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 southeast corner of West Sherman and North Adams.
The first laundry in Hutchinson was started by I.N. Wooddell in the summer of 1886. The company went out of business in November of 1891.
In April of 1892, Emmet Hutton and Charles Oswald bought the machinery and opened a laundry business at 121-127 W. Sherman.
On Dec. 29, 1898, it officially became the American Steam Laundry. The first photo shows all the employees out front at opening.
The second photo shows everyone out front again in 1915 after making the transition from horse-drawn delivery to mechanized trucking.
The third photo shows the fleet growing larger in 1919.
In 1936, A. Lewis Oswald succeeded in ownership and the name became American Laundry & Zoric Cleaners.
In 1955, Everett Alberson bought the business and changed the name to American Cleaners & Shirt Salon.
In 1965, he changed the name again to American Uniform and Wiping Towel.
In 1968, the business closed and the building was razed in 1969.
Cooper Tire, which had been located for years on South Walnut, purchased the property and erected a newer, modern building on the site, and Cooper Tire Company moved to this location. The fourth photo shows the location today, still family-owned Cooper Tire after 55 years at this location. Craig Cooper is the business owner.
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
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away