The Valets and the Janitor at the Royal University of Francis Joseph I in Zagreb (1874-1918): Regulation of Status and Position

Abstract

This paper discusses the significance of the valets and the janitor at the Royal University of Francis Joseph I in Zagreb, based on original material from the University of Zagreb and relevant scholarly literature. While the valets were administrative officers essential for the maintenance of the university building, the janitor was responsible for office work and various university ceremonies, such as the inauguration of the rector, doctoral promotions, and state processions (e.g. Corpus Christi), during which he wore a formal suit. To qualify for the position of the university janitor, one had to have long-term military service with the rank of non-commissioned officer in the Royal Hungarian-Croatian Home Guard. The paper analyses the role and operation of the janitorial office at the Royal University of Francis Joseph I in Zagreb from 1874 to 1918.