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 southwest corner of North Main and 5th Avenue.
In the late 1800s, the 427 N. Main address was the North End Grocery owned by John Ambler. The first photo shows that business around 1900.
In 1901, the Women's Club donated a collection of 500 books for a public library but, at that time, Hutchinson had no dedicated building for a public library.
In 1902, the Andrew Carnegie Foundation offered $15,000 toward a new library building. L.A. Bunker donated three lots at 427 N. Main for the project and, in 1903, the Carnegie Library opened. The second photo shows that right after opening.
In 1917, Carnegie gave $15,000 more for an addition to the backside of the building for more storage. The third photo shows that construction.
The fourth photo shows a 1908 postcard of the library colorized.
As the library grew, they needed even more space.
In 1948, the city passed a bond issue for $321,500 for a new building.
In 1951, the library moved to 9th & Main and the Carnegie building was sold to the Union Labor Temple Building Association for $35,000. The fifth photo shows the Carnegie building at that time of transition.
The building was converted to house the six central labor unions and was the broadcast studio for KWBW radio for a while. The sixth photo shows the 427 N. Main address today, still occupied by the Union Labor Temple.
To purchase a photo print, contact: sharmon5@cox.net.
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away