The R. F. Simmons Company Building

Context: Main Image: The postcard shows the R. F. Simmons Company Building in Attleboro, Massachusetts, depicting a large industrial structure with a mix of brick and white-painted facades.

Details: Foreground:

• A vintage automobile with several passengers is seen driving past the building, with smoke trailing behind, adding a dynamic element to the scene.
• A man is standing near the road, looking towards the building, providing a sense of scale.

Middle Ground:

• The R. F. Simmons Company Building is prominently featured, consisting of multiple sections with varying heights and architectural styles.
• The left part of the building is a white-painted structure with large windows, identified with the company’s name displayed at the top.
• The central and right sections are red-brick buildings with tall chimneys, indicating industrial usage.

Background:

• The background includes trees and additional smaller structures, giving context to the industrial setting.
• The sky is depicted with soft pastel colors, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the postcard.

Text:

• The bottom of the postcard reads “Attleboro, Mass. The R. F. Simmons Company Building.” in clear text.

Condition:

• The postcard is in good condition with vibrant colors and minimal signs of wear.
• There are some minor marks and speckles, particularly on the sky portion, but they do not detract significantly from the overall image.

Interpretation: Historical Context:

• The R. F. Simmons Company was an important industrial entity in Attleboro, reflecting the town’s rich manufacturing heritage.
• The presence of the automobile indicates the postcard dates from the early 20th century, a period of significant industrial growth.

Cultural Importance:

• The factory represents a key aspect of Attleboro’s economic history, showcasing the town’s role in manufacturing and industry.
• The inclusion of the automobile and the individual on the street adds a human element, connecting the industrial landscape with everyday life.

Artistic Elements:

• The use of color creates a visually appealing contrast between the white and red-brick sections of the building and the pastel sky.
• The dynamic presence of the automobile adds movement to the scene, making the industrial setting more lively.

Overall Impression:

• This postcard effectively captures the significance of the R. F. Simmons Company Building within Attleboro’s industrial landscape.
• The combination of architectural details, the automobile, and the human figure provides a well-rounded view of this historical site.
• The postcard serves as a valuable piece of historical documentation, illustrating the industrial and social environment of early 20th-century Attleboro.

Additional Details: