Handsome Harry Hanson Tour

Harry was born in Falmouth, Nova Scotia on August 28, 1867. We don’t know much about his emigration to the United States but we first see him appearing in Cambridge in the city directory of 1893. It took him over ten years to officially become a citizen in 1906, documented in his naturalization papers, which are kept at the CHC.

In 1889, Henry began working for a street railway company in Cambridge. He first made a living on the horse cars in Cambridge and slowly he worked his way up through the ranks to a senior position in the front office. Along with his professional career, he was a family man with two children and he was active in the Masons Five-O Club. According to newspaper accounts celebrating his various promotions, he was well liked by all.

The CHC currently holds a collection related to Harry’s life, the Harry Havelock Hanson Collection. The collection consists of 19 pocket diaries dated from 1893 to 1959, as well as some of his personal papers. However, the bulk of the collection was created between 1893 and 1919. In reading the diaries, a portrait of Harry emerges along with an image of a bustling Harvard Square. As begin this virtual tour, you will be introduced to highlights in Harry’s life. Interwoven in his story are historical notes on transportation and life in general in Harvard Square during the late 19  ^th   and early 20  ^th   centuries.