Looking west on Massachusetts Avenue, just before the intersection with Pearl St.
Looking north across Massachusetts Avenue, down Prospect Street, from River Street,
Looking north across Massachusetts Avenue, down Prospect Street, from River Street, 2010.

The happy, hugging women in both pictures are the focus of the viewers’ attention. However, the historic photograph was taken to document violations of the city’s sign ordinance. The women in the modern photo were approached by the photographer and asked to replicate the pose.

Historic image: Cambridge City Engineering Department CollectionCambridge Historical Commission, August 5,1921

Photograph: Phyllis Bretholtz, 2010
 

“Central Square: Then and Now” portrays the history and vibrancy of Central Square over the past century. The project is a collaboration of the Clear Conscience Café, the Cambridge Historical Society, the Cambridge Historical Commission, and Phyllis Bretholtz.