A Burglar Falling from Widener and the Birth of the Shuttle

Every week, The Crimson publishes a selection of articles that were printed in our pages in years past.

September 19, 1946: Thumping Loudly, University Band's Drums Will Again Be on Field Between Halves

Not since the fall of 1942 has a Harvard band sprawled its comely H's across a white-striped green gridiron come half-time at Soldiers Field on a crisp Saturday afternoon. But this year, things are different, and the Harvard University Band, the only band in the country controlled exclusively by its members, will once again cavort before weekend throngs at all nine (count 'em, nine) football games this year.

September 18, 1969: Burglar Slips As He Tries To Remove Gutenberg Bible from Widener Library

A daring burglar came within inches of successfully stealing Harvard's Gutenberg Bible from its resting place in Widener Library on August 19.

He succeeded in foiling the library's alarm system, and removing the Bible from its plastic display case, but appears to have slipped when he attempted to climb down a rope hanging out of a library window. He fell some 40 feet to the ground outside.

The burglary suspect, identified as Vido K. Aras, 20, of Dorchester was found unconscious outside the library in the morning with the two volumes of the Bible in a knapsack beside him.

September 21, 1973: 'Cliffe to Yard Shuttle Buses Begin Monday

Harvard will begin an experimental bus service for students and employees between the Yard, Radcliffe, and the Business School on September 24.

The free shuttles will operate seven days a week from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m.

September 21, 1979: Hospitals Gear Up for Pope's Arrival

Visiting the Pope may be hazardous to your health.

At least, medical personnel around Boston seem to think so. They are putting together an elaborate network of medical facilities to serve the unprecedented crowds expected October 1 on Boston Common to celebrate Mass with Pope John Paul II.

Boston hospitals and the American Red Cross will set up nine first-aid stations in the common, and more than 30 special ambulances—both public and private—will be on duty during the Pope's visit, Lenworth Jacobs, director of emergency services for Boston City Hospital, said yesterday.

—Compiled by Julie M. Zauzmer