Fred Harvey

Fred Harvey (1835-1901) was an entrepreneur who developed the Harvey House lunch rooms, restaurants, and hotels, which served rail passengers on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. His partnership with the railroad began in 1878. At its peak, there were 84 Harvey Houses. They continued to be built and operated into the 1930s and 1940s. Harvey was the head of the Fred Harvey Company.

Related Topics:
1835 - 1901 - Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway - 1878 - 1930s - 1940s - Fred Harvey Company

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Prior to the founding of the Harvey Houses, lunchrooms serving rail passengers in the Western United States were deplorable. Harvey hired women to staff his restaurants at a time when the Western states offered few respectable jobs for women other than as teachers or domestics. He paid up to $17.50 per month (with free room and board) and advertised in the East to attract employees. He set high standards for efficiency and cleanliness in his establishments. Food was always served on china, and customers were required to wear coats.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A Fred Harvey museum is located in the former Harvey residence in Leavenworth, Kansas.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

A movie musical entitled "The Harvey Girls", starring Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, and Angela Lansbury and based on a near-pulp novel by Samuel Hopkins Adams was made in 1946. It won the Academy Award for Best Song for "On The Atcheson, Topeka, and the Santa Fe".

Related Topics:
The Harvey Girls - Judy Garland - Cyd Charisse - Angela Lansbury - Samuel Hopkins Adams - Academy Award

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~