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Home , Big Dome, El Capitan (train), Lounge car, Scout (train)

Harvey House Notes

www.florenceKs.com Florence Historical Society July 2014

2014 Historical Society Officers:  President-Judy Mills  Vice President-Shirley Grinstead From the President  Secretary-Marjorie Jackson The Florence Historical Society is pleased to in-  Treasurer-Edna Robinson form everyone that the film crew that did the docu- Board of Directors: mentary on “Florence ” is back. They have Marge Jackson Edna Robinson asked us to sponsor them in another documentary Judy Mills “Talkin About Water”. It will Document moving Robert Harris Twilah Williams stories told by ordinary Kansans whose lives and Shirley Grinstead livelihood depend on water. It will present heart- Bob Rusk felt, personal stories about water in the voices of the Linda Heath Mary Jane Grimmett people who live in the Flint Hills. We will hear how Sarah Cope their lives are affected by a variety of threats to the Phoebe Janzen availability of the water they depend on. Items for publication in the We look forward to working with this very profes- newsletter can be sent to: sional film crew, Lerner Productions and congratu- Edna Robinson late them on their hard work of obtaining a grant to 2335 110th Florence, KS 66851 document a very important and vital resource that is or e-mail: important to the stability of mankind. The Histori- [email protected] cal Society is honored to be selected as their spon- MISSION STATEMENT sor and thrilled that they chose the Flint Hills. We The Florence Historical Society is a non- will keep you updated as to their progress. profit society with membership of individuals interested in preserving the history of Florence, the Santa Fe in Florence Respectfully as your president, and especially the Clifton Harvey House. Our goal is to foster appreciation and Judy Mills understanding of the part history plays in our lives. Harvey House Notes Florence Historical Society  www.florenceKs.com july 2014 – page 2

From the Secretary Back To The This dessert was popular at about the time Good Old Days that everyone was making cheesy potato casse- roles with frozen hash browns. I think maybe it NOTES FROM T.P. ALEXANDER DIARY was in the late 1980’s. Any flavor pudding may be used (my favorite is butterscotch). THE YEAR WAS 1884 „„ JULY 3 – Another downpour about daylight this morning and the wind blew very hard. Bad on the wheat harvest. „„ JULY 4 – Celebration at Marion today. James and Dan Alexander went to Marion on the . A. Mercet shot himself. Ther- mometer at 97. „„ JULY 8 – Thermometer at 104. „„ JULY 12 – James went by train to Emporia to visit relatives. This is his first trip he ever STRIPED DELIGHT went so far alone. 1 ½ cup graham cracker crumbs „„ JULY 12 – J. S Byram and Miss Pina Homer ¼ cup sugar both of Cedar Point, were united in marriage 1/3 cup melted butter on passenger train No. 5 on the 28th ult., be- 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese tween Elmdale and Cedar Point by Henry ¼ cup sugar Weaver, J.P. 2 T milk „„ JULY 14 – Mrs. L. Wilkinson and son, By- 3 cups whipped topping rom, of Danville, Ill., came yesterday on a 2 boxes butterscotch or (favorite flavor) visit to relatives in the country. instant pudding „„ JULY 22 – James has made money enough 3 ½ cups milk selling papers, The Emporia Republican and the Emporia News to buy a violin. He is Combine crumbs, melted butter, and sugar. to give Alfred Davis .50c a lesson to teach Press firmly into bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Chill. him. Beat softened cream cheese with ¼ c. sugar and 2 T. milk until smooth. Fold in 1 ½ c whipped „„ JULY 24 – The Presbyterian Sunday school topping. Spread over crust; chill. Prepare pud- had a picnic in Barker’s Grove. The rain did ding using 3 ½ c. milk. Mix until thick. Pour not break it up. over cream cheese layer. Chill several hours. Spread remaining whipped topping over the „„ JULY 25 – We had a terrible big rain last pudding. Makes 15 servings. night. The thunder and lightning was awful and the wind blew a perfect gale. The Cot- Marjorie Jackson, Secretary tonwood River rose 12 feet and Doyle Creek 9 feet. Harvey House Notes Florence Historical Society  www.florenceKs.com july 2014 – page 3

