Jun 15, 2023

📷 Throwback Thursday: Hutch - Then & Now Collection - Vol. 22

Posted Jun 15, 2023 11:00 AM
Hutch Interurban Railway trolley cars at transfer point - 4th & Main - 1910. Photo by Bailey. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Hutch Interurban Railway trolley cars at transfer point - 4th & Main - 1910. Photo by Bailey. 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 southwest corner of North Main Street and 4th Avenue — 327 N. Main to be exact.

John Severance's Street Railway was granted a franchise on June 5, 1886, for 21 years to construct, maintain and operate within the city limits. This was a single short-cart powered by horse or mule. It was a rousing success.

In 1888, the Hutchinson Street Railway Co. was formed, bought out the John Severance interests on Oct. 17 and continued operating the horse-drawn street cars.

The opening day of the Hutchinson Interurban Railway (electrified) was Sept. 6, 1906. By 1910, the central transfer point was located at 4th & Main.

The first photo shows that location with six of the trolleys gathered for a photo by Bailey. The main office was at 327 N. Main along with the office of the Peoples Water, Light & Power Co.

Hutch Interurban Railway trolley cars at transfer point - 4th & Main - 1910. Photo by Bailey. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Hutch Interurban Railway trolley cars at transfer point - 4th & Main - 1910. Photo by Bailey. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The second photo shows that office.

Hutch Interurban Railway Office - 327 N. Main  1909. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Hutch Interurban Railway Office - 327 N. Main 1909. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.

The third photo shows the 327 N. Main location today, Deming Studio, which has been there quite a while, but now Dave Deming is the proprietor. The property is part of the Bob Ging Properties, LLC.

Hutch Interurban Railway Office - Deming Studio - 327 N. Main - May 14, 2023. Courtesy of the Conard-Harmon Collection.
Hutch Interurban Railway Office - Deming Studio - 327 N. Main - May 14, 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

CLICK HERE to download the Hutch Post mobile app.
CLICK HERE to sign up for the daily Hutch Post email news update.