Jan 19, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutch - Then & Now Collection

Posted Jan 19, 2023 12:00 PM

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

Hello again, friends. Today's installment from our "Hutch - Then & Now Collection" takes us to the unit block of East Avenue A on the north side.

James M. McVay moved to Hutchinson in late 1892 and purchased the Central Livery Stables at 110 S. Main.

Business went well for him and, in July of 1895, he purchased two buildings at 12 & 14 E. Ave. A, occupied by the Dice boys as blacksmith and mechanics shops.

These buildings were among the first ever built in this city. Here he erected a new, large livery stable. In 1898, he increased his business by purchasing the Wolcott Hack service.

In 1909, James was a councilman for the third ward. In March of 1912, James M. died and his wife, Mary, took over the business with her sons.

About this time, Mary got into horse racing big time and had many champions. In 1915, the McVay brothers got into the taxi-cab service.

The first photo shows the McVay Livery and Taxi Service in 1916, right as the Salt City Business College building was being completed.

McVay Livery & Taxi Service - 14 E. Ave. A -  ca. 1916. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
McVay Livery & Taxi Service - 14 E. Ave. A - ca. 1916. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The second photo shows the McVay Brothers Auto Storage (about 1928) getting ready for a state fair exhibit.

McVay Bros. Auto Storage - 14 E. Ave. A - ca. 1928. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
McVay Bros. Auto Storage - 14 E. Ave. A - ca. 1928. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In the 1940s, they had a rental car program.

In the 1950s, they had a bus line stop there.

In the 1960s, they had an ambulance service there.

In 1974, the McVay family ended their part of the business at this location and others took over. L.P.F. Equipment Supply took over the property in 1977 and the business was no longer known as McVay's.

The third photo shows the building today owned by S & N Richardson L.L.C. with the building being used for Performance Auto.

McVay Building - 14 & 16 E. Ave. A. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
McVay Building - 14 & 16 E. Ave. A. Photo courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

Enjoy!

To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].

Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:

Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery

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