From the Treasurer Florence Alumni Banquet We have been busy at the Harvey House the The 118th Annual Florence Alumni Banquet past four months. We had 5 dinners, serving 99 was held Saturday, May 24, 2014 at the Florence people. Our crew received many compliments Gymnasium with 157 alumni, guests and teach- for our service and food. We had request for rec- ers attending. Years represented were from 1943 ipes for some of the items we serve and several to 2014. Special recognition of classes of 1944 people were interested in returning with another (70 year graduate), 1949 (65 year graduate), group. We also had people from Topeka, Wichi- 1954, (60 Year Graduates), 1959 (55 year gradu- ta, Kansas City and Marquette Ks, who came to ates), and the Class of 1964 (50 year graduates) tour the Harvey House, they were all impressed was honored at the head table. Also recognized with our museum. were graduates from class of 1969 (45 year Our Fish and Mt. Oyster fry was also suc- graduates) and 1989 (25 year graduate). cessful, we served approx. 80 people, which is The alumni traveled from 12 States: , down from last year, but donations were very Arkansas, , Indiana, Nebraska, North good. Our visitors enjoyed our new pavilion, Dakota, Virginia, , Missouri, Colo- which was completed just in time for the pic- rado, and Kansas and 24 towns in nic, thanks to George and Tyson Grimmett who Kansas. 22 Florence alumni were in attendance, built it and Edwin Robinson Sr. who helped 13 alumni from Wichita, and 19 alumni from make it happen. Thanks to all that came to eat Marion. with us and to all that helped by donating food Mike Robinson, Class of 1967 was the Master and time. It takes all of you to make our picnic of Ceremonies. Elizabeth Goentzel, recipient of successful. the 2013 scholarship, told about her first year of Again a reminder to all of you members who college at Ft. Hays State. have not paid your annual dues we need your Florence High School Alumni Association support to help maintain the museum, please awarded a $1,000.00 scholarship to Lauren send your donation to Florence Historical Soci- McLinden. ety Inc., P.O. Box 143, Florence Ks 66851. Florence Memorial High School Alumni met Edna Mae Robinson, Treasure May 25, 1896 in the KP Hall on the Third Floor of the Horner Hotel Building to organize. Ralph LOOKING GOOD! W. Smith, Class of 1894 was elected the first That’s what we think the Harvey House is President. this summer. We would like to thank Margaret The committee would like to thank each and Harris for the many hours she has spent plant- every one for making the effort to come and at- ing flowers and watering them. Her knowledge tend the banquet and hope that everyone will at- of landscaping has made the museum look fan- tend the 119th alumni banquet May 23, 2015. tastic. From Jerry & Edna Mae Malmgren We have a new groundskeeper/lawn mower. Dave Foley has spent endless hours mowing grass, trimming trees, and general clean up. Thank you Margaret and Dave! We are truly blessed with our volunteers! Drive by and en- joy the beautiful Harvey House, we are so proud of. Mary Jane Grimmett, Board of Director’s Member Harvey House Notes Florence Historical Society  www.florenceKs.com JULY 2014 – page 4

New pavilion provides outdoor shelter for events George Grimmett Jr. and his son Tyson began construction on April 26. In order to keep with the patio’s current theme of a railroad baggage claim platform, he constructed the patio out of 6-by-6 posts and a green tin roof. The roof has a soffit ceiling like they did around 1900. It took seven days to construct. The former patio area was originally built as a foundation for a wooden depot the Historical Society planned to move next to the Harvey House in the 1970s. The night before it was to be placed on the platform it mysteriously caught fire. The brick is from a former train plat- form that would have been in use dur- ing the time the Harvey House was con- structed. The patio will be a useful addition allowing the Historical Society and the town to use the area for more summer events, now that there is a shelter avail- able. Funds for the patio were donated from the Neva Robinson memorial fund. Robinson was an avid sup- porter of the Harvey House and the Historical Society. Her husband Ed thought this would be the best way to honor her.

 To Schedule Visits to the Museum: Edna Robinson 620-878-4573 or e-mail [email protected]

 To Schedule or Book Dinners: Linda Heath 620-381-3008 Harvey House Museum 221 Marion Street  To Send Mail: Florence, Kansas Florence Historical Society Box 143 Because Florence, KS 66851 Ou r Hi s t o r y Matters!

The By Robert Harris

As you may remember the de- at the meetings that were held 39 3/4 hour schedule between pression was still going on and at the general offices in Chi- and , twice money was very short. The cago, many names for this new a week. The would de- Santa Fe had a president by train came up and were dis- part Chicago on Tuesdays and the name of Samuel T. Bledsoe cussed. In addition, what the Saturdays, and depart Los An- who worked through it and consist would be and the num- geles on Tuesdays and Fridays. decided it was time to expand ber of cars this new train would The was to be ready for growth that was have. brought in at the beginning to to come. He spent money on I believe they felt that they help with the design. As you the right of way and added sev- were creating another good may remember, Budd built the eral passenger trains to be train that would be good for first “Super ” for the ahead of the others. He made business, the Santa Fe, and a Santa Fe. The cars for this new plans for nine new trains, plus companion for the “Super train would be built almost en- new equipment for the Chief”. Keeping the Santa Fe tirely of stainless steel as all of “Chief”. These were all stream- above and ahead of the rest was Budd cars were. liners and power was to be die- always the goal of these men. The cars for the new train sel. Some would replace other These meetings included every- when it began operating in trains. To show you the differ- one of the upper management 1938 were as follows: ence the competition added to get it right, from the start! Baggage, Dorm, Chair Car one new train. To name a few John Purcell with nurses room After the Santa Fe got the motive power superintendent Chair Car “” started and they and Rodger Birdseye head of Lunch Counter Dinner knew that they had a winner, advertising, his brother started Chair Car talk was started about another Birdseye frozen foods. Edward Observation Chair Car train. To go with the “Super G Budd would build the two Power: 2 class diesel Chief” the Santa Fe wanted a train sets of five cars each for Passenger carrying capacity deluxe chair car train. Looking the new train to operate on a about 164 passengers. Brake

