Transcription:
“Isn’t this a nice building. I hope you see this man again. I don’t feel very nice. Love to all. [initials]”
Hattie, I will write in a few days. This is the first week that we have had any loafing. I work just three days. Work is awful dull just now. Pa is working three days a week for two or three weeks. I have seen M. was having a long talk. I don’t know whether he was fooling or not. He told me to lay down 80. I don’t know whether he was fooling or not.
Love,
B.G.
Miss Hattie Rogers
59 Crescent St
Rockland, Me.
Postmarked:
Dec 4, 1907
1908 1c Benjamin Franklin, green, perforated, type I
History and Notes:
Context: Main Image: The postcard features a colorized photograph of Attleboro High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts.
Details:
- Architecture:
- The building displays a Victorian architectural style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- The structure has a steeply pitched roof with multiple gables and a prominent cupola or bell tower at the center.
- Ornate woodwork and detailing are visible, especially around the roofline, windows, and porch area.
- The exterior is clad in wood siding, painted in a warm brown color with white trim around the windows and other architectural elements.
- Large, double-hung windows with multiple panes provide ample natural light to the interior.
- A decorative front porch with turned columns and balusters adds to the building’s elaborate appearance.
- Setting:
- The photograph seems to have been taken during early spring, with trees just beginning to show new leaves, suggesting a seasonal transition.
- The school is set on a neatly maintained plot with grass and a sidewalk running along the front, indicating its placement in a suburban or urban neighborhood.
- Adjacent residential buildings are visible, highlighting the school’s central location within the community.
- Text:
- The bottom of the postcard reads “Attleboro High School, Attleboro, Mass.” in a classic serif font, providing a formal and historical context.
- Handwritten text at the bottom says, “Isn’t this a nice building… I hope you are…” which adds a personal touch and suggests the postcard was used for correspondence. The text is partially obscured but indicates the sender’s admiration for the building and a personal message to the recipient.
Interpretation:
- Historical Context: This postcard likely dates from the early 20th century when high school education became increasingly important, and there was significant public investment in educational infrastructure. The architectural style reflects the era’s aesthetic preferences and construction techniques.
- Architectural Significance: The Victorian style of the building emphasizes the importance of the institution and reflects the community’s pride in its educational facilities. The intricate details and grand design indicate the value placed on education and the aspiration to provide a stimulating learning environment.
- Cultural Importance: High schools were central to community life, serving not only as places of learning but also as venues for social and cultural activities. The postcard captures the significance of the school within the Attleboro community.
Additional Details: [1908 1c Benjamin Franklin, green, perforated, type I]
