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 unit block of East 4th Avenue on the south side.
S.J. Houston was from Wichita and owned a string of lumber yards in this part of the state. In 1913, he bought out the inventory of the Campbell Lumber Company at 417 E. 2nd, purchased the property at 15 E. 4th, razed the houses there and built the S.J. Houston Lumber Yard there.
The first photo shows that concern in 1913.
In 1916, Houston sold interest to R.H. Doughty. The business then became Houston-Doughty Lumber, and employed George H. Stuckey and Nick Renner to manage it.
In 1947, the group of George H. Stuckey, V.G. Cunningham, George F. Stuckey and Frank A. Stuckey purchased the lumber yard from Houston-Doughty.
In 1961, Stuckey Lumber moved to new quarters at 11th and Lorraine.
In 1964, the Faraday Corp. of Glendale, California, built a 35-unit motel on the property for $180,000. Charles Messersmith and his wife moved here from Rockford, Illinois, to manage it. The new motel was named the Astro Motel.
The Astro has seen a few different ownerships since then. The second photo shows the property today, now known as the Sky Palace Inn & Suites by Jasper.
The 15 E. 4th property is now owned by Harshad Bhakta of Wichita.
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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