When traversing across the country, whether for vacation or work, why not stop at a museum like the Belen Harvey House Museum, that is waiting to be discovered?

In the 53rd part of a multi-part series, KHTS uncovers unusual destinations Santa Clarita residents can visit for their “quirky” getaway.

This week, we will visit the Belen Harvey House Museum in Belen, New Mexico.

The Belen Harvey House is named after the English-born Fred Harvey, who moved to America when he was 15.

Harvey’s journey in the restaurant industry began humbly, starting as a dishwasher. In 1876, he partnered with the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, a move that would change the course of rail travel history.

He had the exclusive right to run the restaurants, hotels, and lunchrooms along the railway routes. His precision, commitment to quality and exceptional customer service revolutionized rail travel nationwide.

With all his knowledge and skills, Harvey wasn’t able to do it alone. The iconic Harvey Girls helped him in his mission.

The Harvey Girls were single women who were hired and sent to Vaughn, New Mexico, for a month-long training.

After the training, the women were sent to their jobs, which commonly included living in dorm rooms above the restaurant where they worked.

Each Harvey Girly was chaperoned and it was highly recommended that they do not date. They were also not allowed to wear makeup and their uniforms were expected to be spotless. 

On a regular shift, a Harvey Girl would do the regular work that a waitress would do, like making coffee, setting up silverware and keeping tables clean.

The girls did all this work for $17.50 monthly, with free room and board, clean uniforms and tips.

At the Harvey House Museum, you can learn all this and more, along with exhibits that bring the past to life.

The Harvey House also regularly holds events. The last event was a Frida Kahlo Fashion Show with appetizers, coffee and desserts. 

The Harvey House Museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Here is last week’s destination – Leaning Tower of Niles

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