Ingraham Building

Context: Main Image: The postcard depicts the Ingraham Building in Attleboro, Massachusetts, showcasing a prominent industrial structure along with adjacent businesses.

Details: Foreground:

• The building in the foreground is a vibrant red-brick structure with large, grid-like windows, characteristic of early 20th-century industrial architecture.
• A smaller building to the right features signage for Trainor’s Restaurant and a Coca-Cola advertisement. There is a small market stall in front of this building, displaying various goods.
• The street in front of the buildings is labeled “Union St.”

Middle Ground:

• The Ingraham Building dominates the middle ground with its substantial height and multiple stories. The windows are uniformly spaced, and there is a water tower on the roof.
• Signs on the building include “E.J. Ingraham & Co.” and “Trainor’s Restaurant.”
• Another building in the background advertises a “Bank of Attleboro Sale.”

Background:

• Smaller residential and commercial buildings are visible further back, indicating that the Ingraham Building is part of a mixed-use area.
• The sky is clear with a few clouds, adding a serene backdrop to the bustling urban scene.

Text:

• The top left of the postcard reads “Attleboro, Mass. Ingraham Building.” in red text.

Condition:

• The postcard is in good condition with vibrant colors that highlight the red-brick building and other elements of the scene.
• There are some postmark lines and a date stamp visible, adding to the postcard’s historical context.

Interpretation: Historical Context:

• The Ingraham Building reflects the industrial growth and architectural style of early 20th-century Attleboro.
• The presence of various businesses, including a restaurant and market, indicates a thriving commercial environment.

Cultural Importance:

• The Ingraham Building is a significant landmark, representing the industrial and commercial development of Attleboro.
• The smaller businesses and market stall highlight the everyday life and economic activities of the town’s residents.

Artistic Elements:

• The use of color contrasts the red-brick Ingraham Building with the yellow and green tones of the adjacent structures.
• The detailed depiction of the windows and architectural features emphasizes the industrial design.

Overall Impression:

• This postcard effectively captures the industrial and commercial essence of Attleboro, showcasing the Ingraham Building as a central figure.
• The combination of the prominent industrial building, adjacent businesses, and clear sky provides a comprehensive view of early 20th-century urban life in Attleboro.
• The postcard serves as a valuable historical document, illustrating the architectural and economic landscape of the town.

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