Bradley Special Collections

Bradley Special Collections We are the Virginius H. Chase Special Collections Center and Archives at Bradley University.

Back in 1937, a man named Harold Spies set a long distance record for Bradley when he traveled 100 miles every day by tr...
05/06/2026

Back in 1937, a man named Harold Spies set a long distance record for Bradley when he traveled 100 miles every day by train from his home in Bureau, Illinois to Peoria, Illinois to attend school. He was written about quite a few times in the Peoria Newspapers. Quoted from one of the newspapers that it was, “Over three times the distance around the globe…” Let’s take a look at the things his family put into a scrapbook about his time at Bradley.

Photo 1: One of the newspaper clippings of Harold. Harold himself was quoted as saying, “I have made many interesting acquaintances in my travels back and forth, including several high railroad officials. But I have never had any really exciting experiences such as being involved in train wrecks.”
Photo 2: Another time Harold was written about in the newspaper.
Photo 3: A postcard of Bradley Hall that he got for his family.
Photo 4: A photo of Bradley Students with Harold Spies included.
Photo 5: The graduation pamphlet with Harold’s name with X’s right next to it. He graduated on June 14th, 1937 but still had work to complete during the summer. Which would mean more traveling.
Photo 6: The Wards scholarship memorandums that helped Harold get into Bradley University.

Let’s take a look at Bradley 50 years ago in 1976! Photo 1: Girls spend time talking on the phone in the Harper-Wyckoff ...
05/04/2026

Let’s take a look at Bradley 50 years ago in 1976!

Photo 1: Girls spend time talking on the phone in the Harper-Wyckoff halls.
Photo 2: A snowball fight breaks out on campus!
Photo 3: A flip is performed with precision on campus.
Photo 4: Harry Chapin, famous for the songs “Cat’s in the Cradle” and “Taxi,” performs at Bradley University.
Photo 5: Three girls from Sigma Delta Tau fight over a board game.
Photo 6: A couple dances together at Homecoming.
Photo 7: Bradley Basketball Player, Mike Davis, runs through a tunnel of cheerleaders.
Photo 8: A girl works on her typewriter and reads her notes in University Hall.
Photo 9: A man works on a painting in the Art Department.
Photo 10: A group of students chow down on pizza.
Photo 11: The changes in equality introduces women into new areas of studies. As quoted in this yearbook from Dr. Peter Bulkeley who was the dean of the College of Engineering and Technology at Bradley underneath this photo; “The number of female students enrolled in the school of engineering has increased from 9 in 1971, to 55 this year.”

"Protein Power: Unpacking Food and Gender in 21st Century America"Dr. Emily ContoisThursday, April 23 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. |...
04/23/2026

"Protein Power: Unpacking Food and Gender in 21st Century America"
Dr. Emily Contois
Thursday, April 23 | 4:30–5:30 p.m. | Westlake 116

Scientists, nutritionists, physicians and more have long debated the amount and type of protein the human body needs as well as related questions, such as whether exercise or physical activity increases the body’s need for protein. “[I]n the powerful muscles of a blacksmith, for example, there is more living matter to maintain than in the puny muscles of a sedentary indoor worker. ” Thomas Parsons wrote this in his 1930 book, The Material of Life (no offense taken, btw). Parsons also suggests just 70 grams or 2.5 ozs of protein a day is perfect “for a woman in good health and average size,” though the specifics are left to our imagination. How people have talked about protein has also changed over time. While Parson spoke bluntly and scientifically about needing to achieve “nitrogenous equilibrium” in our diets, other authors preferred analogies. In a 1925 book entitled The Newer Knowledge of Nutrition, the authors believed protein nutrition was best “illustrated by comparing the digestion products of the protein molecule to the letters of the alphabet.”(see images because I just can’t….) In a 1931 publication, The Family’s Food, three Domestic Economy professors write: “...our bodies are like engines in that both require fuel if they are to perform work. As with an engine, parts wear out and need replacement….So it is with our bodies.”

Anyway, come to Dr. Emily Contois’s talk today at 4:30 p.m. to learn how conversation about and consumption of protein continues to change over time.

These passages come from books selected from the Charles A. Bennett book collection in the Bradley University Archives. One of Bradley’s original faculty and a pioneer in the Industrial Arts Education Movement, Charles Bennett also founded the Manual Arts Press in Peoria.




A folder was found with a few miscellaneous photos housed inside. Written on the back of quite a few of these were typic...
04/20/2026

A folder was found with a few miscellaneous photos housed inside. Written on the back of quite a few of these were typically ‘Region #4 Tourism Council’ and quite a few were taken by Betty Masterson. These beautiful photos were taken from both the 1970s and the 1980s.

Photo 1: A view of the Illinois River from Grandview Drive with Sailboats dotting the water.
Photo 2: Another photo of a boat sailing on the Illinois River.
Photo 3: Another view of the Illinois River for Grandview Drive.
Photo 4: A photo of Tower Park in Peoria Heights.
Photo 5: Sledding at Detweiller Park in Peoria.
Photo 6: A photo of Caterpillar from October 29, 1975.
Photo 7: The Glen Oak Park petting zoo.
Photo 8: A photo of the Santa Parade in 1974 which goes through downtown Peoria.
Photo 9: A photo of two people skiing down a hill.

Let’s take a look at Bradley 40 years ago in 1986! Photo 1: Amy Peterson, Shelly Callison, and Jenny Todd compare their ...
04/17/2026

Let’s take a look at Bradley 40 years ago in 1986!

Photo 1: Amy Peterson, Shelly Callison, and Jenny Todd compare their notes.
Photo 2: Residents of the second floor of Williams watch a Bradley basketball game together, reveling in the winning streak.
Photo 3: Jerry Thomas pulls up for a jump shot.
Photo 4: Beth Nelson and Donna Stenson enjoy some sunbathing in South Padre during their spring break.
Photo 5: Jenny Woods finds a grassy spot to sunbathe.
Photo 6: A group of Theta Chi members pose for a picture on their fraternity’s page.
Photo 7: Beth Hawkins, the pitcher of the softball team, states her thoughts on the team’s success during a pre-game interview with Station 25 news.
Photo 8: Dorm life on campus. On the top left, Jim Webb locks his door before heading to class. On the top right, Jill Armatage and Kathleen Stevenson meet in the T.V. Lounge to watch their soaps. Lisa Wodis and Michelle Kendrick make a silly face at the camera.
Photo 9: Derby Days! On the top left, Sigma Kappa and Alpha Chi Omega compete in a three-legged race. On the right, Hiedi TerHorst and Krista Sorensen work on decorating their sidewalk. On the bottom, Sigma Kappa claims their victory.
Photo 10: Bradley sets up a new touch-tone telephone registration system. At the time, Bradley was only the third institute to enter into the new technology. It met with frustrations from the students. To the side, Mike Hannon clutches a phone and registration book as he tries to get through to the computer. At the bottom, Sharon Smullen tosses an old dial phone into the trash.

Spring brings about good weather, a chance to finally get outside and enjoy those hobbies you just don’t have the chance...
03/27/2026

Spring brings about good weather, a chance to finally get outside and enjoy those hobbies you just don’t have the chance to during the winter. We don’t always know their names, but the trail-blazing women spent their days on their motorcycles under the open skies. These photos span from different places in the world and different time periods showing a different side to what we might have thought these women would be doing in these decades. Do you recognize any of these women? Can you tell us about the motorcycles they’re riding? Can you imagine what riding might have meant to them? The information we do know is listed underneath.

