The late 60’s and early 70’s were turbulent years in Cambridge, Massachusetts. My three children were in the high school at the time. The students, stirred up by events in the world (the Vietnam War, Cambodia, Kent State) were restless. They roamed the halls of the school, refused to go to class and so upset the institution that school closed down completely in the spring of 1971.
From 1970 to 1972, I photographed in the Cambridge City Council chambers every Monday night, sometimes until after midnight. Even if the crowds were beating on the doors or rioting in the streets, the meeting started with the Pledge of Allegiance and salute to the flag; ended with the gavel and the words, “This meeting is adjourned.”
(special thanks to darkroom assistant Marshall Cole)
