Summary
Overview
Bunn, Benjamin Franklin, 1875-1971.
Benjamin Franklin Bunn Papers
1.26 linear feet, 3 boxes
Abstract
The Benjamin Franklin Bunn Papers consist of financial, business and administrative records which Bunn maintained for many Princeton clubs and associations during his 50 years at Princeton University. The papers also contain correspondence with many Princeton and Phillips Exeter Academy classmates, Princeton administrators, and family members. The Triangle Club material contains letters from F. Scott Fitzgerald and notable members of stage and screen.
Description
Description
This collection contains correspondence, financial reports, papers and memoranda relating to numerous Princeton University associations and organizations. The correspondence is virtually all between Bunn and his classmates, friends, and University officials, though some letters from family members are included. The most voluminous series of papers relate to the Class of 1907, The Daily Princetonian, the Princeton Triangle (the file contains a handwritten letter from F. Scott Fitzgerald concerning his thoughts for a new director), and the Committee of Supervision.
The organizational materials are not inclusive; minutes and financial reports for many organizations are incomplete. Though the papers generally relate directly to the organizations, many contain comments and personal notes that reflect on Bunn's life and interests as well as the time in which he lived.
Other Bunn papers are filed separately with the Triangle Club and McCarter Theater collections. The Princeton Historical Society also has an extensive collection of Bunn papers largely covering his political and civic activities, along with some papers relating to his University activities.
Collection Creator
Biography
Benjamin Franklin Bunn was born on June 24, 1875 on his father's farm in Rockville, Pennsylvania. An early interest in teaching led him to attend Phillips Exeter Academy (Class of 1903) and Princeton University (Class of 1907). However, after holding a part-time job in the Princeton University bookstore while an undergraduate, Bunn became manager of the bookstore upon graduation, a position he held for the next 40 years. He retired in 1963.
Known fondly as “Uncle Frank,” “Bunny,” or “Mr. Princeton” to his classmates and friends, Bunn served as trustee, treasurer, secretary or advisor to many University clubs and associations including the Triangle Club, The Daily Princetonian, and Princeton Tiger. As manager of the Triangle Club for 50 years (1908-1958), he arranged for and accompanied the students on over 40 of their cross-country trips. Bunn was also the first manager of the McCarter Theater and oversaw the Princeton Summer Theater. He was active in planning many of his class reunions and served as 1907 Class President from 1956 to 1969. Bunn also restored the trophy cases in Dillon Gym following the fire of 1944.
His dedication to Princeton was honored many times. In 1947, Princeton awarded Bunn an honorary A.M. degree for his long and faithful service to the University. His longtime role as timekeeper at basketball, football and track events led to the creation of the B. Franklin Bunn Award for the best senior basketball player. The Daily Princetonian established an award in his honor for outstanding work by a sophomore editor.
As a resident of Princeton for 60 years, Bunn's interest and service extended beyond the University. He became the only Princeton graduate to serve as mayor of both the Township (1940-1950) and the Borough (1927-1929). He was a founding trustee of the Westminster Choir College; a deacon, elder, and treasurer of the First Presbyterian Church; and trustee of Princeton Hospital, the Princeton YMCA, and the Princeton Community Fund.
Bunn's wife, Grace Traub (whom he married in 1908), died in 1955. Bunn died on November 19, 1971 at the age of 96.
Access and Use
Access Restrictions
Collection is open for research use.
Use Restrictions
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.
Preferred Citation
Benjamin Franklin Bunn Papers; 1919-1963, Princeton University Archives, Department of Rare Books and Special Collections, Princeton University Library.
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