This topic and the mere mention of the word "tilt" will elicit extended
essays of nonsense from certain parties in this forum. You've been warned.

Can the tilt
of the earth at this time of year give MA quite that much more daylight
than a point (globally speaking) not that much further South?

Yes. Boca Raton is almost exactly 16 deg south of Cambridge. People from
northern latitudes often remark about shorter summer days and quicker
sunrises and sunsets at low latitudes. It's very noticeable.
--
Curtis Croulet
Temecula, California