Stealing
the Clapper is also a tradition of the
freshman class at
Princeton University. Since the bell atop
Nassau Hall is not rung until classes begin, legend has it that
stealing the clapper will in fact prevent classes from starting. This will force at least a minor
ransom payment (so the theory goes) to the frosh who nabs it. Damaging anything whilst attempting this is frowned upon, and full penalties remain in effect for those caught trying.
The quickest time so far is one class who had just returned from their Frosh Week 'outdoor action' trip. One member simply walked off the bus, walked up to Nassau Hall with a mass of climbing gear and scaled the outside, nabbed the ringer in question and made his escape.