The Harvey Girls: Women Who Opened the West

I had heard of Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls and their role in civilizing the American West, but I never knew much about the subject. Recently, on a trip to the Grand Canyon, my wife and I wandered into Bright Angel Lodge, one of the last surviving Harvey hotel/restaurants (although the Harvey family sold what was left of the chain many years ago). Inside was a memory room full of old photos and memorabilia, including the Harvey Girls. With my interest piqued, I bought "The Harvey Girls" by Lesley Poling-Kempes. The book is well written, giving a fascinating look at how Fred Harvey developed and ran dozens of hotels and restaurants along the routes of the Santa Fe Railroad in the west and southwest. Ms. Poling-Kempes did a nice job of researching the life and times of the Harvey houses and the Harvey Girls who worked in them. A number of factors resulted in the gradual demise of the Harvey houses, and most of them have been destroyed, but "The Harvey Girls" very effectively recreates the era, and the numerous old photos in the book contribute greatly to imagining how it was in those days. Fred Harvey and the Harvey Girls may not have singlehandedly tamed the West, but they certainly made a significant contribution, and Ms. Poling-Kempes deserves an "A" for documenting this fascinating footnote on the history of the American West. Highly recommended reading for history buffs!

I have traveled throughout the Southwest for the last 20 years, and have seen references to the Harvey Girls here and there. I finally decided to read this book out of curiosity, and discovered an incredible story that is entirely left out of our history books. The story of these young women who brought gentility to the West, leaving their families and homes far behind, is fascinating and enlightening. This book is a page-turner, and the history of the Santa Fe Railroad and the Harvey Houses is something that should not be lost in the mists of time. Ms. Poling-Kempes is a gifted and entertaining writer, and I look forward to reading her other books on the Southwest.

As someone who likes the Santa Fe and Fred Harvey, this book added a new dimension to my knowledge. I applaud Ms. Poling-Kempes' research, and I truly think the oral form she used was the correct way to bring the memories of former Harvey Girls to life. I believe this book could be used as suggested reading in an American History class, as it shows one facet of the development of the west. Also, it shows in places, the goodness of these largely unsung women (and even a few Harvey officials who were men), the goodness this country is rightly proud. I would recommend this book to anyone who has even a passing interest in this era of the West, railroads, and even of fine food service. I tip my cap to Ms. Poling-Kempes for a very worthwhile bood.

This is a wonderful history book disguised as a fast-moving novel.I had no knowledge of Fred Harvey's enterprises,or of the Harvey Girls,and how they affected the settling of the West along the routes of the Sante Fe Railroad. I've read extensively about the settling of the American West, but why have these people not been recognized before now? Lesley Poling-Kempes has done this country a great service by doing her extensive research on the subject of these gutsy ladies who had the courage to hop a train and set out on their own, into the uncertain world of the old West.If you enjoy reading about strong women, the settling of the American West,American entrepeneurship, or the power of the role of the railroads in shaping America, you'll enjoy this fast-paced read.It's something totally fresh and new for history buffs.

From the 1880's to the 1950's, the Harvey Girls went west to work in Fred Harvey's restaurants along the Santa Fe railway--from Chicago to Los Angeles.At a time when there were "no ladies west of Dodge City and no women west of Albuquerque", they came as waitresses, but many stayed and settled, founding the struggling cattle and mining towns that dotted the region.Poling-Kempes has created the gold standard for writing and reporting on women in the west. Aside from 10 years research, archival studies, photo retrieval, the author contacted in person and by telephone and correspondence some eighty former employees that once totaled 100,00.This unique, unduplicated history is alive with color and original narrative. Major reviews by the NY Times, American Heritage, Parade. Writing in the Washington Post Book World Jonathon Yardley sums it up "A story that seems to have completely vanished from the national memory; for giving it new life, Poling-Kempes deserves gratitude and praise."Poling-Kempes has other titles on this theme:Far From Home--West By Rail With The Harvey Girls and The Golden Era--West by Rail With the Harvey Girls. Illustrations for this paper doll history are by famous fashion illustrator Lynette C. Ross. Books available from Texas Tech University Press 1-800-832-4042.Her novel, Canyon Of Remembering and Valley of Shining of Stone-The Story of Abiquiu explore the rich and at times, mysterious, life of the Southwest.