B. Harley Bradley Home- A David Bradley Story
David Bradley collectors may enjoy touring the B. Harley Bradley House. David Bradley collectibles come in all shapes and sizes. The David Bradley story is one is a fun one, but this story is devoted to the home belonging to David Bradly’s grandson.
The house was built by Frank Lloyd Wright. Located in Kankakee, Illinois along the Kankakee River, the house is thought to be his first Prairie Style design house.
B. Harley Bradley is the grandson of agricultural manufacturer David Bradley. B. Harley Bradley inherited his wealth from his grandfather. He worked at the business when his house was built.
Who was David Bradley?
According to Sears Roebuck history, “In 1832, David Bradley, a young pioneer mechanic and foundryman in Chicago, designed and built a plow that turned its own furrow. Bradley designed this plow specifically with the boggy, heavy, virgin prairie of the Midwest in mind. The success of this plow made David Bradley an important manufacturer of farm equipment. At first, David Bradley manufactured a wide range of agricultural items, including wagons, rakes, binders, planters and more. As Sears did with many of its popular brands, the company added many other products under the name of David Bradley. By the mid-20th century, the Bradley line swelled to include lawn and garden equipment, chain saws, furniture, barbecue grills and other items.”
David Bradley Company History
David Bradley moved to Chicago in 1832. He entered a partnership with Conrad Furst in 1854. Together they made agricultural equipment. In 1884, David Bradley and his sons purchased Furst’s share of the business. The company was renamed the “David Bradley Manufacturing Company”. Just a few years later, in 1895, the company relocated to North Kankakee. Town fathers were appreciative of David Bradley moving his company to the area. Because of this, they renamed the town Bradley in his honor.
David Bradley passed away at his home in Chicago on February 19, 1899. He is buried at Rosehill Cemetery.
According to the David Bradley history page, “In 1910, Sears, Roebuck, and Co. purchases the David Bradley Manufacturing Co”.
The Sears Story
In 1919 Sears added a large warehouse to the existing Bradley factory. The company became part of The Newark Ohio Company. They were owned by Sears. In 1958, the George D. Roper Corporation bought the Newark Ohio Company. This ended Sears connection to the David Bradley company. The company name changed to the Newark Ohio, Co., Bradley Division. In 1982, the Bradley Roper plant was donated to the Village of Bradley. Tragedy struck in 1986. Six of the buildings were destroyed by fire. Today some of the company name still remains on a few buildings.
The B. Harley Bradley House!
Bob Bohlmann, the Executive Director of the B. Harley House is a retired architect. He shared that Frank Lloyd Wright also built another house right next door. There is the B. Harley built for B. Harley Bradley and his wife, Anna Hickox Bradley. Then, there is the house Wright built for Bradley’s brother-in-law Warren Hickox Jr. The Warren Hickox Jr. house, Bob said, was designed for residential use and has always been a home. It is not open for tours and is a private residence.
The B. Harley Bradley House was a residence for 13 years for B. Harley Bradley and his wife Anna and their daughter Margaret. When the Bradley’s lived in the home, his parents Byron C. and Alice Wilbur Bradley lived with them. They stayed in the upstairs master bedroom. “We believe B. Harley had polio as a child and his bedroom was downstairs and his parents’ upstairs,” Bob explained.
On the sleeping porch, there is a bit of the Bradley family and manufacturing history. This part of the home also profiles the beautiful art windows with the tulip designs which offer a great view.
In 1913 when the cost of the house was too much. The Bradley family traded the sprawling Wright house for a farm. They moved to Onawa, Iowa. Margaret age, 19 went with them. Within a year, B. Harley Bradley committed suicide when debts were piling up. Anna and Margaret returned to Kankakee to be with her in-laws.
While living in the house B. Harley and Anna’s suite was downstairs. One of the highlights was the amazing walk-in closet.
After the Bradley’s
After the Bradley’s moved out, the home became a bird sanctuary. Then later it was a restaurant the Yesteryear Inn. In 1986, it was purchased by Stephen B. Small who planned to renovate the home. Sadly, he was kidnapped and murdered. This was before he could restore the home to its former glory.
From 1990 – 2005, the home was a law and architect office. The Stable and Carriage House fell into disrepair. Thankfully both structures were saved. This was because of restoration efforts by architect Gaines Hall and his wife Sharon.
Today the home is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The home has been restored close to its original condition. The house is missing many original furnishings and artifacts. This allows the property to be rented for events. In 2010, a non-profit group,” Wright in Kankakee” purchased the property to operate as a historical house museum. The B. Harley Bradley House is located at 701 S. Harrison in Kankakee. Call 815-936-9630 to find out tour times, or log onto their website for details.
If you are like us and enjoy touring Wright homes, read about other Wright places we have been! Frank Lloyd Wright’s Child of the Sun Chapels! – Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Mark on Mason City Iowa – Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl, The Rookery, a Frank Lloyd Wright Connection – Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl, Frank Lloyd Wright’s design – the King Kamehameha Golf Club -picture by Keith Ladage – Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl, and The Dana Thomas House built by Frank Lloyd Wright, decorated for the Holidays – Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl.
