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 West 2nd Avenue, just west of Main Street.
Almost immediately after the development of the pedal-driven velocipede in the 1860s, people began to use the bicycle for delivery purposes. When that evolved into motorcycles, it became even quicker.
These "Messenger Companies" usually revolved around central business districts. These companies were so popular that the U.S. Post Office even dedicated a postage stamp to them. The first photo shows that from 1902.
The second photo shows one of Hutchinson's companies.
This street pose was most likely the USYO Baggage & Messenger Service of 11 W. 2nd in front of the office in 1918.
Right across the street, directly behind the Midland Hotel, was the S.M. Johnson Motorcycle shop at 26 W. 2nd and the Indian Motorcycle Dealership at 28 W. 2nd.
The dating on the photo is helped by the background businesses of Citizens Bank at 200 N. Main and the F.W. Woolworth Co. at 204 N. Main. The third photo shows the view from approximately the same vantage point 106 years later.
NOTE: The Midland was razed in 1931 and the Wolcott Building was built in 1937.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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