High School

Context: Main Image: The postcard features a colorized illustration of the High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Details:

• Architecture:
  • The building showcases a classical architectural style with elements reminiscent of early 20th-century institutional buildings.
  • The structure is made of brick with decorative stone or concrete elements, giving it a solid and imposing appearance.
  • A prominent feature is the grand entrance, characterized by a large portico supported by two tall columns, which give a neoclassical feel to the building.
  • The entrance portico has “Attleborough High School” inscribed above it, highlighting the institution’s name.
  • The windows are large and symmetrically placed, allowing plenty of natural light to enter the classrooms.
  • The building is three stories high, emphasizing its importance and capacity as a major educational institution.
• Setting:
  • The school is situated on a neatly maintained lawn, with a series of steps leading up to the main entrance, suggesting its slightly elevated position.
  • A mature tree is visible in the foreground, indicating a well-landscaped environment.
  • The sky is depicted in a clear blue, with a few clouds, adding to the postcard’s overall bright and inviting atmosphere.
• Text:
  • At the bottom of the postcard, “High School, Attleboro, Mass.” is printed in a clean, serif font, providing the viewer with the location and purpose of the building.
  • The number “57392” appears at the bottom right, possibly indicating the postcard’s production or catalog number.

Interpretation:

• Historical Context: This postcard likely dates from the early to mid-20th century, a period when many American towns invested in substantial high school buildings to accommodate growing student populations and emphasize the importance of secondary education.
• Architectural Significance: The neoclassical elements, such as the grand portico and columns, reflect the era’s educational architecture, which aimed to convey stability, permanence, and the civic importance of education.
• Cultural Importance: High schools were central to community life, serving as educational institutions and venues for various social and cultural activities. The postcard captures the significance of the school within the Attleboro community and its role in shaping the town’s educational landscape.

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