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 southwest corner of West Avenue A and South Madison.
As Hutchinson was growing rapidly in the late 1880s, so was its school system.
In 1889, three grade schools were built.
Allen Grade School at 10th Avenue and Monroe was for children living on the west side of town. Fourth Avenue School at 4th and Pershing was for those on the east side, and Avenue A Grade School at Avenue A and Madison was for those on the southwest side. The first photo shows the Avenue A Grade School at completion in 1889.
This school was closed and razed in 1939. That year, the first units of the modern buildings of Allen and Avenue A were completed for $300,000 each. The second photo shows the Avenue A school when it was being converted away from an all-elementary school format.
The third photo shows the school today at 111 S. Madison, now home to U.S.D. 308's Salthawk Pre-K and Academy with Mrs. Melissa Evans as its principal.
To purchase a photo print, contact: sharmon5@cox.net.
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away