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 unit block of East 1st on the north side.
The 1929 flood completely destroyed the Home Theatre at Avenue B and Main. Hutchinson then needed to re-establish a theatrical arts center.
In 1931, the Fox Theatre was born. The first photo shows the Fox Theatre at 18 E. 1st on opening day June 8, 1931.
Ed Haas was the first manager. Needing more space, mainly for access from the Wiley Building, a third story was added to the structure. The second photo shows this addition being built in 1946 by Foy Construction.
The third photo shows all this being completed in 1954, also showing Wiley's, Rhodes Drugs and Leonida's Hollywood Grill.
The fourth photo, also from 1954, shows the marquee during a big promotion, giving away a 1954 Ford Tudor during the showing of the movie "Top Banana" with Phil Silvers.
The fifth photo shows the Fox along with the Karmelkorn Shoppe and the Hi-Note Record Shop in 1962.
The sixth photo shows another special promotion featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales and beer rig in 1964.
The seventh photo shows the Fox in a color slide in 1975.
The Fox closed in 1985.
A community effort to remodel it started in 1993, resulting in a $4.5 million restoration. The eighth photo shows the interior remodeling, complete with scaffolding.
It reopened in 1999. The ninth photo shows the Fox Theatre today, still at 18 E. 1st, just about to celebrate its 95th year with Josh Davies, the current manager.
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