Dec 28, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: Gowans Stadium - Vol. 50

Posted Dec 28, 2023 11:49 AM
Gowans Stadium Aerial - New Football Field & Track - 1938. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Gowans Stadium Aerial - New Football Field & Track - 1938. 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 northeast corner of East 11th Avenue and North Plum.

Hutchinson Junior College began in 1928 in an addition on the north side of the high school at 28 East 7th.

As attendance grew in 1938, work was started on a new campus located on the northeast corner of 11th and Plum. Lockman Hall was completed and, just east of that, Gowans Stadium was constructed — named after the college's first superintendent, J.W. Gowans. The first photo is an aerial taken of Gowans Stadium, football field and track, by 17-year-old Nation Meyer, who was earning his pilot's license, in the fall of 1938.

Gowans Stadium Aerial - New Football Field & Track - 1938. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Gowans Stadium Aerial - New Football Field & Track - 1938. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The second photo, taken in 1965, is another aerial showing the entire college campus and Sports Arena.

Gowans Stadium - 1965 Aerial of Hutchinson Jr. College - Looking East - showing Lockman Hall, Gowans Stadium & Sports Arena. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Gowans Stadium - 1965 Aerial of Hutchinson Jr. College - Looking East - showing Lockman Hall, Gowans Stadium & Sports Arena. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In August 2006, voters approved a bond to refurbish Gowans Stadium. It was dedicated in August of 2006. The third photo shows another aerial of the college campus and the new Gowans Stadium in 2014.

Gowans Stadium Aerial - 11th & Plum - 2014. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Gowans Stadium Aerial - 11th & Plum - 2014. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The fourth photo shows the inside of Gowans Stadium today with its new, huge video board. It is a facility that Hutchinson and the community college can be very proud of.

Gowans Stadium - 11th & Plum - Nov. 17, 2023 (Dedicated 2006). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Gowans Stadium - 11th & Plum - Nov. 17, 2023 (Dedicated 2006). 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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