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" is entitled "When the circus came to town."
In the early 1900s, the circus was an entertainment mainstay all around the country. Hutchinson had many come through here and often. Barnum & Bailey circus was the most popular, but there were many others like Ringling Brothers, Cole Brothers and others.
When the circus came to town, usually on the Missouri-Pacific Railway line, crews would unload all the equipment and animals, and have a big parade down Main Street to the fairgrounds. The first photo is from 1905 with a circus wagon in front of First National Bank.
The next three photos are also from 1905 with the parade marching up Main Street.
The fifth photo is from 1907 with the parade wagons between Sherman and 1st, heading north on Main Street.
The sixth photo is from 1918, showing the elephants on parade between 3rd and 4th avenues on Main Street in front of Bloom Drugs and Pel's Variety Store.
Sadly, in May of 2016, circuses were forced to remove the elephants from their attraction, which caused attendance to decline dramatically.
Jan. 15, 2017, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus announced its closing for good. An end of an era that was great American history.
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