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 southwest corner of South Main Street and West Sherman Avenue.
Otasco, short for Oklahoma Tire and Supply Company, was a retail chain specializing in auto parts and appliances, based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Otasco opened a store here in 1955 at 1 S. Main. By 1968, the chain had 455 units in 12 states.
The first photo shows the Otasco store here in 1972. Note the First National Bank reconstruction happening in the background.
The second photo shows the store in 1975 (in color).
In 1984, the firm's employees bought the company. By 1988, the company filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, closing 170 stores in 11 states, losing 1,600 jobs.
Eventually, Fred Blick moved his Kansas Janitorial Supply business to this building. The third photo shows that business at that location in 2000.
Fast forward to 2013, Michael and Anne Dowell purchased the building and did a complete remodeling. After five years at 201 S. Main, Anne Dowell moved her successful Apron Strings business to 1 S. Main in 2014.
The fourth photo shows the 1 S. Main location today, still housing the Apron Strings business with the property owned by Dowell Investments L.L.C.
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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