Bradford Community Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Boys and Girls Library
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 Location in Wisconsin
Location in the United States
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| Location | 5810 8th Ave., Kenosha, Wisconsin |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1907 |
| Architect | N. Max Dunning |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 80000144 |
| Added to NRHP | October 24, 1980 |
The Bradford Community Church in Kenosha, Wisconsin, is a special historic building. It was built way back in 1907. This building has had a few names over the years, starting as the Henry M. Simmons Memorial Church and later becoming the Boys and Girls Library. It's famous for being led by Kenosha's very first woman pastor when it was a church.
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A Building with Many Stories
This historic building has played many important roles in Kenosha. It started as a church, then became a library just for kids, and later even housed restaurants. Today, it is once again a church, serving the community.
The Church's Early Days
The building was first known as the Henry M. Simmons Memorial Church. It was built in 1907 for Pastor Florence Buck. She was a very important person because she was the first woman to lead a church in Kenosha. Pastor Buck had a big role in designing the church building itself. She later became a leader in religious education for a national organization. The building's design was created by N. Max Dunning, who grew up in Kenosha.
Becoming a Library for Kids
In 1929, the city of Kenosha bought the church building. They decided to turn it into something very special: a library just for boys and girls! It was named the "Boys and Girls Library." This library opened on April 12, 1929. It was the first library in Wisconsin made only for children, and only the third one like it in the entire country. Imagine having a whole library just for you and your friends!
The Boys and Girls Library served the community for five decades, helping many young people discover the joy of reading. It closed its doors in 1979. After that, the city sold the building to a private owner, and it was used for different restaurants and bars for a while.
A Historic Landmark
Because of its important history, the building was recognized as a special place. On October 24, 1980, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's considered a building worth protecting because of its history and architecture.
In 1993, a local church group bought the building. They brought it back to its original purpose as a church. They renamed it the Bradford Community Church. This new name honors Mary D. Bradford, who was an important educational reformer and a leader in the original church group. One of Kenosha's public high schools is also named after her.
In 2020, an empty car lot next to the church was damaged during some local events. The church building itself was not directly involved.
Building Design and Style
The Bradford Community Church building was designed in a style called Gothic Revival. This style often looks like old European churches and castles.
Key Features of the Architecture
- Stone Walls: The building is made of limestone, which is a strong, light-colored stone. It sits on a foundation also made of limestone.
- Tower: On the northeast side of the church, there is a square tower with a special top called "crenelated." This means it has a pattern of solid parts and open spaces, like the top of a castle wall.
- Main Entrance: The front door has two parts and is located in the tower. It's shaped like a pointed arch, which is a common feature in Gothic style. Stone decorations surround the arch.
- Roof and Windows: The main part of the building has a pointed roof, called a gable roof. The front of this roof has a large, beautiful window made of leaded glass.
- Special Rooms: A small room was built on the north side of the building. It was first used for an organ, then as a small chapel. Today, this room is used as the minister's office and a library.
