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 300 block of North Main Street on the east side, middle of the block.
In 1936, the Sproule brothers, Robert, Carl, Lee and George, built and opened the State Theatre at 310 N. Main.
Opening day was July 2 and had a seating capacity of 490. This was considered a "B" movie theatre, meaning it was not showing first-run films.
The first photo was in 1938, with the marquee showing the current film "Diamond Jim" starring Edward Arnold.
In 1958, the theatre was completely destroyed by fire. In 1959, a new 400-seat theatre was constructed on the site using the outer walls of the old theatre. The new theatre was named the Flag Theatre and was reopened on Tuesday, Nov. 24, 1959.
In 1966, the Flag was sold to Jay Wooten and Dennis Montee with the Farmington Corp. They also owned some of the drive-in theatres.
The second photo shows the Flag there in 1984.
In 1998, Patrick McCreary helped organize the Hutchinson Family Children's Theatre at this location. The third photo shows the theatre today at 310 N. Main, now called the Family Community Theatre, showing live stage plays. Craig Williams is still the theatre's board president.
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
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