Harvard University. Harvard Commons Records, 1686-1829. Rules and orders respecting the Steward, Cook & Butler of Harvard College, [1686]. UAI 15.250 Box 3, Folder 1, Harvard University Archives.
This Harvard Commons record reveals a 12-pence punishment for students who borrowed dishes and failed to return them before the next meal:
“The Butler and Cook shall see to the Utensils and Vessels to their several offices appertaining, as pots, Cups, Salt sellers and to the Butter Platters, Trenchers...And if any Scholar or Scholars shall at any time take away or Detain any Vessels of the Colleges, Great or Small from the Hall, out of doors from the Sight of the Buttery, or Hatch, without the Butlers or Servitors approbation, he or they shall be punished. But if the said Vessels be detained by any as to be wanting next Meal, he or they so detaining, shall be punished twelve pence this punishment to be noted distinctly by itself.”
After the meal, students were scheduled for ninety minutes of prayer.
