Fred Harvey

A Kansas Portrait

In 1850 Englishman Fred Harvey emigrated to America at the age of 15. He worked in a variety of occupations as dishwasher, merchant, jeweler, postal clerk and agent for the Burlington Railroad. As as agent, he traveled extensively through Kansas and Missouri. What passed for meals at stations disgusted him. Dirty dining halls served terrible food at exorbitant prices.

Fred Harvey knew that improvements were possible. He tried, unsuccessfully, to interest his employer, the Burlington, in operating restaurants for them. But Burlington suggested he contact the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe, the fastest growing railroad in the West.

In the spring of 1876, Fred Harvey took over the restaurant at the Santa Fe depot in Topeka. Customers were amazed to find linen and silverware, excellent food and reasonable prices. In 1877 Harvey purchased the hotel in Peabody realizing a dream of pampering travelers with fine food and accommodations. In 1881 Harvey replaced all-male staffs with his famous "Harvey Girls." They were renowned for their good looks, fine manners and efficiency. Seven years after operating his restaurant in Topeka, Harvey operated 17 restaurants along Santa Fe's main line. By 1901, when Harvey died, his empire included 45 restaurants and 20 dining cars in 12 states.

Fred Harvey insisted on only the best food, facilities and service. It has been said that Fred Harvey brought civilized food and manners to the Southwest.