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 2600 block of East 4th Avenue on the south side.
In 1953, Albert Sullivan, an airways operator for the Civil Aeronautics Administration, decided to build a motel at 2605 E. 4th. He named it the Sunset Motel. The first photo shows the Sunset Motel at opening on busy U.S. Highway 50 South (4th Avenue at that time).
In 1955, adjacent to the Sunset Motel, Edwyn and Ethyle Beasley built and opened Eddie's Sunset Restaurant. The second photo shows that enterprise at opening.
In 1962, The Gibson Products Company, selling general merchandise, built and opened a location at 2601 E. 4th, with Felton Elliott as manager. That later became Gibson Discount Center in 1967 at 1125 E. 4th. The third photo shows the buildings and signage of all these businesses about 1968, right before U.S. 50 was rerouted to the south side of the city, which changed the dynamic of businesses when it was running straight through town.
The fourth photo shows the Sunset Motel today, still located at 2605 E. 4th and owned by Bento Boutique Hotel L.L.C. out of North Miami, Florida.
To purchase a photo print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum