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 corner of North Lorraine and East 1st.
In 1904, Nelson P. Stevens lived at 1501 E. 1st Ave. and was enough of a gardener to run a small nursery.
In 1906, he came up with a great idea: Since he had quite a bit of land available, he built a very large community swimming pool with amusements. The first photo shows the Stevens Swimming Ponds, entertainment venue.
In 1908, he added a second smaller pool with a Toboggan Slide and called it "The Chute." The second photo shows the view from atop The Chute.
This feature would probably not pass insurance requirements in today's world. The third photo shows the height of The Chute.
This venture continued successfully until 1947.
In 1950, Don Baumhart, an ex-employee and the city electrical inspector, purchased the facility and renamed it Baumhart's and added two more pools. Baumhart's lasted until 1958, when the Moose Lodge bought the property.
For many years, the Moose Lodge ran an in-ground pool facility here. The fourth photo shows the 1401 E. 1st Ave. property today, still the Hutchinson Lodge #982 Loyal Order of Moose Inc. but with no pool attached any more.
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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