The Bates Building

Context: Main Image: The postcard features a black and white photograph of the Bates Building, showcasing the Railroad Centre and other manufacturing buildings in Attleboro, Massachusetts.

Details:

• The Bates Building is prominently displayed with a focus on its extensive length and multiple stories.
• The building features a large water tower on the roof, which is a significant architectural detail.
• The structure is composed of multiple windows, indicating its use as an industrial or manufacturing facility.
• The photograph captures a wide view, including adjacent buildings and the railroad tracks in the foreground.
• The landscape is mostly clear, with telegraph poles and other industrial buildings visible in the background.

Text:

• The caption at the bottom reads, “The Bates Building, showing the Railroad Centre, and other Manufacturing Buildings, Attleboro, Mass.”
• Published for S.P. Clark & Co.
• There is a signature, “Nelson,” on the lower right side of the photograph.

Condition:

• The postcard is in good condition, with clear details and minimal signs of aging.
• The edges are slightly worn, but there are no significant creases or discoloration.

Interpretation: Historical Context:

• The Bates Building represents a key part of Attleboro’s industrial history, highlighting its role in manufacturing and the importance of the railroad to the town’s economy.
• The presence of multiple windows and the water tower indicates its use as a large-scale manufacturing facility, likely employing many local residents.

Cultural Importance:

• The building is part of the Railroad Centre, emphasizing the significance of the railroad in connecting Attleboro to other regions and supporting industrial growth.
• This postcard provides a glimpse into the town’s industrial landscape during the early 20th century, showcasing the scale and architecture of its manufacturing facilities.

Artistic Elements:

• The black and white photograph provides a detailed and realistic view of the building, capturing its architectural elements and the surrounding industrial area.
• The inclusion of the railroad tracks and telegraph poles adds depth and context to the image, highlighting the industrial nature of the area.

Overall Impression:

• This postcard effectively captures the essence of the Bates Building and its role within the Railroad Centre in Attleboro.
• It serves as a valuable historical document, illustrating the town’s industrial development and the architectural styles of the early 20th century.
• The image provides insight into the scale and significance of manufacturing in Attleboro, reflecting its economic and industrial heritage.

Additional Details: