We visited one of the 4 remaining Harvey Houses in the USA. This concept was the inspiration of Mr Henry Harvey a visionary in the wild west. days. As the west was expanding and trains which became a major mode of transport did not provide any creature comforts that we are used to today. Mr Harvey's proposal was to establish a respite to weary traveller's once they got off the train where they able to enjoy some fine dinning and to freshen up. They could then continue on their jouney with a full stomach. The houses were built approximately 100 miles apart along the railway. In 1878 the first Harvey House was built in Sante Fe, New Mexico. So this was in fact was the beginning of what is now referred to a fast food chain. In its heyday roughly from 1920's and 1940's , a passenger train stopped every 30 minutes at one of the eight platforms which are still visible in front of the Harvey House.
Passengers entered the Harvey House through the main lobby and then chose to eat in one of the 2 dining rooms. In those days formal meant that men had to wear a dinner jackets. For those who did not have one they could borrow one from the rack of jackets which they returned after their meal. If the patron was not formally dressed, they could sit at a table but they would not get any service. Each dinning room could seat 50 people and served about 150 - 200 people every 20 minutes. The kitchen served a very a rather lavish menu and also made its own ice ceam and many other treats that could not be shipped in. This is the original lighting .
Frederick Henry Harvey who passed away in 1901 was an entrepreneur.
The staff who provided the service were called Harvey Girls. They were young, single, intelligent women who were also of "good character", and, presumably, had a sence of adventure that propelled them to the unknown territory of the 1880's to work as waitresses. They were provided food and logings and were paid a reasonable wage. They were required to sign off on a list of regulations which included being single, no men in their dormatories, must be in by 10 pm and so one. Reminded Beverley of when she started her nursing training in 1967.
They were not permitted to speak with the customers and their uniforms were provided.
Harvey House Bastow also have a NASA Museum were we spent some time.
It wa well worthwhile a visit.
Cheers,
Ross and Beverley
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