Postcard Number: 2
Postcard Postmark Date: August 30, 1912, 7 AM, Attleboro, Mass.
Transcription: P.S. Friend,r.
Your number was given to me by 1376 as a good exchanger. Would you care to exchange with me?
Sincerely,
Clara Four, Attleboro, Mass.
Jos. H. Neuman
North Dover
Ohio
Context: Main Image: The postcard depicts the James E. Blake Company building in Attleboro, Massachusetts, with a clear view of the factory complex and surrounding area.
Details: Foreground:
- The image shows a well-paved street in front of the factory, with visible trolley tracks curving along the road. It is the corner of Mill and Union Streets.
- The street is empty, providing an unobstructed view of the factory buildings.
Middle Ground:
- The main factory building is a large, two-story brick structure with numerous windows, suggesting a well-lit interior.
- An entrance with a prominent archway and steps is visible in the center of the brick building.
- Trees partially obscure parts of the building, adding a touch of greenery to the industrial scene.
Background:
- To the right of the main building, additional factory buildings made of wood with large windows are visible, indicating the expansive nature of the factory complex.
- The buildings are interconnected, showing a cohesive industrial setup.
Text:
- The top right of the postcard reads “The James E. Blake Co., Attleboro, Mass.” in black text.
- A sign on one of the buildings to the far right reads “ELECTRIC CHAIN CO.”
Condition:
- The postcard is in fair condition, with some visible wear and tear along the edges.
- The colors are slightly faded, giving the image a vintage appearance.
- There are some faint marks or lines across the image but they do not significantly detract from the overall scene.
Interpretation: Historical Context:
- The James E. Blake Company was a significant industrial enterprise in Attleboro, known for manufacturing jewelry and related products.
- The presence of the Electric Chain Company sign indicates the diversity of industrial operations in the area.
Cultural Importance:
- The factory represents the industrial heritage of Attleboro, which was known for its jewelry manufacturing industry.
- The postcard highlights the scale and importance of industrial operations in the town’s economy and history.
Artistic Elements:
- The use of color highlights the factory buildings and contrasts them with the surrounding greenery and street.
- The perspective of the postcard, with the curved trolley tracks leading the viewer’s eye towards the factory, adds depth to the image.
Overall Impression:
- This postcard effectively captures the industrial aspect of Attleboro, showcasing the prominent James E. Blake Company factory.
- The combination of the factory buildings, the empty street, and the greenery provides a balanced view of this significant location in the town.
- The postcard serves as a valuable piece of historical documentation, illustrating the architectural and industrial landscape of early 20th-century Attleboro.
Additional Details: [1908, 1c George Washington, green, perforated, type IV]
