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 1300 block of East Sherman where it would intersect with Lorraine.
In 1891, two Canadian manufacturing businesses merged to form the Massey-Harris Mfg. Co. They concentrated on making combines and tractors.
In the 1930s, they introduced the first self-propelled combine harvester and the first four-wheel-drive tractor.
In 1925, Massey-Harris opened an assembly plant in Hutchinson at 1200 E. Sherman. Where better than the heart of farming country? The first photo shows the sprawling plant in 1930, more than one block long.
Scott Symcox was the plant manager. The second photo shows a zoomed-in view, better showing the huge number of tractors and combines.
It was a viable concern through 1941, but apparently World War II affected the company's restructuring and, by 1942, the assembly plant was gone. The facility was purchased by the Master Mfg. Tool Co. that was moved here from Dodge City.
In 1953, Massey-Harris merged with the Ferguson Co. to become the Massey-Harris Ferguson Co. Then, in 1958, it took the Massey-Ferguson Co. name.
The facility became the R.L. Polk Co. (publishers of the city directories) addressed as 1 S. Lorraine. Then later the Board Foot Co. was there. The third photo shows the 1 S. Lorraine facility today, housing the Bin Shop'n warehouse, with the property being owned by the Gray Group L.L.C. of McPherson.
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