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 southeast corner of Avenue C and South Main.
In 1885, a group of Hutchinson businessmen went to New York City to convince Jay Gould, president of the Union Pacific Railroad, to construct a connecting line from Hutchinson to Hoisington, where the Union Pacific main line ran.
This railroad was the second to arrive in Hutch and named the Wichita and Colorado Railroad. The first depot was on the southwest corner of Avenue G and Main. The first photo shows that first depot in 1888.
This depot burned down in 1895.
In 1900, the Avenue C and Main site was chosen for the new, now-named Missouri-Pacific Railway Depot. The second photo shows that impressive building in 1918.
The third photo shows the Cole Brothers Circus unloading at the depot in 1941.
The fourth photo shows one of the "Big Boy" steam locomotives at the depot in 1948.
About 1950, passenger service was discontinued and, in 1951, the top two floors were removed as usage declined.
About 1960, the Mo-Pac was absorbed into the Union Pacific system. The fifth photo shows what the building looked like afterward in 1960.
The sixth photo shows the building in 1976 being used just for freight.
In 1986, this building was razed. The seventh photo shows the land today at the crossing.
To purchase a photo print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum
Anchor Inn and Anchor Away