![PAW Archives, July 2, 1954](https://paw.princeton.edu/sites/default/files/styles/feature_image/public/images/content/ClassOf44_1954_5.jpg?itok=NTDTDeuK)
PAW Archives, July 2, 1954
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âTo a freshman entering college in 1940, the world was a relatively simple place. Quite a few things could still be bought for a nickel, including a cup of coffee and a telephone call. The United States was not at war, and many people felt that she would stay out. Nobody worried much about the Russians, and âatomâ was only a word in the crossword puzzles.âThe attack on Pearl Harbor changed everything. Eighty-nine percent of the class would serve in the military during the war, and many had their time at Princeton interrupted or abbreviated. Still, the class maintained remarkable bonds. When â44 reached its 10th reunion in 1954 (above), the lederhosen-clad contingent included more than 300 classmates â the first of several record-setting reunion turnouts for the class. Those shorts had staying power, too. At least one classmate was spotted wearing the costume in 2009.