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🌳Prairie Beginnings, Career Fair, and Cinderella

Good morning, Princeton. Especially the Logan...

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📸Logan Lions Pride

Good morning, Princeton. Especially the Logan Lions 8th Grade Girls Volleyball Team, who secured the IESA 3A Regional Championship with a victory over Rockford Marshall. Their next challenge is the Sectional Championship game against Morris Saratoga, which will take place at Logan Jr. High on Monday, March 17th, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. Fans are encouraged to pack the stands wearing blue and cheer the team on as they strive for another title.

Well done, ladies! Onward.

—Justin Bullington

📬IN THIS ISSUE

💡What You Should Know
💙One Fundraiser at the Time
🎩A Night to Remember
🗓️Upcoming Events
☀️Princeton Weather
⛽️Princeton Gas Prices
👷‍♂️Princeton Job Opportunities
💼Princeton Businesses
📍Outside City Limits
🌳From Prairie Beginnings

💡WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Princeton Sports

  • BCR: Three Rivers All-Conference Wrestling First Team selections include Senior Cade Odell (285), Ace Christiansen (144), Juniors Augustus Swanson (120) and Casey Etheridge (165), and Freshman Kane Dauber (132).

  • PHS Volleyball Camp is set for June 16-19, welcoming 3rd-12th grade students for skill-building and team activities. More details will be announced in the coming months.

  • Princeton Girls Soccer Fundraiser takes place on March 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Princeton Auto Group. Meals cost $8 and include a hot dog, brat, or hamburger with chips and a choice of water, lemonade, or tea.

Community Events & Education

  • Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Career, Job & Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 4, at Princeton High School. Student session: 9:25 a.m. – 3 p.m. Public session: 4–6 p.m.

  • Princeton Christian Academy, located 2 miles northeast of Princeton on Route 34 at Princeton Bible Church, offers a rigorous A Beka curriculum from preschool through grade 12, along with music, art, theater, and competitive extracurriculars. Registration for the new school year opens this week—visit their website or call 815-875-2933 to schedule a visit.

Outdoor & Recreation

  • Illinois Spring Trout Fishing Season kicks off on April 5, 2025, with 80,000 rainbow trout being stocked across the state.

Local Government & Agriculture

  • Bureau County Board votes down housing Cook County inmates

  • Bureau County Farm Bureau has launched its 2025 Pollinator Seed Sale, offering a mix of flowers suited for backyard gardens. Orders are due by April 11. Pricing: $25 per pound for members, $30 for non-members.

Public Safety

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💙SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY, ONE FUNDRAISER AT A TIME

Chelsea Gives Back Fundraisers

Now until March 28th – Soap Fundraiser for Loads of Love

Volunteers Needed – Saturday, April 26th at 9:45 AM

Saturday, April 5th at 3:30 PM – Petals by Peyton Plant Shop & Florist Fundraiser –

ONLY 2 SPOTS LEFT: Sign Up Here

  • Saturday, April 19th – 2025 Graduating Senior Community Service Letters DUE

  • Thursday, May 1st – 2025 Graduating Senior Community Service Letter Winner Announced – $210

  • Wednesday, May 7th, 4 PM – 9 PM – Paisano’s Ristorante Fundraiser

  • Saturday, June 14th, 4 PM – 9 PM – Rossy’s BBQ Joint Fundraiser

  • Saturday, July 5th, 4 PM – 8 PM – Sisler’s Ice Cream Fundraiser

  • August 1st – 22nd – 6th Annual Chelsea Gives Back Charity Mum Fundraiser

  • Volunteers Needed – Saturday, April 30th at 7:45 AM

  • Saturday, August 2nd, 5 PM – 8 PM – Dairy Queen Blizzard Fundraiser

  • September – Country Cabin Mixes Fundraiser

  • September/October – Andi’s Eucalyptus Fundraiser

  • October – Tanners Orchard Apple Cider Donuts Fundraiser

  • November & December – 5th Annual Chelsea Gives Back Secret Santa Auction & Givings

🎩A NIGHT TO REMEMBER PROM

“A Night to Remember” Prom will take place on Saturday, April 5, from 5:30 to 8:30 PM at the Bureau County Metro Center, 837 Park Ave. W. in Princeton. This special event is for high school-aged individuals and older with special needs, where each attendee will receive a crown as a reminder that in Gods eyes, we are all Kings and Queens.

