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."
By STEVE HARMON
Hutch Post Contributor
Today's "Throwback Thursday Collection" takes us to the southwest corner of Avenue B and South Main.
In the late 1890s, a very young Hutchinson was starving for more cultural experiences. A group of city leaders banded together to build a very nice performing arts theatre.
The Shaw Theatre opened at 201 S. Main on Oct. 26, 1900, with Thompson and Shaw as manager. It was built as a stone "fireproof" theatre for $80,000. It seated 1,200 patrons. The first photo shows that venture at opening.
The second photo shows the interior, which reveals it even had box seating.
In October of 1902, The theatre's name was changed to the Home Theatre and management was taken over by William A. Loe. The third photo shows that name-change.
The 1903 flood severely damaged the curtain loft as the fourth photo shows, but it was repaired.
The flood of 1929 finished off the Home Theatre and plans started for replacing it with the Fox Theatre.
After the 1929 flood, contractor C.L. Burt started the replacement building, which stands there now. The fifth photo shows the "Burt Building" today at 201 S. Main, housing the Crystal Ballroom and owned by Fair City Folk Art L.L.C.
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