Sep 12, 2024

📷 Throwback Thursday: YMCA - Vol. 87

Posted Sep 12, 2024 11:00 AM
YMCA Building - 100 N. Walnut - c. 1930. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA Building - 100 N. Walnut - c. 1930. Photo 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 1st and North Walnut.

Five years after its inception, Hutchinson wanted a YMCA.

In 1876, the YMCA was organized by T.J. Templin, a Methodist minister.

By 1890, the YMCA was housed in the upstairs rooms above the American National Bank at 22 N. Main St.

In 1909, the Commercial Club raised funds to construct a new building at 100 N. Walnut.

Completed in 1911, construction cost $58,000 — equipment was $28,000. The building included a swimming pool, gym, bowling alley, reading rooms and sleeping rooms. The first photo shows that building in 1930.

YMCA Building - 100 N. Walnut - c. 1930. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA Building - 100 N. Walnut - c. 1930. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The first floor was a bit below grade. The second photo shows the main desk in 1950 from the front door.

YMCA - 100 N. Walnut - Interior Front Desk - c. 1950. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA - 100 N. Walnut - Interior Front Desk - c. 1950. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In 1955, the Santa Fe Railway Station was demolished and Walnut street was opened up for through traffic. The third photo shows the YMCA during that construction.

YMCA - 100 N. Walnut - 1955 (During opening of Walnut Street at Santa Fe tracks). Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA - 100 N. Walnut - 1955 (During opening of Walnut Street at Santa Fe tracks). Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In 1959, this building was razed and Salt City Federal Savings & Loan built a new structure here. The fourth photo shows construction beginning at that location.

YMCA - Salt City Federal Savings & Loan - 100 N. Walnut - 1962 (under construction). Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA - Salt City Federal Savings & Loan - 100 N. Walnut - 1962 (under construction). Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

They were there from 1962 to 1983.

From 1983 to 2001, the Kansas Farm Services were located there. The fifth photo shows the current building occupants, now addressed as 100 E. 1st, the United Methodist Health Ministry.

YMCA - United Methodist Health Ministries - 100 E. 1st and North Walnut - Aug. 6, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
YMCA - United Methodist Health Ministries - 100 E. 1st and North Walnut - Aug. 6, 2024. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

Article Note: In 2025, a new YMCA is to be built at 20th and Lorraine.

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