Corsages and boutonnieres will be provided, and attire includes dresses or dress pants for the ladies and a shirt and tie for the gentlemen. The evening begins with a Red Carpet Event at 5:30 PM, with attendees encouraged to arrive by 5:15. Refreshments such as cupcakes, cookies, ice cream, and punch will be served, and a photo booth will be available for pictures.

Those needing a caregiver must bring their own. This free event is sponsored by First Lutheran Church in Princeton. RSVPs should be sent to Dianne Van Drew by March 24, via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 815-677-2263.

🗓️UPCOMING EVENTS

🍩 PJs + Donuts at The Knack – Wear comfy pajamas, paint donut-themed pottery, and enjoy free donuts at The Knack on Saturday, March 22, from 9 AM-12 PM.

📚The Princeton Public Library is set to host a Princess Tea Party on Saturday, March 22nd, at 10:30 am, aimed at children aged 3 to 10 and their guardians.

🌸 March Into Spring at Simply Nutrition – A celebration with sweets, sourdough, and MarDogs at Simply Nutrition on Saturday, March 29, from 10 AM-1 PM.

🎶 Hollywood & Vine’s Annual Spring Break Party – 12 hours of live music, party favors, and drink specials at Hollywood & Vine on Saturday, March 29, starting at 12 PM.

🐣 Easter Egg Hunt at Liberty Village of Princeton – Join the fun at Liberty Village of Princeton on Saturday, April 5, at 10 AM for an annual Easter egg hunt.

🎸 Burn N’ Bush at The Hawg House – Live music and drinks at Hawg House Saloon on Saturday, April 5, from 3-6 PM.

🎭PHS’s performances of Cinderella will be on Friday, April 4, at 7 pm, and Sunday, April 6, at 2 pm in Sally Skinner Auditorium at Princeton High School. Tickets may be reserved via links at www.phs-il.org.

🛍️ Princeton Swap Meet – A marketplace for motorcycle enthusiasts at Bureau County Fairgrounds on Sunday, May 4, from 8 AM-2 PM. Admission $10.

🎸 Sweetwater at The Hawg House Saloon – Celebrate Memorial Day Sunday with live music at Hawg House Saloon on Sunday, May 25, from 3-7 PM.

🌳 Homestead Lawn Event – A community event at Owen Lovejoy Homestead on Saturday, June 14, from 5-7 PM to raise funds and celebrate local traditions.

🏠 Annual Covenant Children’s Home Reunion – A gathering for past residents, staff, and volunteers at Simon Conference Center on Saturday, June 28, from 10 AM-4 PM. Donations welcome.

☀️PRINCETON WEATHER

⛈️Today, March 14: Partly cloudy with gusty winds in the afternoon, reaching a high of 80°F. South-southeast winds at 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40 mph. The night brings thunderstorms early, then variable clouds with a chance of showers. Potential for severe thunderstorms. Low of 52°F with south-southeast winds at 15 to 25 mph and an 80% chance of rain.

💨Saturday, March 15: Windy with mostly cloudy skies and a stray shower early. High of 55°F with southwest winds at 20 to 30 mph, switching to the northwest. Occasional gusts over 40 mph. The night remains mostly cloudy early, then partly cloudy after midnight, with a low of 30°F and west winds at 10 to 20 mph.

☁️Sunday, March 16: Mainly cloudy with a high of 47°F. West-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph. The night stays partly cloudy, with a low near 32°F and west-northwest winds at 10 to 20 mph.

KWQC: Possible Severe Storms This Evening

Friday brings warm and blustery weather with high fire danger due to gusts over 50 mph. A Wind Advisory is already in place and a Red Flag Warning will likely be issued for the day as no outdoor burning should take place in the windy and dry conditions! A First Alert Day has been issued for the likelihood of severe evening storms. In the evening we’ll expect quickly passing storms that could produce severe weather, including widespread damaging wind and isolated tornadoes. Storm winds could top 75 mph and isolated tornadoes will also be a potential threat along with scattered large hail. Friday highs should hit near 80 with a notable increase in humidity, as well. Make sure you have your severe weather plan ready to go! The storms will work their way out of the area after midnight, to 1 a.m. Saturday. Highs return to the 40s and 50s for the weekend with a few light showers possible early Saturday.

