Attleboro High School

Context: Main Image: The postcard features a color-tinted photograph of Attleboro High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts, from the early 20th century.

Details:

Architecture:

• The building is a large, impressive structure characteristic of early 20th-century school architecture, blending Victorian and Gothic Revival design elements.
• The facade features a grand entrance with a set of steps leading up to a covered porch adorned with decorative woodwork, including turned spindles and ornate brackets.
• The building has a steeply pitched roof with multiple gables and a prominent central bell tower, adding to its grandeur.
• Large rectangular windows are evenly spaced along the facade, providing ample natural light to the interior classrooms.
• The exterior is clad in wooden siding, painted in a light color, with darker trim around the windows and doors.

Setting:

• The school is set on a corner lot with mature trees lining the sidewalks, providing shade and a picturesque environment.
• The surrounding area includes additional residential buildings, indicating that the school is located within a community setting.
• The foreground shows a well-maintained lawn and a street with a utility pole, which has a street sign attached to it.
• The sky is color-tinted in light blue with a few clouds, suggesting pleasant weather, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the postcard.

Text:

• The postcard includes the text “Attleboro High School. Attleboro, Mass.” at the bottom, identifying the location and providing context for the image.
• There is a handwritten note at the bottom that reads, “I will send you a souvenir later,” adding a personal touch to the postcard.

Interpretation:

Historical Context:

• This postcard likely dates from the early 1900s, capturing the architectural and educational landscape of Attleboro High School during this period. The use of color-tinting enhances the visual appeal and provides a vibrant depiction of the scene.
• The building reflects the architectural styles popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing a mix of Victorian and Gothic Revival influences.

Architectural Significance:

• The Victorian and Gothic Revival elements, such as the steeply pitched roof, gables, and decorative woodwork, highlight the architectural trends of the era, emphasizing elaborate and ornate designs for public buildings.
• The large windows and covered porch reflect practical considerations for school buildings, ensuring adequate lighting and shelter for students.

Cultural Importance:

• The postcard captures a historical moment, illustrating the community’s pride in their educational facilities and the importance placed on providing substantial and attractive environments for learning.
• The presence of handwritten notes adds a personal and historical element, providing insight into the social interactions and communication methods of the time.
• The well-maintained grounds and imposing structure of Attleboro High School symbolize the societal value placed on education and the role of schools as central institutions within the community.

Additional Details: [1908 1c Benjamin Franklin, green, perforated, type I]