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 100 block of East 1st on the north side.
Arthur Valentine came to Kansas in 1914.
In 1933 Wichita, he started producing portable metal buildings used as diners and was very successful. At least 2,000 were built.
In the early 1940s, several of the old two-story homes were razed on East 1st.
In 1947, Kenneth Utterback bought a Valentine Diner and started the High Hat Chili Systems at 108 E. 1st. Ave. between the YMCA and the post office. The first photo shows the diner at that location.
In 1949, he sold it to Charles Hatfield and James Henry.
By 1953, it was gone, as were the apartment houses next to it, to make room for the post office parking lot. The second photo shows the same location today with all the post office delivery vehicles in it at 108 E. 1st.
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
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away