High School

Context: Main Image: The postcard features a black-and-white photograph of the High School in Attleboro, Massachusetts, from the early 20th century.

Details:

Architecture:

• The building is a large, impressive structure typical of early 20th-century school architecture, blending elements of Victorian and Gothic Revival styles.
• The facade features a grand entrance with a set of steps leading up to a covered porch, which is adorned with decorative woodwork, including turned spindles and ornate brackets.
• The building has a steeply pitched roof with multiple gables and a prominent central bell tower, adding to its grandeur.
• Large rectangular windows are evenly spaced along the facade, providing ample natural light to the interior classrooms.
• The exterior is clad in wooden siding, painted in a light color, with darker trim around the windows and doors.

Setting:

• The school is set on a corner lot with mature trees lining the sidewalks, providing shade and a picturesque environment.
• The surrounding area includes additional residential buildings, indicating that the school is located within a community setting.
• The foreground shows a well-maintained lawn and a street with a utility pole, which has a street sign attached to it.
• Handwriting on the postcard adds a personal touch, with a message that reads, “This is where I go to school for but once a year.”

Interpretation:

Historical Context:

• This postcard likely dates from the early 1900s, capturing the architectural and educational landscape of the High School during this period. The use of black-and-white photography was common before the widespread use of color-tinting.
• The building reflects the architectural styles popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, showcasing a mix of Victorian and Gothic Revival influences.

Architectural Significance:

• The Victorian and Gothic Revival elements, such as the steeply pitched roof, gables, and decorative woodwork, highlight the architectural trends of the era, emphasizing elaborate and ornate designs for public buildings.
• The large windows and covered porch reflect practical considerations for school buildings, ensuring adequate lighting and shelter for students.

Cultural Importance:

• The postcard captures a historical moment, illustrating the community’s pride in their educational facilities and the importance placed on providing substantial and attractive environments for learning.
• The presence of handwritten notes adds a personal and historical element, providing insight into the social interactions and communication methods of the time.

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