BRADLEY, IL – The Bradley Historical Society, a devoted group of history enthusiasts, is seeking new members to join their ranks as they prepare to unveil a long-awaited museum in Bradley.
After more than two decades of tireless efforts, the society is finally on the brink of realizing their dream thanks to a generous donation and the support of village officials.
Established 23 years ago, the Bradley Historical Society faced numerous challenges in securing a dedicated building to house their cherished artifacts. Financial constraints hindered their progress until recently when Mayor Mike Watson came forward with a solution. The mayor recognized the importance of preserving the town’s rich history and offered a building to the society, which is currently undergoing renovation.
“Bradley has always been a working man’s town. We just want people to be able to take a glance back,” said Ryland Gagnon, president of the Bradley Historical Society. “We’re finally going to have a place to put a lot of stuff in there. We had three of the biggest manufacturers in the world here at one time.”
Plans are already underway to showcase furniture and David Bradley equipment at the site. The new museum site will be a testament to Bradley’s industrial past, showcasing the village’s contributions to manufacturing. With Peddinghaus and other reputable manufacturing companies still thriving in Bradley, the museum aims to honor the town’s working-class heritage and allow visitors to glimpse into its past.
“We’ve got some really neat smalls,” Gagnon explained, including local factory items like historic work badges and accounting books. “We have a lot of old pictures of factories here, and I think people would enjoy looking back and seeing the town’s journey.”
Additionally, the society hopes to create a space within the museum where older residents can gather and reminisce about their experiences growing up in Bradley. The inclusion of a microphone setup would allow them to share their stories, providing a unique perspective on the town’s history.
While the historical society has made significant progress, they understand the importance of ensuring the sustainability of their endeavors for years to come. As the current members recognize the passage of time, they are actively seeking new individuals who are passionate about preserving Bradley’s heritage to join their cause.
“We are looking for some people interested in Bradley history,” Gagnon explained. “We’re trying to round up a few more people interested in keeping this going because I won’t be around here forever.”
The future home of the Bradley Historical Society will be located at 428 W. Broadway, previously occupied by Chicagoland Aquariums, and only a short walk from the municipal building. The society plans on beautifying the building’s exterior with brickwork, adding to its historical charm.
Inside the museum, visitors will have the opportunity to explore a wide range of artifacts, including old hand plows manufactured by David Bradley and pulled by horses, providing a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the past.
The society’s ambitions received a tremendous boost earlier this month when Larry and Tarena Mapes, a Pennsylvania family, generously donated their prized David Bradley Tractor Collection to the museum. The collection includes ten David Bradley tractors and over 20 attachments, further enriching the museum’s offerings.
As the Bradley Historical Society’s new museum takes shape, the dedication and passion of its members serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving local history. With the support of the community and the enthusiasm of new recruits, the museum promises to become a cherished destination for visitors and residents alike, allowing them to appreciate the town’s remarkable journey from its industrial heyday to the present.
More information about the new site is expected to be announced at a later date. For more information on the Bradley Historical Society, or to download a membership forum, visit them online at BHSIL.org.
