Imagine stepping back into the Golden Age of Travel right here at the Historic Harvey House Restaurant. This architectural gem whispers tales of bustling train stations and elegant dining. Let me tell you about this iconic space.
The Historic Harvey House Restaurant, adjacent to Los Angeles’ Union Station, embodies a rich history. It represents a significant chapter in both travel and dining. Fred Harvey, a visionary businessman, started a chain of restaurants along the Kansas Pacific Railway in 1875. These restaurants quickly became popular because trains didn’t serve food back then.
Soon, Harvey partnered with the Santa Fe Railway. He built and ran restaurants at numerous stops across the Southwest. The Harvey House chain grew to include 84 restaurants, stretching from Kansas to California. The Historic Harvey House Restaurant in Los Angeles was the last one built in 1939.
Designed by architect Mary Colter, the Historic Harvey House Restaurant drew inspiration from Navajo themes. Colter’s designs have profoundly influenced Southwestern architecture. Notice the glossy red and brown tiled floor. It resembles a Navajo rug.
Colter included many beautiful architectural details in the Historic Harvey House Restaurant. Look at the floral-patterned studding on the leather siding of the raised dining area. Also observe the concrete parrot tiles lining the walls.
Fred Harvey made a unique decision regarding his staff. He chose to hire educated, single women from the East Coast and Midwest. These women, known as “Harvey Girls,” were between 18 and 30 years old. They signed one-year contracts. They were paid well. They lived in boarding houses with strict rules.
Popular legend says that the “Harvey Girls” civilized the Southwest. They often married local men after their contracts ended. The “Harvey Girls” even inspired a musical by MGM Studios in 1946. Judy Garland starred as a young woman who became a Harvey Girl.
Sadly, the Historic Harvey House Restaurant stopped operating as a restaurant in 1967. The space is now rented for special events and movie shoots. The central dining room features a large U-shaped lunch counter. It now serves as a bar during events.
For many years, the Historic Harvey House Restaurant sat vacant. But, it was still used for filming, including music videos. The restaurant underwent a major renovation. It reopened to the public as Imperial Western Beer Co. and The Streamliner.
Imperial Western Beer Co. offers a cavernous space. It has tiled walls and a Navajo-inspired floor. The Streamliner, a smaller lounge, retains its Streamline Moderne details. These include curved walls and amber bubble glass.
The Historic Harvey House Restaurant stands as a testament to a bygone era. It reminds us of elegant train travel and the pioneering Harvey Girls. Though its purpose has evolved, its beauty and historical significance remain. It is a Los Angeles treasure worth cherishing.