⛽️PRINCETON GAS PRICES

Regular

Amoco, 720 N Main St: $3.24
Sullivan’s Foods: $3.29
Casey’s West/North: $3.33
Beck’s West/North: $3.33
Road Ranger, N Main St: $3.33
Shell, 2225 N Main St: $3.33

👷‍♂️PRINCETON JOB OPPORTUNITIES

  • Tiskilwa Farms Alpacas is hiring part-time farm staff for $15 an hour to assist with animal care, barn cleaning, and property maintenance. The job requires working outdoors year-round, handling repairs, and managing livestock, including alpacas. Ideal candidates should have experience in farming, animal husbandry, equipment maintenance, and heavy lifting. The position offers an employee discount, a flexible schedule, and requires weekend availability as needed.

  • The Bureau Putnam Marshall County Health Department is hiring a Front Office Assistant in Princeton, offering $18 per hour for a full-time, 36-hour workweek with no weekends. The role involves providing customer service, handling patient interactions, performing clerical tasks, coordinating with insurance companies, and managing scheduling and registration. Required qualifications include a high school diploma or GED, customer service experience, basic computer proficiency, and strong communication skills, while preferred qualifications include medical terminology knowledge and electronic medical record experience. This position is crucial in creating a patient-first environment and ensuring smooth office operations.

  • A full-time Preschool Teacher position at Zearing Child Enrichment Center pays $18-$19.50 per hour, offering benefits like health insurance, 401(k), and paid time off. Candidates should have experience working with children ages 3 to 5 and may qualify through early childhood education coursework or related programs. Responsibilities include using tools like Teaching Strategies Assessments, Ages and Stages Screenings, and Creative Curriculum. The role emphasizes preparing students for kindergarten success in a play-based learning environment, with opportunities for educational support and scholarships.

💼PRINCETON BUSINESSES

  • Chef Alyssa at Wild Ginger Bistro and Wine Bar is serving a quinoa salad with torched kale, feta, strawberries, segmented oranges, and a pomegranate-cranberry vinaigrette, alongside pan-seared salmon and St. Patrick’s specials. Walk-ins and reservations are welcome for a warm-weather dining experience.

  • Join Karl Kirkpatrick on March 29 at 7 p.m. for an evening of original music and classic covers at Barrel Society, with no cover charge. Enjoy songs ranging from David Bowie to Johnny Cash while sipping drinks in a lively atmosphere.

  • Friends of Strays, Inc. is hiring part-time kennel workers. Experience is preferred. Morning shifts are from 8–11 a.m. and afternoon shifts from 2–5 p.m., with pay at $15/hour. Stop by during shelter hours on Wednesday (11–2), Thursday (9–2), or Saturday (9–1).

  • Chapel Hill Golf Course will hold an informational league meeting on April 21 at 6 p.m. The 2025 fee is $20 per person. The last day to sign up for the men’s or women’s league is April 21—no exceptions.

  • The Bureau County Metro Center is offering a lifeguard certification class for ages 15 and up from March 22–24. Visit the Metro Center or call 815-872-0840 for details. Online registration is available.

  • Taylor’s Way is hiring skilled tree climbers and trimmers who enjoy working outdoors. Competitive pay, benefits, training, and bonuses are offered.

  • The Princeton Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 3rd Annual Career, Job & Volunteer Fair on Friday, April 4, at Princeton High School. The student session runs from 9:25 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the event opens to the public from 4–6 p.m.

  • Hoffman’s Patterns of the Past highlights Noritake’s Sunny Days dinnerware, featuring floral designs to brighten up meals.

  • Neighborhood Ace Hardware is stocked with seed starting kits, garden gloves, and tools for the planting season.

  • Xan Dandy Cotton Candy Co. is taking orders for their special Easter cotton candy stacks, available for $10 each. Pickup is on April 9 at the Princeton Library, with flavors including pink vanilla, banana, cherry limeade, blue raspberry, and grape.

