: http://arks.princeton.edu/ark:/88435/np193917q