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 3700 block of North Pennington Road on the west side.
Rustic Isle was built in 1939 by Robert W. Nelson, co-owner of Nelson Manufacturing and Supply (plumbing supplies), at 612 E. 1st. Rustic Isle was Nelson's personal 93-acre playground. It included a nine-room, two-story cabin; stone barbeque pit; a lake with a concrete and timber boat landing; and a 50-foot dam.
There was a 200-foot-by-50-foot island on Cow Creek, connected by a 52-foot rustic bridge. It had a large timber gate with wagon wheels and concrete lion heads.
In the 1940s and '50s, an in-ground swimming pool was added, along with dressing rooms with showers and restrooms. Also, the place had an enclosed picnic area and outdoor theater with dual 35mm projectors and sound system. Some adult movies were shown.
In 1956, a small airport was added. The first photo is a postcard showing the celebration of the airfield opening.
Bob Ging later purchased the property around 1960. Vandalism took its toll after that and the property improvements were eventually cleared away.
The second photo is a Google Earth view of the property today at 3700 N. Pennington Rd. where Rustic Isle was located. The property is now owned by the Albert and Rebecca Miller Living Trust.
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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