All in the Same Boat

Our publication All in the Same Boat: Twentieth-Century Stories of East Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts is a collection of more than 125 oral histories that explore the tightly knit neighborhood of East Cambridge from the perspective of its residents.

Black and white photo of a group of people, including adults and children, gathered around a table with a birthday cake, celebrating in a warmly lit indoor setting.
Anna Scolles’ birthday, ca. 1949
Black and white historical photograph of a vintage ice cream shop, featuring a counter with a man in a white apron behind it, two customers in front, and a wall displaying ice cream flavors and prices.
Manuel Rogers, Sr., behind the soda fountain at the Paradise Spa, 352 Cambridge St, 1931

The book, illustrated with historic and family photographs, offers a vivid picture of the diverse cultures that coexisted in East Cambridge during the 20th century and examines the social, economic, and political changes in this rapidly evolving neighborhood.

Black and white photo of a group of people sitting on the back of a decorated truck during a parade, with balloons and celebratory decorations.
Day of Portugal Parade, June 1990

To hear stories of those who lived, grew up in, immigrated to, and built their lives in East Cambridge, stop by our office or click here and obtain your own copy of this rich oral history book! For more information, email us at histcomm@cambridgema.gov.

Cover of the book 'All in the Same Boat: Twentieth-Century Stories of East Cambridge' featuring a black and white photo of a group of people, primarily children and women, in front of a wooden building.
Cover of All in the Same Boat: Twentieth-Century Stories of East Cambridge, Cambridge, Massachusetts (2005)