The Cambridge of eighteen hundred and ninety-six: a picture of the city and its industries fifty years after its incorporation
Arthur Gilman, Ed.

After much deliberation, for the relief of East Cambridge it was decided to centre all effort in the development of the river front, not only because desirable land was unattainable elsewhere, but because the opportunity of enjoying the river could then be given to the inhabitants of the most crowded portion of our city, into which residents are continually coming from Boston, and where, without doubt, the history of the larger city in its successive stages is to be repeated. This stretch of water front lies between the West Boston and the Craigie bridges, opposite the Charlesbank, and occupies about one half the distance from bridge to bridge. The sea-wall is already constructed. Filling is in process. In time, this East Cambridge embankment will be to Cambridge what the Charlesbank is to Boston; and that the Charlesbank is of service to Boston no one can doubt who considers that the attendance, during last summer, was somewhat over 1,000,000; that on summer nights it was not unusual to find as many as 10,000 people assembled there.

In Ward Two, a tract of twelve acres off Cambridge Street, to be known as Cambridge Field, has been set aside as a permanent open space. Sodding has been done; nearly all the shrubbery plantations are finished; all the trees are planted. Until the weather became too cold, the portions of the field which are finished made a popular resort. During the summer evenings and Sundays the walks have been crowded. Since cold weather set in, whenever practicable, the field has been flooded for skating. It is in this Cambridge Field that our citizens are for the first time to see a reservation of land improved from its very beginning, as the modern investigation of municipal needs has made possible, improved so as best to meet the needs of those people in the midst of whom the land lies. In no case is the satisfaction of the desire for beauty neglected, but, in addition to this, the lands have been so laid out that Cambridge Field will furnish a sporting-ground in both winter and summer for boys and men; an outdoor gymnasium for girls; a sand-court, where small children shall be allowed to play; and, most important of all, a central building. This central building or shelter is to serve as a meeting-place, and a refuge in case of sudden showers. In it will be a check-room for clothing, bats, balls, skates, and other articles. Light refreshments, such as milk, beef-tea, coffee, and soda, will be