Sunken Garden, Attleboro Sanitarium

Context: Main Image: The postcard depicts the Sunken Garden at the Attleboro Sanitarium in Attleboro, Massachusetts, showcasing a beautifully maintained garden with a greenhouse structure in the background.

Details: Foreground:

• The garden features a variety of lush green plants and well-maintained flower beds, arranged in an orderly and aesthetically pleasing manner.
• A pathway can be seen leading into the garden, providing a clear view of the landscaped area.

Middle Ground:

• The central focus is the greenhouse structure with multiple glass windows, likely used for cultivating plants and providing a controlled environment for sensitive species.
• The greenhouse is partially sunken into the ground, giving the garden its name and unique appearance.

Background:

• Behind the greenhouse, there are more plants and trees, adding depth and a natural backdrop to the scene.
• A building with a distinct roof structure, possibly part of the sanitarium complex, is visible on the left side of the image.

Text:

• The top of the postcard reads “c 1117 – Sunken Garden, Attleboro Sanitarium, Attleboro, Mass.” in red text, identifying the location and providing context for the image.

Condition:

• The postcard is in good condition, with vibrant colors and clear details of the garden and greenhouse.
• Some minor marks or blemishes can be seen, but they do not significantly detract from the overall image.

Interpretation: Historical Context:

• The Sunken Garden at the Attleboro Sanitarium is a notable feature, reflecting the early 20th-century emphasis on therapeutic landscapes and the role of nature in healing.
• The sanitarium itself would have been a place for rest and recovery, and the garden likely provided a tranquil environment for patients.

Cultural Importance:

• Gardens and green spaces like this were integral to the design of health facilities, emphasizing the benefits of fresh air, nature, and horticulture for patient well-being.
• The postcard captures the serene and orderly nature of the garden, which would have been a point of pride and a therapeutic resource for the sanitarium.

Artistic Elements:

• The use of color highlights the lush greenery and the orderly arrangement of the plants, contrasting with the structured design of the greenhouse.
• The pathway leading into the garden invites the viewer into the scene, creating a sense of depth and perspective.

Overall Impression:

• This postcard effectively showcases the beauty and therapeutic design of the Sunken Garden at the Attleboro Sanitarium, highlighting the importance of such spaces in early 20th-century health care.
• The combination of natural and architectural elements provides a well-rounded view of the garden, making it a valuable piece of historical documentation of the sanitarium and its grounds.
• The postcard serves as a reminder of the historical significance of gardens in medical and therapeutic settings, illustrating the care and attention given to creating healing environments.

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