Questers learn about Harvey Girls

Questers Live Oak chapter of Fallbrook hosted their sister chapter, Sleeping Indian, to a day with the Harvey Girl Society at the Orange Empire Railway Museum in Perris on May 7.

The day included a Fred Harvey-style luncheon and menu, with the Harvey Girls Society members dressed in traditional uniforms.

The luncheon was followed by a program on the history of the Harvey Girls, dating back to early Santa Fe Railroad stops in the Southwest. Rail passengers were victimized by poor food and high prices, if they could find any food at train stops.

Fred Harvey recognized the need, built restaurants and recruited young women from across the United States to work as waitresses. Dress and behavior rules were strict, with Harvey Girls bringing respectability to waitress jobs. The Harvey Girls Society remembers these early women of railroading.

The day also included a tour of a restored executive railcar and a viewing of Ward Kimball’s (of Disneyland fame) collection of locomotives and rail cars.

Joan Nied, president of the Live Oak Chapter, presented the Harvey Girl Society a monetary donation toward the construction of a Harvey Girl Society visitor center.