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PRINCETON DECREES AN END TO A FRESHMAN TRADITIONSept. 15, 1984
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September 15, 1984
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Section 1,Page
26
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Princeton University sounded the death knell this week for the 120-year- old freshman tradition of stealing the clapper out of the bell atop Nassau Hall.
For generations of Princetonians, the taking of the clapper was to have prevented the bell from tolling to signal the start of classes. But while the freshman class each fall succeeded in removing the clapper after a daring climb, their efforts failed to delay the end of summer vacation.
College officials said they had ended the tradition out of concern for the safety of students. 'Just a Matter of Time'
''When you had people crawling around on the roof at night, it was just a matter of time until there was an injury,'' said Rick Curtis, assistant to the dean of students. ''It was necessary to change the tradition.''
Mr. Curtis has come up with what he hopes will evolve into a new freshman tradition - a Clapper Hunt to be held Saturday.
University officials removed the clapper last week before students arrived and will hide it for the treasure hunt-style game, which will send freshmen around the campus in search of clues. In the past, the theft of the clapper has occurred early on the first day of freshmen orientation week. This year the week started last Sunday.
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