PEORIA, Ill. – The former home of Bradley University founder Lydia Moss Bradley still stands on Moss Avenue in Peoria.
The home, a three-story mansion, was built in 1856 with Tobias and Lydia Moss Bradley moving into the house in 1858.
Now, new Bradley University President James Shadid wants the home to be fixed up so it can be used for university and community events.
“It’s fallen into a little disrepair,” Shadid told WMBD’s “The Phil Luciano Show.” “It’s one of my goals to restore it so not only can it be used by Bradley to entertain or to host guests but also to make it a community asset.”
This is not the first time renovation of the home has been discussed.
“I talked to the last three (Bradley) presidents about restoring Lydia Moss Bradley’s house,” Shadid said, “and now I guess I’m in a position where I get to do it.”
The house was given to the university in the 1980s and had been rented to faculty members.
“My idea is to at least restore the first floor,” Shadid explained. “It’s a beautiful place. Use it for community events and Bradley events.”
A Central Illinois Landmark Foundation historical marker is located along the sidewalk in front of the house.
1470 & 100.3 WMBD/Ed Hammond
Comments