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 northwest corner of North Main Street and West Second Avenue (Part 1 of a two-part series).
There have been some very substantial buildings on this Hutchinson corner. One of them was the Wolcott Building. The seven-story buff building was built in 1937 by longtime resident Mahlon Ely, on land owned by F.D. Wolcott.
It was the first air-conditioned office building in Kansas. The construction cost was $250,000. The architects for the structure were Mann & Co., the builder was Foy Construction. The first photo shows the Wolcott under construction.
In 1955, there was an addition to it by D.C. Bass & Son of Oklahoma City. The second photo shows the Wolcott in 1965 with its trail of neighbors to the north: Frease Drug, A.G. Edwards, Cobbler Shoes, Boren's Sporting Goods, Esquire Bar and Factory Outlet Shoes.
In 1985, W.A. Michaelis of Wichita bought the building from Dick Popp, assistant publisher of the Huch News. Michaelis also owned the Hutch National Bank. The bank wanted the property for its use. With the A/C and heating needing replacement and the tenancy going down, it was doomed for demolition. The third photo shows the Wolcott coming down in 1988, truly a sad day.
The fourth photo shows the 201 N. Main property today, DCI park and gazebo. The property is owned by Data Center Inc. of 20 W. 2nd.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Gambino's Pizza
Sleep Shoppe & Furniture Gallery
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.