Week 10: Harvard Square as Conflict Zone (Plan E, 1969)

Harvard Square is not just an intersection of streets but a convergence of ideas, creativity, and history. This tour explores ten iconic sites that have shaped the literary and performing arts scene, each rich with stories that reflect the area's dynamic cultural mosaic. From hidden bookshops to legendary music venues, these locales offer a deeper understanding of how Harvard Square became a crucible for artistic innovation and social change.

1. Harvard Book Store (1256 Massachusetts Ave)

An independent gem since 1932, the Harvard Book Store is more than a retail space; it's a literary institution. Known for its carefully curated selection of new and used books, the store also pioneers in technology with its "Espresso Book Machine," allowing customers to print rare or self-published works on demand. Frequent author events have featured the likes of Margaret Atwood and Salman Rushdie, making it a hub for intellectual discourse and diverse literary voices.

2. The Harvard Lampoon Building (44 Bow St)

The Lampoon Castle, with its quirky blend of architectural styles, reflects the irreverent spirit of the humor magazine it houses. Established in 1876, The Harvard Lampoon has been the incubator for comedy legends such as John Updike and the creators of "The Simpsons." Its penchant for elaborate pranks—including the theft of the Sacred Cod from the Massachusetts State House—adds to its storied reputation, blurring the lines between satire and reality.

3. The Coop (1400 Massachusetts Ave)

Founded in 1882, the Harvard Cooperative Society, affectionately known as "The Coop," serves both Harvard and MIT communities. Beyond textbooks, it offers an extensive array of literature, art supplies, and memorabilia. Historically, it has been a meeting place for intellectuals and revolutionaries alike; rumor has it that during the 1960s, members of the anti-war movement would gather here to strategize.

4. Widener Library (Harvard Yard)

A monument to one of the Titanic's victims, Harry Elkins Widener, this library stands as a testament to a mother's love and the pursuit of knowledge. Housing over 3.5 million books, its vast underground stacks are rumored to be so extensive that they influenced the design of the New York City subway system. The library's rare collections include a copy of the Gutenberg Bible and manuscripts from ancient civilizations, offering scholars an unparalleled resource.

5. Club Passim (47 Palmer St)

A cornerstone of the American folk music revival, Club Passim has been a launchpad for artists like Tom Rush and Suzanne Vega. In the 1960s, it was one of the few venues where Joan Baez and Bob Dylan shared the stage, igniting a musical movement that blended activism with art. Today, it continues to nurture emerging talent and hosts cultural events like the bi-annual Boston Celtic Music Festival.

6. The Brattle Theatre (40 Brattle St)

An enduring sanctuary for film aficionados, the Brattle Theatre is renowned for its eclectic programming. It's the birthplace of the "vertical repertory" format, where different films are shown each day, allowing for a diverse cinematic experience. In the 1950s, it introduced American audiences to the French New Wave, influencing directors like Quentin Tarantino. The theatre also hosts the annual Boston Science Fiction Film Festival, the oldest genre fest in the country.

7. The Sinclair (52 Church St)

Blending modernity with intimacy, The Sinclair has quickly become a cornerstone of Cambridge's live music scene since its opening in 2013. The venue's innovative design includes a state-of-the-art sound system and a gastropub that has been praised by "Bon Appétit" magazine. It has hosted a spectrum of artists from Grammy-winning musicians to local indie bands, reflecting the evolving tastes of the city's diverse population.

8. Sanders Theatre (45 Quincy St)

Part of Harvard's Memorial Hall complex, Sanders Theatre is celebrated for its exquisite acoustics and architectural grandeur. Modeled after the Sheldonian Theatre at Oxford, it has been the stage for luminaries such as Theodore Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr. The theatre also hosts the Ig Nobel Prize Ceremony, which honors scientific achievements that "first make people laugh, and then think," embodying Harvard's blend of humor and intellect.

9. Memorial Hall (45 Quincy St)

A stunning example of High Victorian Gothic architecture, Memorial Hall was built to commemorate Harvard alumni who fought for the Union in the Civil War. The building features a 210-foot tower and intricate stained-glass windows that depict historical and allegorical figures. An interesting fact is that its tower was once the tallest point in Cambridge, serving as a navigational landmark for ships on the Charles River.

10. Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site (105 Brattle St)

This elegant Georgian mansion served dual roles in American history. As General George Washington's headquarters during the Siege of Boston, it was the nerve center of the early Revolutionary War efforts. Later, it became the home of poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, who penned "Paul Revere's Ride" within its walls. The house hosted a salon of intellectuals, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Charles Sumner, bridging the worlds of politics and poetry.

Interweaving Narratives in Harvard Square

Harvard Square's locales are thus not isolated monuments but rather interconnected narratives that reflect broader societal shifts. The Harvard Book Store and The Coop embody the democratization of knowledge, making literature accessible to all. The Lampoon and Sanders Theatre illustrate the power of satire and performance in challenging the status quo. Music venues like Club Passim and The Sinclair highlight the role of art in social movements, from folk protest songs to contemporary expressions of identity.

The Brattle Theatre and Widener Library serve as custodians of cultural memory, preserving works that might otherwise be lost to time. Memorial Hall and the Longfellow House connect us to pivotal moments in American history, reminding us that the struggles and triumphs of the past continue to influence the present.

These sites cater to a mosaic of audiences—students, artists, academics, and tourists—each engaging with the spaces in unique ways. They foster environments where ideas collide and collaboration flourishes, embodying the essence of intersectionality.

Harvard Square is a living canvas, painted with the strokes of countless individuals who have contributed to its rich artistic and cultural heritage. This tour reveals the layers beneath the surface, offering a nuanced understanding of how each locale contributes to the square's dynamic character. By exploring these sites, we not only appreciate their historical significance but also recognize their ongoing role in shaping conversations about art, culture, and society.

Map of the Walking Tour

The tour begins at the Harvard Book Store on Massachusetts Avenue, weaves through Harvard Yard to Widener Library, crosses over to the bustling Brattle Street where The Brattle Theatre is located, and continues westward to the serene Brattle Street neighborhood, culminating at the historic Longfellow House. This route encapsulates the diverse environments—from commercial hubs to quiet residential areas—that make up Harvard Square.

References

Harvard Book Store. (n.d.). About Us. Retrieved from https://www.harvard.com/about/

Club Passim. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://www.passim.org/club-passim/history/

The Brattle Theatre. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.brattlefilm.org/about/

National Park Service. (n.d.). Longfellow House–Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/long/index.htm

Harvard University Archives. (n.d.). Widener Library. Retrieved from https://library.harvard.edu/libraries/widener

The Harvard Lampoon. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://harvardlampoon.com/history

The Sinclair. (n.d.). About. Retrieved from https://www.sinclaircambridge.com/

Sanders Theatre. (n.d.). Events and Tickets. Retrieved from https://www.ofa.fas.harvard.edu/sanders-theatre

Memorial Hall. (n.d.). History. Retrieved from https://memhall.harvard.edu/history