  • A wide selection of pies is available at Myrtle’s, including sweet cherry, Dutch apple, rhubarb, key lime, and chocolate peanut butter. Additional treats feature unique options like tiramisu pie, monster peanut butter, and coconut cream with cookie crust. Myrtle’s Pies is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and offers molasses cookies, cinnamon rolls, and a variety of fruit pies. Orders can be placed by phone or text for pickup.

  • The Princeton Closet is running special promotions this week, including buy-one-get-one-free picture frames and $1 winter scarves and hats. Basket Days on Friday and Saturday allow customers to purchase up to two discounted baskets.

  • CafĂŠ Grace is serving Reubens and corned beef and cabbage all day Friday through Sunday. Weekend specials include a Denver skillet for breakfast, all-you-can-eat grouper for dinner, and a creamy spinach artichoke omelet.

  • Niel & Shorty’s BBQ Company has introduced the Alexander Hamilton lunch special, available Wednesday through Saturday. The $10 menu includes brisket sandwiches, fried chicken, pulled pork, fish tacos, and romaine heart salad with pork or chicken.

  • Once Upon A Craft is now selling handmade items at Timeless Creations in Peoria’s Northwoods Mall. Their display features custom home dĂŠcor, wood signs, and faith-based artwork.

  • Scooter’s Coffee has brought back the Leprechaun & Lil’ Leprechaun blended drinks for a limited time. These festive beverages feature sweet white mocha, cool mint, and whipped cream with Andes mint chips, with an optional espresso shot.

  • Princeton Moose is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day buffet on Sunday, March 16, from 4-7 PM, featuring corned beef and cabbage or ham. Pricing is $17 for adults and $8.50 for children ages 4-10.

  • Apollo Theater Princeton has posted showtimes for the week of March 14-20, featuring Snow White (PG), Novocaine (R), and Mickey 17 (R) with varied screening times. The last show on Sundays is open captioned, and tickets are available at the box office or online.

  • Corner Chair Market is showcasing a new side table with a hidden shelf, designed with a navy-painted base, walnut top, and drawer. The compact design offers a functional storage solution while adding style to any space.

  • Hornbaker Gardens, Inc. announced the arrival of their Weeping Pussy Willow trees, signaling the start of spring. Two of these trees are currently in stock, and interested buyers can call to reserve one.

  • Miss Betsy’s has received a new Bubbl’r flavor, now available for purchase. The brand is known for antioxidant-infused sparkling water that boosts energy and hydration.

  • The Rotary Club of Princeton awarded “Love Our Community” grants to support local programs, including Loads of Love, which provides free laundry services, and Princeton Buddy Bags, which supplies food for kids in need. The grant helps cover costs for essential services benefiting families and students.

  • Four Seasons - Princeton is offering a sale on “Art Attack” jackets, made from wrinkle-free, stretch mesh fabric in various styles and colors. A 24% discount is available using code GOLD, valid through March 16.

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📍OUTSIDE CITY LIMITS

  • The Walnut Fire Department responded to a tanker explosion and fire southwest of town, which spread to nearby trailers but was contained within an hour. Multiple fire departments assisted in controlling the blaze, and thankfully, no injuries were reported.

  • Brush Fire Put Out Inside Putnam County Conservation District

  • Snoop Dogg to Headline Illinois State Fair Grandstand on August 13, 2025

  • Hometown Haven Revitalizes Downtown Annawan with Grand Opening on March 15, 2025

  • Echo Bluff to Offer "School's-Out," Individual Day Camps in April

  • Peru Engineer Lays Out "Extraordinary Costs" For Future Water And Sewer Infrastructure Projects

📚 Barre Burn – March 22, 8 AM at Cornerstone Community Wellness, Sheffield. A full-body barre-inspired workout designed to sculpt, strengthen, and empower. $7 entry.

🛍 Spring Craft and Vendor Show – March 22, 10 AM at Mendota Civic Center. The show kicks off at 9 AM, featuring a variety of local vendors and crafts.

🎸 An Acoustic Evening with SWP – March 19, 7 PM at Walnut Community Bible Church. A special acoustic concert with the Sidewalk Prophets, playing hits and sharing stories.

