Fire at the Inn
On Thursday, September 2, 1948, at noon, just four days prior to Labor Day, fire broke out in the College Inn. The cause was never discovered, although painters were at work in the building and were at lunch when the fire broke out in a storeroom adjacent to the kitchen. Volunteer fire companies of Ewing and Lawrence Townships responded quickly and fought the blaze. Their efforts prevented the structure from being burned, but considerable fire, smoke, and water damage was caused. However, the Inn was restored to its previous condition in a month and school opened on October 4, only three weeks late.

Miss Hillwood
For students who attended the State Teachers College during the years of 1930-1955, no history would be complete without mention of "Miss Hillwood." This student bus was used to take students on trips to church, to hear musical productions, to see plays, to engage in intercollegiate sports, and to visit museums and other schools. The student bus was also used to take students on field trips and to provide transportation for those students doing observation work and practice teaching. Miss Hillwood was joined after World War II by a second bus, Miss Hillwood II, and in 1950 a third bus was acquired. Before her "retirement," however, she and her driver, Harvey Brazier, managed to log as many as eighteen trips a week, averaging 25,000 miles every year.

Water Tower
An era of challenging climbs came to an end in 1977 when the Trenton State College graffiti-covered water tower was dismantled as a result of a pipe rupture due to corrosion. Built in 1931, the 190-foot tall red and white checked giant was a significant landmark with extensive historical background. The reservoir, which had a capacity of 150,000 gallons of water, was replaced by a second Trenton city water main. For many years students were prompted to scale the tower, accepting the challenge of the structure. Once on top, climbers often left their marks to symbolize the achievement.

Storm Damage
In November 1977 The College sustained damage estimated at between $250,000 and $300,000 when a tornado-like storm hit the campus. Heaviest damage was to the roofs of Packer Hall and the Bray Annex, both of which were partially destroyed. Trees were uprooted and large windows in the Student Center were broken. The tennis court fencing was also destroyed. There were no injuries.

1970s
The College has hosted scores of musicians, actors, and other performers during the twentieth century. To illustrate the variety of performers The College has attracted, the following are just some of the many performers who visited the campus during the 1970s: Dionne Warwick, Steppenwolf, The Byrds, Jane Fonda, Marcel Marceau, Seals & Crofts, Muhammad Ali, Martin Mull, Duke Ellington, Kool & the Gang, Bruce Springsteen, Electric Light Orchestra, Roger McGuinn, Billy Joel, Harry Chapin, Vincent Price, Melissa Manchester, Bonnie Raitt, Labelle, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Frampton, Charlie Daniels Band, George Benson, Arlo Guthrie, The Kinks, Al Jarreau, and the J. Geils Band.

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Email: 150years@tcnj.edu