Casino, Capron Park

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

Details:

Architecture:

• The building is a large, single-story structure with a prominent hipped roof and an upper story with a similar hipped roof design.
• The facade features a wide veranda that wraps around the building, supported by substantial columns, providing a shaded outdoor space.
• The exterior is clad in wooden shingles and brick, giving it a rustic yet elegant appearance.
• Large windows line the upper story, allowing for ample natural light and ventilation.
• The building’s design reflects the bungalow or craftsman style, popular in the early 20th century for recreational and residential structures.
• A sign reading “CAPRON PARK” is prominently displayed on the veranda roof, indicating the location.

Setting:

• The Casino is set on a well-maintained lawn with neatly trimmed bushes and young trees, creating a picturesque and serene park environment.
• The surrounding area includes additional greenery and possibly other park facilities in the background.
• The photograph captures the building from an angle, showcasing its architectural features and the landscaped grounds.
• 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, Mass. Casino, Capron Park.” at the top, identifying the location and providing context for the image.

Interpretation:

Historical Context:

• This postcard likely dates from the early 1900s, capturing the architectural and recreational landscape of Capron Park during this period. The use of color-tinting enhances the visual appeal and provides a vibrant depiction of the scene.
• The Casino served as a recreational facility within the park, providing a space for social gatherings, events, and leisure activities.

Architectural Significance:

• The bungalow or craftsman style of the Casino reflects the architectural trends of the early 20th century, emphasizing simplicity, natural materials, and harmony with the surrounding environment.
• The wide veranda and substantial columns highlight the building’s design focus on providing comfortable and inviting outdoor spaces for relaxation and socializing.

Cultural Importance:

• The postcard captures a historical moment, illustrating the community’s investment in public recreational facilities and the importance placed on providing attractive and functional spaces for leisure and social activities.
• The well-maintained grounds and elegant design of the Casino symbolize the societal value placed on parks and public spaces as central institutions for community life and well-being.

Additional Details: [1908 1c George Washington, green, perforated, type IV]