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 East Avenue A and Easley.
In 1926, Massey-Harris opened a farm machinery manufacturing plant here at 1200 E. Sherman.
In 1936, they built an administration office to the plant at 1300 E. Ave. A. The first photo (although poor quality) is of the administration center at opening.
Massey-Harris ceased production in Hutchinson in 1946 and the property was converted to the Master Manufacturing Co. to produce machine tools and farm machinery. Charles and Lee Hill were the CEOs. The second photo shows that ownership from 1962.
Master Manufacturing produced here until 1985 when they moved to 600 Scott Blvd. in South Hutchinson under the leadership of Ed Markel.
In 1986, TECH Inc. moved their administrative offices here. The third photo shows the property under that ownership.
When TECH moved out, the building sat vacant for a while until they sold the property to Jay Mitzner in 2020. The fourth photo shows the 1300 E. Ave. A property today, now used as the Dig-Rite hydro excavating warehouse for their larger equipment. Their main office is in South Hutchinson.
To purchase a photo print, contact: sharmon5@cox.net.
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away