Peoria Landmark #269
Text from the Cache of an article about Lydia Moss Bradley (the actual web page wouldn’t load):
In 1858, Tobias Bradley, already a successful businessman with interests in banking, railroads, steamboats, distilleries and real estate, built an imposing brick residence which stands today at 802 W. Moss. Mrs. Bradley continued to live at this house until her death on January 16, 1908.
Josh Harris: “Is it the old street that runs between Moss and MLK jr. I think its called Malvern. Malvern still exists off of Moss and runs between Westminster Presbyterian but stops. It used to go all the way through.”
Scott O’Brien, who took these photos, described it this way: “These photos are of Malvern Lane. If you are not familiar with it, this lane used to link Moss Ave and MLK. The top of it is behind the church in the 1400 block of Moss.”
View from the street:
Well, you’re all kinda close; this is the carriage house or stable of the William R. Bush home at 703 W. Moss.
Judging by the two air conditioner units and trash cans, it appears to have been modified into apartments with the physical address as 702 & 706 W. St. James St.
The the view from the street is at the corner of Sheridan and St.James, one street north of Moss. As I was driving around I noticed the CILF plaque on the street side. CILF stands for Central Illinois Landmarks Foundation. It didn’t look like much until I walked around into the back yard of the private residence (normally I wouldn’t do that, but doesn’t a CILF plaque somewhat invite a little investigation?) From the yard is where I took the original photo. It has a sign which reads:
William R. Bush Stable
Circa 1889
Once Served
Stable – Ground Floor
Hayloft & Handyman Quarters – Second Floor
I know no other information about this structure or the man. I welcome anyone who does to share and help fill in the blanks.
On a Saturday morning, as I updated this post, I explained to my wife that I couldn’t find anything about it online and only found a brief mention in a book I have- with a sarcastic grin on her face, she said “well, the kids are gone, so why don’t you run down to the library and see what you can find?”
Mapgirl recognizes the Pettengill-Morron House on Moss Ave, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, and owned by the Peoria Historical Society.