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 north side of the intersection of East 20th and North Ash.
In 1911, the Kansas State Fair moved into its new, larger property northeast of 20th and Main.
About 1915, two large red brick towers to house the main pedestrian gate at 20th and Ash were constructed.
The Hutchinson Interurban Trolley extended to this point as a drop-off from downtown with a turnaround at this location. The first photo shows the pedestrian gate and towers taken by the Kansas City Slide Co. in 1920.
The second photo shows the other side of the towers within the fairground's property, showing well-manicured gardens and wide sidewalks.
After the trolley cars were discontinued, these routes were replaced with bus routes from the 1940s through the mid-1960s. The third photo shows the same pedestrian gate towers about 1950.
The stately old towers were razed about 1965 with the reconfigurement of the walk-in gate system. The fourth photo shows the same location today, now known as Gate 2 at 20th and Ash.
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Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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