This photo was taken by David Tewes and is licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution license.
David Tewes, Shutterbug
The Mid-Century Photography of David Tewes
This photo was taken by David Tewes and is licensed under the Creative Commons - Attribution license.
That Shell logo was introduced in 1955, according to https://www.logodesignlove.com/shell-logo-design-evolution
The Chevrolet logo is similar to the ones used between 1934 and 1964, so it’s not much help.
The “Advance Design” trucks advertised on the elephant were only sold between 1947 and 1955, according to https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chevrolet_Advance_Design
I think the Shell Station in the background is at 201 Main St. S, according to this article where Ralph Hakel says:
I believe the building across the street is Stearns Lumber Company. https://mcleodhistory.pastperfectonline.com/archive/686446B9-8DD2-42F1-9380-805364802683 confirms that Stearns was at 216 Main St. S, which lines up with where I put the Shell station.
According to your research the Shell Logo was introduced in 1955. The Stearns Lumber Co. building was overhauled in the design of the front of the building in 1948 with the big maroon lettering. This was before my time, but Hutchinson has always had their community festival in June, during Father’s Day weekend. It’s called the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival. I’m thinking that the elephants were probably part the of Sunday parade most likely then in June of 1955. The Stearns Lumber Co. moved from that location in 1959.
Thanks Corey, I think you’re right. I’ll update the photo date to June 1955.