The “Literate Ape,” one of the figures on Princeton’s campus.
Eve Mandel, Director of Programs and Visitor Services at the Historical Society of Princeton, visited Princeton’s YWCA to talk about the history of Princeton’s Gargoyles and Grotesques last month.
More than 50 attendees enjoyed a light lunch and business meeting at the W Center at YWCA Princeton before the talk began.
Mandel told the group that a Gargoyle, whose name comes from Latin and Greek words for “downspout,” technically should have the ability to drain water. The term for those other, dry sculptures is a Grotesque.
Unsurprisingly, tigers are a popular theme, as are monkeys, such as the Monkey with a Camera at 1879 Hall. A Literate Ape is aping a professor on Dillon Gymnasium. McCosh Hall features the Football Runner. Ben Franklin is featured on the Palmer Physics Laboratory building, either accompanied by a bolt of lightning or being caught in the light by his wife after a dalliance, depending on your interpretation. The arch that joins Blair and Joline Halls features a “Tongue Twister.”
The Gargoyles and Grotesques in Princeton were predominantly carved by Italian immigrants. Some on Guyot Hall also came from the studios of Gutzon Borglum, the visionary sculptor of Mt. Rushmore’s Presidents.
Ms. Mandel’s talk was the latest of many wide-ranging programs organized monthly by Princeton Area Newcomers & Friends Club, which welcomes women who have recently moved to the area, or who simply want to explore new interests while making friendships. The Club offers monthly meetings on a wide variety of subjects along with social coffees, dozens of interest groups and special events throughout the year. To learn more visit ywcaprinceton.org/newcomers.
