Sep 14, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutch - Then & Now Collection - Vol. 35

Posted Sep 14, 2023 11:00 AM
Smith's Market - Cassidy-Kingsley Auto Co. - 211 S. Main  1910 (sold Regal 30 autos). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Smith's Market - Cassidy-Kingsley Auto Co. - 211 S. Main 1910 (sold Regal 30 autos). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

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 200 block of South Main Street on the west side.

Today's article is about Smith's Market at 211 S. Main. But, before this property was Smith's, it was the Cassidy-Kingsley Auto Co. in 1910.

The first photo shows that dealership selling the Regal 30 autos. Notice the steering wheels on the right side, not uncommon at that time.

Smith's Market - Cassidy-Kingsley Auto Co. - 211 S. Main  1910 (sold Regal 30 autos). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Smith's Market - Cassidy-Kingsley Auto Co. - 211 S. Main 1910 (sold Regal 30 autos). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

Fast-forward 20-some years. In 1933, Henry and Minnie Smith opened the Smith's Fruit & Vegetable Markets at 211 S. Main and at 610 N. Adams. Henry passed away in 1934, but Minnie kept the dream alive for many years.

By 1946, Lavern Burns became owner of the market. In 1954, it was sold to Ewing Wright and there was some remodeling. The second photo shows the deconstruction of the exterior façade and replacement of a more modern storefront.

Smith's Market Façade Deconstruct. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Smith's Market Façade Deconstruct. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The third photo shows the Smith's Fruit Market delivery truck in 1961 with John Boling (Chris Barnes' uncle) the driver.

Smith's Market - John Boling (Chris Barnes' uncle) and Smith's Market Truck - August 1961. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Smith's Market - John Boling (Chris Barnes' uncle) and Smith's Market Truck - August 1961. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In 1964, the Barnes family entered the picture with Earl Barnes and Nile Burnes purchasing the business. Eventually, just the Barnes family would run the business and pass it down the family line.

Chris and Gail Barnes have done even more remodeling since, even restoring the front façade to resemble the original structure between 2007-2012. The fourth photo shows the Smith's Market today at 211 S. Main, still owned by the Barnes, with the property ownership of 211 S. Main L.L.C.

Smith's Market - 211 S. Main - Aug. 6, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Smith's Market - 211 S. Main - Aug. 6, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

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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