Cleveland enjoyed his retirement at Westland. Although he had never attended college, he accepted a seat on the Board of Trustees of Princeton University, a position he took seriously, chairing a committee to establish a graduate school. He gave a series of four well-attended lectures at the university, which were later published as a book. The students were fond of Cleveland, serenaded him on his birthdays and, after football games, led victory parades to his home. He also took an active part in the life of the town, maintained a brisk correspondence with friends, and kept socially and politically active. His favorite recreations were billiards and meetings of the Poverty Club, composed of a group of his comrades who played cards regularly at Westland. He died at Westland in 1908 and is buried in Princeton Cemetery. Cleveland's widow, Frances, continued to reside in the house for many years after his death.