Nov 30, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: A&W Root Beer Drive-In - Vol. 46

Posted Nov 30, 2023 12:00 PM
A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

Hutch Post, in partnership with Steve Harmon and the Conard-Harmon Collection, is proud to present Throwback Thursday. Enjoy a weekly release from Steve Harmon as he presents the "Hutch - Then & Now Collection."

STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor

Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the unit block of East 30th Avenue on the south side.

The very first A&W Root Beer Drive-In in Hutch was built in May of 1956 by William Owens at 27 E. 30th. The first photo shows the drive-in on an August 1959 evening.

A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The second photo shows one of the carhops in action the same day.

A&W Drive-In - with carhop - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
A&W Drive-In - with carhop - Coberly Properties - 27 E. 30th - August 1959. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In 1962, Gordon and Marge Troyer purchased the business and continued there until 1967 when they moved the drive-in to 206 W. 4th. They were only there until the end of 1968.

In 1969, Ron and Jean Peterson purchased the old 27 E. 30th property, razed the old building and built a more-modern A&W Root Beer Drive-In there again. That A&W outlet was there until the end of 1978.

Since then, a small office building has occupied the property. The third photo shows the 27 E. 30th property today, with The Trust Company of Kansas and A New You Day Spa residing there. The building is owned by the Shamar 1300 L.L.C.

A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - The Trust Company of Kansas - 27 E. 30th - Oct. 23, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
A&W Drive-In - Coberly Properties - The Trust Company of Kansas - 27 E. 30th - Oct. 23, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum

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