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 northeast corner of North Plum Street and East Eighth Avenue.
In 1910, James Fitzgerald moved to Hutchinson from Kingman and opened the Crescent Butter Store at 1227 N. Main. It was a combination of soda fountain, ice cream and convenience foods. The first photo shows him in that store.
In 1924, he ran the Staple Grocery at 214 W. Ninth. In 1929, James purchased the old Everett Grocery #3 at 800 N. Plum. That eventually became home-base for the family-owned business.
James's son, Gene, eventually took over that store. The second photo shows that store about 1950.
The third photo shows Gene with an interior goods display.
In 1957, the old store was razed and a new supermarket-style store was opened, with an old-fashioned meat market with sawdust on the floors that customers just loved. It was located just north of the old store at 806 N. Plum.
In July of 1960, they had a big contest with a bicycle giveaway to Dwight Haldeman. The fourth photo shows that event.
In 1972, Gene's health started failing and he had to sell the store to J.R. Collins Jr. The business was then called Collins Grocery from 1972 to 1984. The property has been deteriorating ever since that closing. The fifth photo shows the property today at 806 N. Plum, owned by Jamie Lynch of Edwardsville, Illinois.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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