Oral History with Dan Rappoport

A native of northern New Jersey, Dan Rappaport moved to the Princeton area in 1976 and has lived in or near town ever since. He has worked for the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Thompson International Group, and several service jobs for local businesses. Dan talks about the community’s physical and social changes during his four decades as a resident. An avid cyclist, Dan experienced many of the town’s transformations in the context of transportation. He served on various public bodies concerned with cycling, while remaining an active member of the Princeton Free Wheelers bicycle club. Dan talks about his memories of trolley lines that used to run between Princeton to Trenton. The interview also addresses the challenges of living in Princeton on a limited income. For example, Dan highlights the impact of Princeton Hospital’s relocation to Plainsboro on non-drivers.