Belen Harvey House, Railroad museum in Belen, United States
The Belen Harvey House is a two-story building from 1910 displaying Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival architectural features. Inside, a distinctive horseshoe-shaped marble counter from the former lunchroom remains one of the building's most notable original elements.
The building was established in 1910 as part of Fred Harvey's restaurant chain and became an important stop along the railroad line. After regular operations ended in 1939, it reopened briefly during World War II to serve military troop trains passing through the area.
The place tells the story of the Harvey Girls who worked here as servers and became known for their refined appearance and professional conduct. These women shaped the travel experience of thousands of railroad passengers and left a lasting impression on the region's social history.
The museum is located on North First Street and is open on certain weekdays with guided tours available to visitors. It is helpful to check ahead which days and times work best for your visit to ensure a smooth experience.
Female employees called Harvey Girls earned monthly wages with housing provided but had to follow strict dress codes and could not wear makeup. Their personal stories, including postcards and journals from their time working here, are displayed in the museum today.
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