Photo 1: Unknown
Photo 2: Unknown
Photo 3: Unknown
Photo 4: Unknown
Photo 5: Unknown
Photo 6: Unknown
Photo 7: Unknown
Photo 8: This woman sits atop her Shadow Honda Motorcycle sometime in the 1970s.
Photo 9: A woman leans against her Harley “Trike” at a motorcycle show in America.
Photo 10: Unknown

Photo 1: The scrapbook is full of newspaper clippings and photos, including engagement and marriage announcements, soror...
03/09/2026

Photo 1: The scrapbook is full of newspaper clippings and photos, including engagement and marriage announcements, sorority activities, but also scenes of life on campus. Marilyn Williams, top left. New pledges washing stairs and having an egg rolling contest, bottom.
Photo 2: Kay Walker posing with a stylish letterman.
Photo 3: The Freshman-Sophomore dance committee have a snowball fight, top. Notice the beanies. Home Economics club, below. Pictures include: Edwin Klump, William Frey, Sue Sprenger, Tom Cartwright, Barbara Blair, Lyle Geeting, Lorraine Gustafson, Pauline Trego, Ruth Gregg, Mary Ann Streid, Frances Holtzman, Elizabeth Albright, Phyllis Webb, Margaret Hallsted, Gerry Herrmann, Elaine Urban, Ida K. Schmidt, Beatrice Benson, and Mrs. Gault.
Photo 4: A Lambda Phi invitation. It reads: Lambda Phi Sorority invites Harriet Cook to become a member. Please present this invitation at your pledge service at Lambda Phi House at five o’clock September 21st, 1934.
Photo 5: Inter-fraternity dance advertising with Betty Kimmig and Shirley Moran. On the left is Betty Kimmig, a member of Lambda Phi.
Photo 6: Barbara Blair, a Lambda Phi member and the chairman of the annual Bradley mixer, greets freshmen on campus with Jessie Riegel, Jane McClugage, Pat Haskins, and Marynette Chamberlain.
Photo 7: Admiring a mural: Beverly Alsen and Barbara Lund. Champion Archers: Kay Logan, Jean Hinds, Marg Hill, Dorothy Janssen, Evelyn Parks, and Mary Smallman. Photos by Flavel Shurtleff. Track Meet: Marjorie Simon, Virginia Ford, Kay Crisler, and Marian Sweeney.
Photo 8: Proctor Pool opens for summer: Polly Petty, Nancy Harmon, Hazel Houchens, Marjorie Simon, Marian Galbraith. . Turf bowling: Phyllis Springer, Betty Bryant, Ursula Maister, and Pat Haskins.. Notice that the newspaper gives their home addresses!
Photo 9: The Lambda Phi sorority preps for a charity ball on Saturday, April 5th. The committee of women gather to look over the final steps taken to complete the preparations.
Photo 10: Lambda Phi sorority elected officers: Anne Pattison, Eileen Backes, Jeanne Hinds, Lois Robertson, Phyllis Webb, Margaret Hedges, and Marilyn Jacob.

With the Winter Olympics happening, it’s important to talk about one of our own amazing skaters from Peoria. Matthew Sav...
02/16/2026

With the Winter Olympics happening, it’s important to talk about one of our own amazing skaters from Peoria. Matthew Savoie, a Bradley alum, is a three-time bronze medal winner in figure skating US championships and earned his way onto the 2006 U.S. Olympic team. He spent much of his time in college winning bronze and pewter medals. He graduated with a degree in Political Science in 2002. Let’s take a look at Matt’s time at Bradley.

Photo 1: A photo of Matt in the Bradley Hilltopics!
Photo 2: Another photo from the article.
Photo 3: When Matt was graduating, the 2002 Winter Olympics were happening in Salt Lake City, Utah!
Photo 4: A look at campus life. With signs and a few important hellos.
Photo 5: Move-in day! Lots of smiling faces around.
Photo 6: A few small joys of Bradley in 2002. Like checking your email, decorating the bathroom walls, or getting the mail in your dorm hall.
Photo 7: Rob Romadka plays a game of euchre, a very popular card game at the time!
Photo 8: A few buildings and sights at Bradley!
Photo 9: A few more activities going on on campus. Recycling to save the planet, a good frisbee toss, and, once again, the love of checking your email.
Photo 10: More campus activities. Preparing for the activities fair and, once again, decorating the bathroom!
Photo 11: A look at Campus Town in 2002! Complete with a Blockbuster video and the McDonalds right down the street!

