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 southeast corner of 4th Avenue and North Main in Hutchinson.
This week's article is a true testament to a young entrepreneur. A 15-year-old Walt Benson started his career working at the Ayr-Vu Drive-In Theatre in 1952. He quickly became manager in 1953.
In 1954, he started Walt's Cafe at 201 W. 1st and operated it until he remodeled it into Walt's Pancake Palace in 1961.
The next venture he started was Walt's Donuts. The first photo is of that donut shop at its opening in 1963 at 328 N. Main.
That property was formerly a retail store for Young & Sons Seed Co.
Walt later became the manager of Panjo's Pizza at 1107 E. 30th.
In 1968, he became manager of the Prairie Dunes Country Club.
Meanwhile, back at 328 N. Main: In 1970, it became the Avco Financial Services until 1987.
In 1990, it was the Oasis Records-Tapes & Car Sounds.
In 1991, it was the Montford Retail Liquor Store.
In August of 1992, Dan Power moved there with his Edward Jones Investment office from 335 N. Washington. The second photo shows Dan's office there.
In 2016, Dan retired and his son, Dane, took over at 328 N. Main.
In 2021, Dane moved to 2700 N. Severance. The third photo shows the 328 N. Main building today, operating as the High Point Pharms retail store with the property being owned by Hiatt Enterprises L.L.C. of Nickerson.
To purchase a print, contact: [email protected].
Throwback Thursday is brought to you by:
Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce
STRATACA Kansas Underground Salt Museum