Fred Harvey House and Museum

Introduction

Text-to-speech Audio

In an era when travelers had few dining options beyond railroad depots that offered notoriously bad and overpriced dare, Fred Harvey created a restaurant that served travelers quickly and efficiently. His methods were soon repeated at depots along the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Railroad--effectively creating the first restaurant chain in America. The Harvey House restaurants helped to convince travelers to choose the ATSF rail line above others, and also provided viable employment for many cooks and servers, known affectionately at that time as "Harvey Girls." This stately rim rock building was constructed in 1869 and was purchased by Fred Harvey in 1883. The home stayed in the family until 1944, when Harvey's heirs donated the property to Cushing Hospital for use as a dormitory for its nursing school. City leaders and preservationists are working to restore the residence and convert it into a museum. In the meantime, volunteers will happily offer private tours of the building and share their progress and vision for the museum.


Images

  • Constructed in 1869, this home was in the Harvey family from 1883 to 1944.
    Constructed in 1869, this home was in the Harvey family from 1883 to 1944.
  • Judy Garland starred in a 1946 MGM movie, The Harvey Girls, which depicted the high standards of the restaurant and the experience of young women who worked in these restaurants.
    Judy Garland starred in a 1946 MGM movie, The Harvey Girls, which depicted the high standards of the restaurant and the experience of young women who worked in these restaurants.

Backstory and Context

Text-to-speech Audio

Museum: (913) 682-7947

Additional Information