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
Today's installment from our "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the Northwest corner of West 2nd Avenue and North Adams Street.
In 1885, Hutchinson built its Gas, Light & Fuel Company at 200 W. 2nd. G.W. Armstrong was the plant manager. This was a coal gasification plant.
The first photo is of Hutchinson's earliest gas plant. This process filled the big vat on the right with coal and let it steep in water, then spray oil over the heated mix.
This mixture then emitted a gas, referred to as carbureted water gas. It was then distributed — at that time — through square, wooden piping.
This gas was used for street illumination, and home heating and cook stoves. This process was later replaced and the plant was razed. This property was always owned by the power and light company with a warehouse on it.
In 1962, KP&L built an office complex at 200 W. 2nd and used it for billing purposes for many years. The second photo shows this building when newly completed.
After other consolidations, this building was not needed any more. After sitting vacant for many years, it was purchased by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union.
The third photo shows the 200 W. 2nd building today, still used as the IBEW Union hall and apprentice training facility.
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Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
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