A Short History of Princeton's Rowing Facilities

Andrew Carnegie and Woodrow Wilson

While painting a portrait of Andrew Carnegie, Howard Russell Butler informed the wealthy industrialist of his plan for a lake at Princeton. Carnegie was interested and soon traveled to Princeton to observe the possibilities. He authorized Butler to investigate the costs, and, in response to an initial estimate of $118,000, agreed to give Princeton a lake. As Butler was leaving Carnegie's residence, Princeton president Woodrow Wilson arrived, with the intent of soliciting Carnegie's contribution to the preceptorial system. Carnegie recalled Butler to attend the meeting and, before Wilson could pop the question, volunteered that he had decided to give Princeton "a great gift," a lake. Wilson graciously accepted, but later observed at an alumni dinner that "we went to Andrew Carnegie to ask bread and he gave us cake." While rowing alumni, at least, consider this a reference to a gift whose generosity was well beyond expectation, Carnegie took it to refer to a request for a necessity but a gift of luxury. Nonetheless, Carnegie pursued his commitment and put Butler in charge.

Andrew Carnegie

Butler began initial purchases of 31 pieces of land for a lake 3 5/8 miles long and 400 to 1000 feet wide. Soon, however, word of Carnegie's involvement leaked out, and the prices sought by the farmers owning the parcels sky-rocketed. Moreover, the farmers insisted on selling their entire parcels rather than simply those to be submerged by the lake and its surrounding waterfront. As the costs rose, and despite having a net worth of more than $100 billion in current dollars, Carnegie agreed to pay only for the lowlands and required Butler to find others to pay for the remainder of the larger parcels. Butler sought assistance from his South East Club compatriots. [Continue...]

Woodrow Wilson 1879

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