Race Street originally contained a mix of residences and businesses. A large 1910 fire destroyed much of the block near Muir Street. The last residence in that area was demolished in 1956.

The community swimming pool in Cambridge was once the largest on the East Coast, owned and operated by the volunteer fire department.

There once was a beautiful garden off Church Street that was owned by Dr. Guy Steele (1861-1956), a physician and surgeon for 50 years.

The B Natural Orchestra was a special group formed from the Merry Concert Band, musicians who served as ambassadors of music for all of Cambridge. People of all races would gather to hear them perform.

building at 811 Locust Street is like many in the neighborhoods of Cambridge, in that it once housed multiple businesses. This one had a grocery and confectionery, with apartments on the second floor.

Market Street next to the creek was once an important part of Cambridge’s commercial sector. It had a grocery, a restaurant, and several blacksmiths, including Joe Brocato, who fixed dredges and tongs. Perhaps the most popular place was the Camper Sisters Bakery, famous for its pies, doughnuts, and beaten biscuits. Urban renewal in 1968 forced all the businesses to close or relocate.

 

Itinerant peddler Meyer Nathan opened Nathan’s Furniture on High Street in 1880. The big 1892 fire forced him to rebuild both the store and his townhouse next door. After Meyer died in 1911, son Milford expanded the furniture showroom. The old store at 317 High Street is now the site of the Dorchester Center for the Arts.

Beginning in 1934, members of Rescue Fire Company began operating a holiday train display for the community, carrying on a tradition that began in the Baltimore area. The RFC Train Garden is the longest continually operating fire department train display in the United States.

The central telephone exchange was at 203 High Street in Cambridge from 1896 to 1913. It was moved to the northeast corner of Cedar and Pine Streets in the 1930s.