These historical photographs, captured by an early photographer whose identity remains unknown, offer a rare glimpse into the past. Our gratitude extends to this visionary individual.
Bates Opera House: Originally a three-story building, the Bates Opera House was known for its grandeur. Following a fire and subsequent renovations detailed on the Bates Building page, a fourth floor was added, marking the structure’s current appearance.
Parade on Park Street: This photograph likely originates from a vantage point near the church, capturing Park Street stretching east before the construction of the arches. The image features a water tower, once located near the present-day Balfour/Riverwalk Park.
Academy Hill Gathering: The photo showcases a crowd gathered on what is now the rear parking lot of the YMCA on North Main Street, previously known as Academy Hill. The vantage point is from in front of the Academy building, barely visible to the right, which now houses the Attleboro Historic Preservation Society and stands as the city’s oldest building.
Park Street Buggies: Initially believed to depict the entrance to Capron Park, this image actually captures Park Street. A closer examination of our collection of silvered glass negatives revealed that the scene differs from my earlier assumption.
Marching Band Performance: The band is positioned on the tracks of the North East Corridor, with this particular shot taken on Park Street, looking towards Bank Street, at a time before the construction of the stone railroad arches.
