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 northwest corner of East 30th and North Plum.
In 1949, Ray and Gene Bullard of Arkansas City built one-of-many drive-in theatres in Kansas at 400 E. 30th for Jay P. Wooten. It was named the Ayr-Vu Drive-In and Charles Embrick was the manager. The first photo shows an aerial of the facility on opening day.
The second photo shows the frontal elevation entrance off 30th street.
The third photo shows the projection screen from inside the compound.
Opening night was July 27, 1949, and the film was "The Return Of October" starring Glenn Ford. Admission was fifty cents apiece for adults. You also got to see four color cartoons!
The drive-in was equipped with new RCA sound equipment. The fourth photo was taken from atop the screen, showing all the autos gathering for the evening before sunset.
One of the early employees was Walt Benson (age 18) in 1953. His job was to cruise the Hutch streets in the advertising Jeep with a signboard showing upcoming movies. The fifth photo shows that vehicle.
He also worked the concession stand and playground. The sixth photo shows that area.
By 1972, the popularity of drive-ins waned, and the ground was worth more than the revenues. The Ayr-Vu Drive-In closed for good on July 31, 1972.
They razed the theatre and built the Farmington Plaza Center. The seventh photo shows the site today at 414 E. 30th, now owned by the Farmington Plaza L.L.C. out of Wichita.
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