🌿 Pampered & Peaceful: A Mother’s Getaway – May 10, 11:30 AM at Unwind at Westclox, Peru. A relaxing retreat for moms.

✈️ TBM Avenger Reunion & Salute to Veterans – May 16-17 at Illinois Valley Regional Airport, Peru. A thrilling airshow featuring TBM Avengers and warbirds, plus an F-16 demonstration.

🛵 Antiquin’ Weekend – April 26-27, 11 AM-5 PM at LCHS Canal Market, Utica. Browse vintage and antique vendors while exploring the historic canal market.

🏍 Sunset Ridge ATVMX – Triple Crown (AMA Pro Class Only) Round 6 – May 24-25 at Sunset Ridge MX, Walnut. A major stop in the ATV Motocross National Championship series.

🎉 Grand Opening – Blissful Branch, Sheffield – April 5, 9 AM-3 PM at 113 S Main St, Sheffield. A celebration with snacks, door prizes, and Easter egg discounts.

🏠PRINCETON HOME FOR SALE

  • This property at 2730 Woodside Drive, Princeton, IL, is listed for $435,000 and offers 2 beds, 2 baths, and 1,856 sq ft of living space on over 11 acres. The home is a modified A-frame with a circular driveway leading to a garage and private tennis court. Inside, there is a large stone gas fireplace, floor-to-ceiling windows, and a modern open staircase leading to a loft that can serve as a third bedroom. The galley kitchen features a 9’ deep walk-in pantry, and dining areas include an eat-in space, a screened room, and a large outdoor patio. The master suite has a 12’ x 14’ bath and its own solarium. The basement offers additional living space with a 17’ x 32’ bonus room, a 14’ x 15’ rec room, a walkout exit, and waterproofing by Davis Concrete.

🌳PRINCETON: FROM PRAIRIE BEGINNINGS TO A MODERN COMMUNITY

Princeton, Illinois, is a small city with a big story. Nestled in the fertile prairie two hours southwest of Chicago, it began as a humble frontier settlement and grew into a vibrant community where “tradition meets progress.” Its history spans nearly two centuries of pioneers, railroad builders, abolitionist crusaders, and industrious locals, all leaving their mark on the town. What was once just a clearing in the wilds of the Illinois prairie has become a place proud of its past and optimistic about its future.

Founding and Early Settlement

In the early 1830s, families from New England trekked westward seeking rich farmland and a fresh start. They staked their claim on a patch of prairie and called it Greenfield. This fledgling outpost was strategically located—roughly halfway between established trails leading to Galena in the north and Peoria to the south—making it a convenient meeting point for settlers. In 1832, a survey was made, and soon after, the settlement was rechristened Princeton. Local legend says the name was drawn from a hat by one of the community’s founders, who hailed from Princeton, New Jersey, and wished to honor his alma mater. By 1837, Princeton’s promise was clear enough that it was chosen as the seat of the newly formed Bureau County, and it incorporated as a town the following year. The town’s central location and access via the Peoria-Galena stage road made it a natural hub of government and trade on the prairie frontier.

The Railroad and Road to Freedom

As decades passed, the quiet frontier village evolved. In 1854, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad stretched its line through Princeton—a momentous event that transformed the town almost overnight. Iron rails brought commerce, visitors, and growth; Princeton thrived as trains chugged into its new station, hauling grain out and bringing goods and fortune in. Yet even as the economy boomed with the coming of the railroad, another kind of “railroad” was at work in Princeton: the Underground Railroad. Several local homes became secret havens for enslaved people fleeing north to freedom. The most famous safe house was that of the Reverend Owen Lovejoy, a local minister turned U.S. Congressman and a fierce abolitionist. Lovejoy’s farmhouse on the east edge of town welcomed countless escapees from slavery in the years before the Civil War. His courage was well known—he openly declared that no person in need would be turned away from his door. The Lovejoy Homestead still stands today as a National Historic Landmark, with a hidden attic compartment that once hid freedom seekers. President Abraham Lincoln himself forged connections in Princeton: on July 4, 1856, Lincoln delivered a rousing speech at a grove called Bryant’s Woods, rallying the crowd against slavery’s expansion. (A historical plaque now marks that spot, a quiet neighborhood where one can imagine the echoes of Lincoln’s voice.) In these pivotal mid-1800s years, Princeton earned a reputation as a progressive beacon on the prairie—a place of prosperity, moral conviction, and bravery.

