September 25, 2-3 PM: The Harvey Girls History
The Harvey Girls
Rudy Shappee, Local Historian
Friday, September 25th • 2 pm
The Homestead Act of 1862 and the desire for a transcontinental railroad pushed westward expansion into the wild territories. Businessman and entrepreneur, Fred Harvey, recognized the need for better accommodations along the growing railway lines so he formed a partnership with the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad to open establishments with impeccable service. The training was meticulous and the rules were strict but the work also provided a new level of independence to the women who would come to be known as the Harvey Girls, the women who brought civilization to the West.
View flyer: Harvey Girls History