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 11th Avenue and North Lorraine.
In 1968, Bob Bottomley lived in Wichita and had just spent 9 ½ years with Import Volkswagen. He wanted to go out on his own, so he purchased Fearl Cadillac-Oldsmobile in Hutch when Phillip Fearl died. The first photo shows the Grand Opening Day ad from the news at 118 W. 2nd on Jan. 16, 1969.
In 1972, Bob decided to add the Datsun line to the inventory. The second photo shows the first trainload of Datsuns arriving in Hutch.
Meanwhile, on motor row, Stuart Conklin Buick was at 110 W. 2nd as a competitor. The third photo shows that dealership in 1963.
In 1973, Bottomley built a new showroom for his dealership on the city's outskirts at 1400 E. 11th, a new concept. The fourth photo shows an aerial of the dealership in 1975.
In 1982, the Conklin family made Bob Bottomley an offer he couldn't refuse and they purchased the 11th and Lorraine facility. It became Conklin Cars. The fifth photo shows the 1400 E. 11th auto dealership today, still going strong and now known as the Conklin Automotive Group with locations in Newton and Salina also.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
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