The latest project at the Bradford Pioneer Village Museum is a drastic facelift to the Cottage.
    The Cottage is the only original home on the grounds. The VanGorder family lived there and were care-takers for the Little Brown Church.
    At some point in time, the wood siding was covered with artificial brick asphalt siding called Insul-brick. This was a very popular siding in the mid-20th century.
    The siding has been removed to discover the wood siding underneath is in decent shape and can be restored with some work. The house was once a pale yellow with brown trim around the windows and doors. After it is restored to its original colors, it will make a nice bright spot in the middle of the museum grounds.
    The members of the Historical Society met for their regular meeting on Aug. 12 and toured the outside of the building as it was explained to them what was going to happen with the cottage.
    Other improvements included the new windows built by Gerald Bailey for the Smith cabin. All the windows have been replaced in the cabin. The upstairs windows were also fitted with screens, enabling them to be open when the weather is nice.
    There are still many projects to be done at the museum and money is still needed to finish all the projects. Donations can be sent to Old Bradford Pioneer Village Museum Fund at 2729 Cheyenne Ave., Nashua, IA 50658.