Have you heard of the Harvey Girls? They are a part of our history.  Back in the late 1800’s when the railroads were growing and people from the East coast were moving West, train stops were pretty rough and uninviting.  Good food was literally road kill, or re-cycled stews (if you didn’t eat it, it went back in the pot).  Fred Harvey had a better idea.  With the railroads help, he built ‘Harvey Houses’ along the railway.  Harvey Houses were at rail stops along the way offering places to stay and decent food with actual linen napkins and white tablecloths.  Men proved unreliable to come to work at the Harvey Houses.  They would get in brawls or liquored up.  So the idea of using women (unheard of in the day) to serve the guests was born, and they were dubbed the Harvey Girls. La Posada, in Winslow, AZ, was an original Harvey House built in 1930. It sits as a train depot for the now BSF train.  It has been refurbished and today operates as a first rate restaurant, hotel, and living museum.  We took the opportunity partake in a unique opportunity and take a Harvey Girls tour.  The Harvey Girls is a group of volunteers committed to preserving the history of La Posada, Fred Harvey, Mary Colter, and the Harvey Girls. Marie, our host, was the daughter of a Harvey Girl, and an entertaining story teller for our fascinating and informative tour.  Not only did we learn more about Harvey Girls and their history than we had previously known… but also got to see a lot of the architectural details of La Posada that we would not have otherwise had the opportunity.  If you’re ever in Winslow… call ahead.  Make an appointment for a Harvey Girls tour… and stay for a historic tour and a fine meal.