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 East Second Avenue and North Elm.
In 1901, D.E. Richards started selling candy out of the back of a feed store on Main Street. In 1902, he formed a partnership with A.R. (Rube) Scheble and built a three-story building at 400 E. 2nd. The Richards-Scheble Candy Co. was born.
On the night of July 2, 1911, the candy factory burned completely to the ground. The first photo shows the residue from the next morning.
Poor water pressure caused the fire department big problems and the cause of the fire was unknown. They were well insured and vowed to rebuild even bigger and better.
In 1912, they rebuilt the factory. The second photo shows the new structure in 1929 after an addition was added.
The third photo shows the candy packaging room with workers about 1930.
On Jan. 30, 1934, Rube died mysteriously at night in an elevator accident. Eventually, other family members and decedents took over the management of the business. The Candy Co. closed for good on July 4, 1954.
The building was taken over by the Can-A-Pop Beverage Co. but only operated for two years. From 1958 to 1978, the Zephyr and Western Mfg. companies operated from here.
In 1992, Chuck's Sheet Metal and Lee Contractors resided here. The fourth photo shows the building today at 400 E. 2nd, owned by Basil Wilson. His family also resides there.
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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