Moss Bradley Walking Tour
Neighborhood… "a particular region," "people living near one another," "a segregated area of a larger district." This may be how Webster defines "neighborhood," but a visit to the Moss-Bradley neighborhood will show you how incomplete this definition is. We are a group of people, in a variety of houses, amid the culture of a university, in the center of a city, who work together to create a very special living environment.
In the early twentieth century, High Street and Moss Avenue attracted many wealthy Peorians—they used their imaginations and money to build their dream houses on the bluff. This opulence can still be found in the ornamental iron works, turrets, and fish scale shingles that adorn many of our neighborhood’s houses. The years have brought many alterations, but as you walk through our neighborhood you will still find the beauty and attention to detail that made this area Peoria's preeminent neighborhood in the late nineteenth century. You will see careful workmanship throughout the area—from the substantial "four-squares" to the small worker cottages.
Formed more than 30 years ago, our residential association helps ensure the survival of our architecture and our relationships. And we continue to meet and study and work and celebrate together. We voted to make part of our area an historic district, limiting our personal choices in maintenance and alterations to preserve the character of the neighborhood.
We invite you to enjoy this walking tour, learn some of our area's history, view our homes and gardens, and stop and chat. Welcome!