What began with a pair of local history books and a handful of vintage postcards has grown into one of Hutchinson's most extensive collections of historic photographs.
Steve Conard of the Conard-Harmon Collection recently joined the BW Morning Show to discuss how his passion for preserving local history has helped build a collection of nearly 7,000 historic images documenting Hutchinson's past.
Conard said his interest began while operating his printing company when he purchased about 100 vintage color postcards. After comparing them to Pat Mitchell's local history books, he discovered the value of original real-photo postcards, which could be enlarged without losing image quality.
That search eventually led to a partnership with local historian Steve Harmon, forming what is now known as the Conard-Harmon Collection.
"We're approaching, I think, close to 7,000 images now," Conard said, adding that many photographs have also been contributed by local residents following community presentations.
During the interview, Conard reflected on several recent Hutch Post Throwback Thursday features, including Hutchinson's historic automobile dealerships that once lined West First and West Second avenues before gradually relocating north as the city expanded.
Another feature explored the history of the former Deluxe and Strand theaters on Main Street. Conard described the original Deluxe Theater as an ornate Art Deco building with decorative tilework, cherubs and an arched entrance before it was later remodeled into the Strand Theater. Today, the building is home to Carl's Bar, which Conard praised for its restoration efforts.
The collection also highlighted a rare visit by a Strobel airship known as the Sunflower, which appeared at the Kansas State Fairgrounds and offered demonstration flights. Conard said vintage postcards documenting those flights remain prized collectibles today.
Conard also discussed the history of Carey Park, noting the area originally operated as Riverside Park with attractions including a Ferris wheel, roller coaster, Tunnel of Love and a vaudeville house before many of those attractions were relocated to the Kansas State Fairgrounds.
The interview concluded with a look at the former Detroiter Mobile Homes manufacturing plant at 400 S. Halstead. Founded near Detroit in 1947, the company opened its $1 million Hutchinson plant in 1959. The facility produced mobile homes until its closure in 1985 and was later converted for use by the Hutchinson Correctional Facility.
Conard encouraged residents to share old family photographs, business images and other pieces of local history with the Conard-Harmon Collection, saying each contribution helps preserve Hutchinson's heritage for future generations.