California May 2012 - On the Road Again!

We had a delightful road trip to California May 16-June 5. Weather couldn't have been more perfect! We had a great visit with friends, Larry and Elaine, my mom and siblings, and of course our precious CA kiddos, who celebrated Lauren's graduation from Oaks Christian Middle School and Cole's graduation from Oaks Christian High School.

 We drove our favorite, I-70 through Colorado and Utah and connected with I-15 through Nevada, a bit of Arizona and into California. Our first day was the longest drive, home to Grand Junction, CO, about 12 hours. We thoroughly enjoyed this gorgeous rest area in Glenwood Canyon. A plaque stated that this canyon drive is the 12 most difficult miles of the national interstate system. It goes through the White River National Forest and is truly beautiful! It's here that the White River and Colorado River merge. Another bit of trivia - I-70 is named the Pearl Harbor Memorial Highway. Didn't know that.

Barstow, CA is hardly the garden spot of the world but it does boast the Harvey House Museum. I've wanted to see this museum every time we driven through town, but there was never time. On this day we could do it. The old train station has been refurbished and houses the museum. Loved the architecture!

Fred Harvey's agreement with the Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe railroad in 1876 was to develop "deluxe restaurants along the railroad's lines throughout the Southwest". The museum in Barstow displays how those restaurants were established. There was one at the train station here in Newton.

Mr. Harvey had very specific rules for the Harvey Girls, had to be "of good character, attractive and intelligent, aged 18-30", and often immigrants. "They were not to wear jewelry or rouge, and had to maintain spotless uniforms (white for breakfast, black and white for dinner)." They were expected to remember the patrons' order and could not write them down. Beverage choices were indicated to busboys by position of cups and saucers. Orange juice must be freshly squeezed. Coffee must be fresh. They carried everything on a tray, even a single glass.

Posted rules were:
They must be single for the duration of their contract. Must live in the dorm on-site. Must never have a man in the dorm. Must have a manicure once a week. Must keep dorms dusted. Must keep a 10:00 pm curfew. Must wear a hairnet. Must polish silver continuously. Never talk to patrons. Napkins must be folded precisely. Tables must be set precisely.

In the chain's 70-year history, more than 100,000 girls wore the uniform of a Harvey Girl. More than 5,000 of them married and settled in the West.

This mannequin wears the dress of a Harvey Girl in the dinner uniform.

Dining room - then.

And now - same chandelier.

Some menu items - Traveler's Special - $1.45 - Fried filet of sole, tartar sauce, French fries, cole slaw OR Potted ox joint (whatever THAT is!), potatoes, vegetable, rolls and butter, choice of pie, ice cream or sherbet, choice of beverage.

Station master's suite consisted of bedroom, bathroom (claw foot bat tub in this suite supposedly used by Winston Churchill!), and dining room/office.

Some old railcars were at the station.

When we arrived in Barstow gas was $4.99. We decided to drive to Victorville for gas where it was $4.59 - BIG WHOOP!

Next stop - Newport Coast - where it was gorgeous. Come along!