Nineteenth-century Cambridge was replete with groups, clubs and societies born out of religious, ethnic, moral and recreational interests, all seeking to foster fellowship while advancing their respective causes. “From any one who thinks he or she has a mission to institute another beneficial or fraternal order in this ward, ‘good Lord deliver us,’” the Cambridge Chronicle proclaimed in May of 1888, responding to numbers just in Ward 3 (East Cambridge).
Among the oldest of Cambridge’s societies were the fraternal organizations such as the Freemasons and Odd Fellows – limited to men, but almost universally featuring a women’s affiliate. Within these groups, Cambridge men not only fostered social relationships, but also cultivated economic and political ties with other like-minded businessmen, lawyers and politicians. These were also largely racially segregated, and Black Cantabrigians created their own Lodges for the rising Black middle class to mix, mingle and provide mutual support to Black businesses and professionals.
Many organizations emerged out of houses of worship, becoming the social arm of churches and throwing grand parties, fairs and fundraisers to support favorite causes; in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these groups were especially eager to fund efforts to promote temperance, provide aid to impoverished residents and aid in the struggle for religious liberty at home and abroad.
Involvement in these groups gave women in particular a sense of agency and moral authority that their large-scale exclusion from the realms of business and politics did not provide. Through their efforts as members of such organizations, Cambridge women could effectively advocate for and effect changes in the treatment of the poor, prisoners, immigrants and children – all realms in which women’s “natural” empathy and moral authority were respected.
Although women of all races and many economic levels were involved in such religious reform work, the dominant narrative was that white, middle- and upper-class women knew best what was needed, perpetuating a “savior” narrative that presented a narrow view of those they were trying to help.
In response to these well-meaning but often misguided efforts, immigrant communities and members of other marginalized groups created their own organizations to foster cultural pride and provide for mutual aid. Cultural organizations such as the Society of Saints Cosmas and Damian in East Cambridge and the Association of Notre Dame in North Cambridge sought to straddle the line between assimilation and cultural retention, providing English-language classes to help members advance economically and socially, but also opportunities to practice and celebrate their communities’ respective languages and create ethnically based bonds.
Many of these organizations also provided mutual aid to members, which was especially important in the era before government “safety nets” such as Social Security, food aid and unemployment benefits. Members of these groups would pool resources to support one another during times of economic hardship, trusting they would likewise be supported if and when they fell on hard times.
Some clubs and societies were centered around purely recreational interests, including skating and cycling clubs, literary and arts societies. Many were affiliated with Cambridge industries, with local firms establishing teams for baseball, cricket, rowing and other sports. These groups were especially successful and long-lived because most Cantabrigians in the 19th and early 20th centuries worked in a single industry – and even a single workplace – for their entire career, creating a strong affiliation with that company in social and recreational life as well as one’s economic identity.
Much attention has been paid in recent years to the loss of many of these community groups and opportunities for connection, and the subsequent “epidemic of loneliness” that many Americans are experiencing.
The Cambridge Historical Society was formed in 1905 by and for a specific group of Cantabrigians to highlight and preserve the stories of Cambridge’s past that members considered important, as well as functioning as a shared-interest group for those interested in learning and discussing history. Now called History Cambridge and aiming to collect and share the stories of a broad and diverse array of Cambridge residents, our goal of fostering community connections through an exploration of local history remains.
As part of that effort, we are introducing History Hangs, a series of informal opportunities for residents to gather at public spaces throughout the city to socialize and connect with others interested in history and community. Our next hang will be held at Paddy’s Lunch, 260 Walden St., North Cambridge, on March 12, and feature Ruth Allen, owner of Paddy’s and heir to a 90-year tradition at this woman-owned neighborhood establishment. April’s History Hang will be held at The Sea Hag, 49 Mount Auburn St., Harvard Square, and will include a discussion with owner Kari Kuelzer, best known for her Harvard Square standard, Grendel’s Den.
How do you engage with the Cambridge community in your daily life? Are there clubs or organizations that play an important role in how you relate to your fellow Cantabrigians? Do you feel the loss of the kinds of fraternal, cultural or religious groups that were so abundant in Cambridge’s past? Do you have ideas about how History Cambridge can help to foster community connections in our city? Share your thoughts and join us at our upcoming hangs to meet fellow history enthusiasts and help strengthen our community.
About History Cambridge
History Cambridge started in 1905 as the Cambridge Historical Society. Today we have a new name and a new mission. We engage with our city to explore how the past influences the present to shape a better future. We recognize that every person in our city knows something about Cambridge’s history, and their knowledge matters. We listen to our community and we live by the ideal that history belongs to everyone. Throughout 2025, we are focusing on the history of East Cambridge. Make history with us at historycambridge.org.
History Cambridge is a nonprofit organization. Our activities rely on your financial support. If you value articles like this one, give today.
Beth Folsom is programs manager for History Cambridge.
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