The Owen Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton, built in 1838, served as a station on the Underground Railroad. It is now a museum honoring the town’s abolitionist legacy.

Famous Residents and Cultural Legacy

Despite its modest size, Princeton has been the birthplace or home of many remarkable people. The Lovejoy legacy looms large, and each September, the town hosts the Homestead Festival celebrating Owen Lovejoy’s impact on local and national history. Princeton also became known as the “City of Elms” in the mid-20th century, its streets once shaded by arching elm trees. When disease claimed those trees in the 1960s, the resilient community adopted a new motto: “Where Tradition Meets Progress,” reflecting a spirit that honors the past while looking ahead. On Main Street, one can literally walk among the town’s legends: embedded in the sidewalk outside the old Apollo Theater is the Princeton Walk of Fame, featuring stars for four famous natives. Among them is actor Richard Widmark, who grew up here before lighting up Hollywood in 61 films, and Keith Knudsen, drummer of the rock band The Doobie Brothers, who once roamed these same small-town streets. They share this honor with journalist Nick Young and actress Kathryn Hays, reminders that Princeton’s influence extends far beyond city limits. From a 19th-century poet (John Howard Bryant, a friend of Lincoln) to modern authors and musicians, generations of talented individuals have called Princeton home. The community takes pride in preserving its cultural heritage—its historic homes, two quaint covered bridges that beckon visitors nearby, and institutions like the Bureau County Historical Society—ensuring that the stories of Princeton’s people are not forgotten.

Economic Development and Modern Life

Princeton’s prosperity has always been tied to the pathways that run through it. The 1850s railroad set the stage for growth, and in the 20th century, new highways kept the momentum. U.S. Route 6 (the transcontinental Grand Army of the Republic Highway) and Route 34 were laid across the landscape in the 1920s, followed by Interstate 80 in 1966, which grazes the town’s north edge. Each improvement in transportation wove Princeton more tightly into regional and national commerce, from the days of stagecoaches to the age of the automobile. The historic train depot still serves passengers on the Amtrak line, with some 40,000 travelers passing through each year, while the proximity of I-80 has attracted industry to Princeton’s outskirts. Today, the local economy is a balanced blend of agricultural roots, manufacturing, retail, and tourism. Just off the interstate, a massive Ace Hardware distribution center hums with activity, employing up to 550 people and shipping goods across the Midwest. Nearby, factories like L.W. Schneider, with about 400 workers, produce industrial and firearm components, keeping the blue-collar manufacturing tradition alive. In a nondescript facility on the south end of town, skilled artisans crafted diamond-studded championship rings for NFL and NBA champions at Jostens—an astonishing global connection hidden behind a humble façade. Meanwhile, Princeton’s Main Street flourishes as the heart of daily life. Lined with preserved 19th-century brick storefronts and family-run businesses, the downtown exudes a welcoming charm. Antique shops, cozy cafés, a vintage record store, and boutiques draw shoppers from across the region, reviving the old commercial district with fresh energy. Community leaders and entrepreneurs have renovated historic buildings and opened new ventures, so much that there are few empty storefronts to be found. The city’s population, about 7,800, has even ticked upward in recent years—a rarity in rural Illinois—as former residents return for the affordable, friendly lifestyle and newcomers discover this “short drive that takes you far” from big-city bustle.

Princeton’s Main Street retains its historic small-town character. Old buildings house shops, cafés, and galleries, reflecting a successful blend of preservation and modern entrepreneurship.

From its founding by determined Yankees with high ideals to its present-day spirit of innovation, Princeton, Illinois, has written a rich story. It’s a story of a town that grew up with America: nurtured by railroads and roads, tested by war and hardship, graced by heroes and everyday folk alike. Through it all, Princeton has kept one foot in its proud history and one firmly in the future—truly a place where tradition meets progress.

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“Contrary to what most people say, the most dangerous animal in the world is not the lion or the tiger or even the elephant. It's a shark riding on an elephant's back, just trampling and eating everything they see."

—Jack Handey

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