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 100 block of West 2nd on the north side.
From the 1920s through the 1960s, West 1st and 2nd avenues were the "automobile dealers' rows" in Hutch.
One of those was Stuart Conklin, who first started by buying the Sol Arnold Motors at 122 W. 1st in 1941.
On Sept. 2, 1941, Stuart moved to 110 W. 2nd and became the Stuart Conklin Buick Co. with a service department. The first photo shows that move in a Hutch News article.
The second photo shows Stuart and his salesmen out front showing new Buick offerings in 1963. In the background, you can see a neon sign over the service drive-in.
The third photo shows that same sign, still intact today.
In 1975, they added Honda to their lineup.
In 1982, Conklin's purchased the Bob Bottomly dealership at 11th and Lorraine and moved there.
Meanwhile, back on 2nd Avenue between 1983 and 1990, 110 W. 2nd was R.J. Auto Parts or vacant.
In 1990, Peel's Beauty Supply was there until 1997.
In 2000, ONEOK Natural Gas leased the building from the Bob Boyd Trust, which eventually migrated into the Kansas Gas Service center. The fourth photo shows the occupancy during that time.
The fifth photo shows the 110-114 W. 2nd buildings today, now owned by the Et Cetera Shop of Hutch and being used as storage for their retail outlets.
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