The Slaton, Texas Harvey House is a 1912 eating house that served Santa Fe Railroad passengers traveling through Slaton from 1912 – 1942. It is the last remaining structure from the Atchison, Topeka, & Santa Fe Slaton Division Point, and was saved from the wrecking ball at the last minute by quick action from Slaton residents and officials when a demolition crew sent by the railway company showed up in late 1989.
The Harvey House was a national chain of restaurants along the Santa Fe Railway route that began in 1876. It was the brainchild of English immigrant Fred Harvey, a restaurateur who observed the deplorable dining opportunities while traveling on American railroads.
The Santa Fe partnered with Mr. Harvey, building his restaurants and allowing him space on their trains to bring fresh food to his kitchens. Mr. Harvey operated the restaurants and developed a national supply line of food for his chain of 80 restaurants, newsstands, and hotels that dotted the railroad's routes from Chicago to San Francisco, and Galveston to Los Angeles.
The Slaton location is a grand, two-story Mission Revival structure, designed by Santa Fe architect Louis Curtiss. It served diners for 30 years, closing in 1942 as larger and faster steam engines made it possible for fewer refueling stops.
After the Fred Harvey Operation ceased in Slaton, the Santa Fe turned the building into a passenger and freight Depot, along with business offices. It was boarded up in the 1980's and was fortunately saved by quick-acting local citizens in 1989.
More than two million dollars were raised to restore the iconic building, owned and operated by the Slaton Railroad Heritage Association, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit corporation.
Slaton's Harvey House is one of only six remaining buildings of the eighteen Texas Harvey Houses, and the only one where visitors can stay overnight. It serves the community as a living Fred Harvey & Santa Fe Railroad Museum, Bed & Breakfast Inn, and Events Center.
The museum tells the story of its uses, and how it has come full circle to once again serve travelers with a hot made-to-order breakfast. The facility also serves as a popular events center, available for groups to celebrate, family & school reunions, weddings, and every type of event imaginable.
Keep scrolling to see our beautiful house of living history!
