Jun 22, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutch - Then & Now Collection - Vol. 23

Posted Jun 22, 2023 11:00 AM
Commercial National Bank - 2 N. Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Commercial National Bank - 2 N. Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

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 northeast corner of Sherman Avenue and North Main.

As the city continued to grow in 1886, the original wooden structures on this property were razed to construct larger stone buildings.

In 1887, the three-story Masonic Temple was built and housed mostly real estate, loan, insurance, lawyer offices and a tailor shop.

In 1906, the Commercial National Bank opened here. The first photo shows that enterprise.

Commercial National Bank - 2 N. Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Commercial National Bank - 2 N. Main - c. 1910. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The bank didn't last all that long and many other businesses occupied the ground floors. Eventually, the property went downhill and, in January 1965, the slot addresses of 2-4-6-8-10 were all demolished to make room for the new, larger Woolworth's store. The second photo shows that building when it was new.

Commercial National Bank - Woolworth's - 2 N. Main - 1967 (Opened October 1965). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Commercial National Bank - Woolworth's - 2 N. Main - 1967 (Opened October 1965). Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The entire Woolworth's organization fell on hard times and the Hutchinson store closed in 1981. Between 1984 to 1997, the C.R. Anthony Co. department store operated out of this location. The third photo shows that store  in 1988.

Commercial National Bank - Anthonys - 2 N. Main - August 1988. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Commercial National Bank - Anthonys - 2 N. Main - August 1988. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

In 2012, it was Hayes Home Furnishings and, in 2015, it was the Main Street Events Center. The fourth photo shows the property today — The Furniture & Mattress Clearance Center, operated by Kevin Rule. Note: The large lion portrait was donated by Bob & Ann Bush with the artwork done by T.E.C.H. artists.

Commercial National Bank - Furniture & Mattress Clearance Center - 2 N. Main - May 20, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Commercial National Bank - Furniture & Mattress Clearance Center - 2 N. Main - May 20, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

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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