Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
BRADLEY, William L. Sr.
BRADLEY, William L., Sr. (Ohio-Dubuque, IA, 1904). In 1890 Bradley, once a school teacher, was the moving force behind the formation of the GRAND OPERA HOUSE, INC., the company that constructed the GRAND OPERA HOUSE and later owned the STRAND THEATER, AVON THEATER and had a business interest in the ORPHEUM THEATER. Bradley later bought the interests of his partners and reorganized the company to include his three brothers and one sister.
Bradley also had real estate interests in Dubuque. On July 21, 1858, he registered Bradley's Subdivision along Southern Avenue and Samuel Street. In 1876 he purchased the LORIMIER HOUSE. At the time of his death, Bradley was the city's highest paying taxpayer.