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."
By STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor
Today's installment of our "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the intersection of 3rd Avenue and North Main streets. Specifically, the original railway crossing of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad.
C.C. Hutchinson came to this spot in the fall of 1871, laid down some stakes and plotted the town he named after himself, working in conjunction with the Santa Fe Railroad in its southwestern expansion.
With the Homestead Act in place, adventurous folks were flocking this way in the hopes of acquiring new land. On June 27, 1872, all 150 Hutchonians turned out to cheer as the first train steamed its way to the front of the 15-by-60-foot wooden depot, just on the west side of 3rd and Main.
The first photo shows the congregation that met with the passengers to try to persuade them to make this their home.
This first train also carried the first printing press used to print the first edition of the Hutchinson News on July 4, 1872. One of those deciding to stay here was Sam Hirst and his father, Hutch's first photographer.
As Hutch grew quickly, there was a need for a larger passenger depot. In March of 1897, Santa Fe started construction of a Victorian-Style Depot, which opened to the public Oct. 29, 1897.
The second photo shows that beautiful building, which sat on the east side of 3rd and Main, blocking off Walnut Street.
As rail passenger usage declined, the need for the elaborate depots went by the wayside. This depot was used until 1955 when the current depot was opened closer to Main Street, just south of 3rd.
The third photo is the Amtrak passenger depot today, which just underwent a slight remodeling.
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
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