Today we’re looking at a few old textbooks used in classes at Bradley University. Textbook of Botany, Practical Electric...
02/13/2026

Today we’re looking at a few old textbooks used in classes at Bradley University. Textbook of Botany, Practical Electricity for Beginners, Landscape Painting, and Physics of the Home. These textbooks helped students at the time achieve their educational goals and grow as Bradley students.
Photo 1: The inside of the Landscape Painting textbook from 1911.
Photo 2: Another look at the inside of the Landscape Painting Textbook.
Photo 3: A page on electrical pressures from Practical Electricity for Beginners.
Photo 4: Another look at a page from Practical Electricity for Beginners.
Photo 5: Another look into Practical Electricity for Beginners, this time on Flow of Electrical Currents.
Photo 6: A look into Physics of the Home, looking at machines, specifically a sewing machine.
Photo 7: Another look into the Physics of the Home.
Photo 8: A drawing of corn in the Textbook of Botany.
Photo 9: Notes left by a student in one of the textbooks.
Photo 10: A look at all the textbooks

Back in the 1800s, it was common to pick up souvenir books from the cities you visited. They came with photos of the sit...
02/11/2026

Back in the 1800s, it was common to pick up souvenir books from the cities you visited. They came with photos of the sites and different buildings around the cities. You could show people the places you had been even without a camera! These are two Souvenir books from the Peoria Historical Society all about what was around Peoria at that time. The two books were created in 1897.

Photo 1: The Pavilion at Glen Oak Park.
Photo 2: Peoria Women’s Club and Music Hall
Photo 3: The Glen Retreat at Glen Oak Park.
Photo 4: Bridge and Pond at Glen Oak Park
Photo 5: The Court House with the Y.M.C.A and Opera House in the background.
Photo 6: The Illinois River Front
Photo 7: The Y.M.C.A and the National Hotel
Photo 8: The Conservatory at Glen Oak Park
Photo 9: The Peoria Public Library
Photo 10: The covers of the two souvenir books.

Scrapbooking has been around for hundreds of years, first recognized in the 15th century. This is a copy of "The Annals ...
02/09/2026

Scrapbooking has been around for hundreds of years, first recognized in the 15th century. This is a copy of "The Annals of my College Life" by Frances F. Gilbert. It follows the school year of Hazel Martha Brown in 1909. Let’s dive into her life that year.

Photo 1: The cover of the scrapbook.
Photo 2: A small engraving saying ‘Dedicated to the Sweet Girl Graduate.’
Photo 3: The third page is her name, her university, and the year she attended. At this point, Bradley University was known as Bradley Polytechnic Institute.
Photo 4: A few buildings on campus at the time. Bradley Hall and the Gymnasium, now the Hartmann Center for the Performing Arts.
Photo 5: Some teachers at the time. Note under her chemistry professor’s photo she writes ‘According to the latest molecular theory… help!!’
Photo 6: A few photos of Hazel Brown.
Photo 7: A photo of her sorority sisters and herself stating: ‘Glad to see your back-again.’
Photo 8: Her book mark that she put into her scrapbook.
Photo 9: Invitation to sorority and university events.
Photo 10: A few other buildings like the original weather bureau and the sports area. Under the sporting field reads: ‘Where we get sun-burned.’

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1501 W Bradley Avenue
Peoria, IL
61625

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Wednesday 9am - 4:30pm
Thursday 9am - 4:30pm
Friday 9am - 4:30pm

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