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 1100 block of East 30th on the south side.
I thought I would do an article on the history of mini golf in Hutchinson. The first miniature golf courses in Hutchinson sprang up in the 1930s, mostly unorganized and on vacant corner lots.
The first real course was opened by E.L. Semke of Enid, Oklahoma, on the southeast corner of 25th Avenue and North Main on June 20, 1946.
Roller City, at 1035 E. 30th Ave., opened its mini course on July 15, 1960, and was there until 1974 under the Skatemore name.
In 1964, Wheeler Broughton managed a course at Clowntown Kiddieland.
Countryside Miniature Golf, run by Leon Scott, was at 1420 E. 30th Ave. from 1966 to about 1980.
Robert Gilett opened the Shady Lane miniature golf at Fun Valley May 30, 1985, until 1988.
Putt-Putt Miniature Golf was owned by Phil and Cindy Schmitt from 1986 to 1997. The first photo shows the Putt-Putt clubhouse at opening in 1986 at 1101 E. 30th Ave.
The second photo shows the course looking east.
The third photo shows the course looking north.
The fourth photo shows the course signage lit up at night.
After a long drought of these venues in Hutchinson, Hutch Putt was opened in 2017 at 1500 N. Lorraine, owned by Cliff Shank. The fifth photo shows the course on opening day.
The sixth photo shows the Hutch Putt course today, still going strong at 1500 N. Lorraine.
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
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away