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 Carpenter and South Main.
Around 1900, South Main Street businesses were just as busy and viable as those on North Main, if not more so.
Today's focus is on 928 S. Main. The earliest business I could find here was in 1909, when R.Y. Evans had a blacksmith shop here.
In 1913, my great grandfather, Virden Harmon, entered the picture. He had just moved here from Ness City and started working for the new owners, Albert and Frank Maltby, who were also blacksmiths. The first photo shows that group in 1913, in front of Carriage Works. Virden is second from the left.
Virden started collecting used furniture and stored it up on the second floor to later open Harmon Furniture on his own.
The second photo shows Carriage Works on the left in front of the Riverside Park Roller Coaster at the entrance of what is now Carey Park. The trolley car line had a turnaround at this point.
From 1930 to 1947, the McAdams brothers had an auto repair shop there.
In 1948, Theo Carson welding built the current structure.
From 1955 to 1961, it was Costello Motors used cars.
Wagoner Auto Repair then became the longest owner, from 1963 to 2016. The third photo shows the current business at 928 S. Main, Herl Fab & Auto Repair, owned by Bryan Herl.
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