“El Capitan” On Feb 22, 1939 At 75 MPH

Train no. 21 The ‘El Capitan” At Raton, On May 12, 1940 On Its way west

even passenger count was for pacity. The second 2 class die- February 29 of 1948 the “El many years 125 passengers over sel was added. The “El Capi- Capitan” and the “Super the route. The Lunch Counter tan’ was always drawn by die- Chief” both went daily. Both Dinner was used as Bar Lounge sels except steam helpers were of these trains had almost all when not serving meals. The used over Raton and Cajon new equipment. This is how price of meals, breakfast $.55 passes. the train looked when it went and up, luncheon $.70 and up, The nurses were RNs, several daily: dinner $.90 and up, a la carte railroads had these on one 2 baggage mail service also. The new train “El train, but the Santa Fe had 1 baggage dormitory Capitan”. them on several trains. They 2 44 seat Chair cars The “El Capitan” was a success began on the “”, and 1 Lunch Counter Diner from the start as the “Super were used on the “El Capitan” 2 44 seat Chair Cars Chief” was, and it remained so when it started, and still later 1 Bar Lounge with news stand to the end in 1971. As the “El on the “”. and nurses room Capitan” began operation it These ladies were a big help to 2 44 seat Chair Cars was a hit with the public, much women with small children or 1 Lunch Counter Diner more so than anyone would a sick traveler. 1 44 seat chair Car have believed. The train The Santa Fe wanted to make 1 38 seat Chair Car Observa- needed more cars to carry all of the “El Capitan” daily but tion the people that wanted to ride World War II had started and 4 unit 16 class Diesel it. The Santa Fe had ordered they would get no new passen- 2 more 44 seat Chair Cars chair cars for the “Scout”, some ger equipment until after the were added in the summer of these were placed on the “El war. They did keep ordering Looking at the above consist Capitan”. The “El Capitan” cars to be in line after the war. and looking at the first train also got a second lunch counter New cars did start coming, and one can see how much it had dinner, dorm , and in 1946 and the train went grown over a few years. full baggage car, for more ca- every other day operation. On The new chair cars were leg rest seats with 44 seats to a car. It and coffee shop on lower level. began daily service in 1949. All ran with ten cars in the sum- It took five train sets for daily light weigh cars were rebuilt mer and Christmas and seven operation of this train. The regularly at Topeka, Kansas cars in the off season. In the extra dinner and lounge cars Shops, and returned to service center was a lounge car with a were used for extra cleaning at looking new. news stand and a room for the Chicago, the rest of the train In 1958 the “Super Chief” and nurse. It got new chair cars in could be turned and cleaned in the “El Capitan” were com- 1953 and a lounge less time. By using the extra bined into one train in the off car in 1954. The surprise in diner and lounge cars they had season. They ran separate May 1954 was two Hi-Level chair enough extra chair cars at Chi- to September and December cars to test. These two Hi-Level cago to run the train if for to January, plus the extra train cars ran on the “El Capitan” some reason the train did not ran. The business on the “El and the traffic people rode reach Chicago in time to turn Capitan” was still good but the them to ask the passengers how back. In 1964 24 more Hi- “Super Chief’ business was they liked them. These Hi- Level chair cars were ordered small. This helped stop some of Level chair cars were very de- for the “El Capitan. The cars the losses. People from one luxe, 68 leg rest seats on the released from this train went to train could not go to the other upper level, all carpeted floor, other trains. train, they were still like two end doors were all air operated, In the summer and Christmas different trains. The combined and a water cooler. The stair seasons the “El Capitan” car- train operated with 5 unit 16 way to the lower level was in ried around 500 people in both or 37 class diesels and got the center of the car. On the directions, to have more diner brand new power 1967. This lower the ladies room had seats a lunch counter diner was was a large train of about 18 sinks, dressing tables, and two added to the front of the train. cars. It would make two station toilets. The men s room was So the train looked like this: stops if needed so passengers about the same. There was also 1 Baggage car mail did not have to walk as far. All baggage storage and a room for 1 RPO car part of run service levels were maintained crew members, plus the doors 1 Baggage car for these trains. to the outside. 1 Baggage dorm The diners and lounge cars The public liked these cars so 1 Lunch counter diner if used were operated by Fred Harvey well that the Budd Company 1 68 Seat step down chair car until it was sold in 1968 to got a large order from the 3 72 seat chair car Amfac. At that time the Santa Santa Fe, 47 cars in all. This 1 lounge car Fe took over the operation of order included the following 1 diner 80 seat these but made no changes to for the all new “Hi-Level El Ca- 2 72 seat chair car this operation. pitan”. 1 68 seat step down chair car In May of 1971 began 10 68 seat step down chair In addition in the summer a operation of passenger trains in cars second train would be operated the USA. They bought almost 23 72 seat straight through to handle the extra passengers all of the passenger equipment chair cars that could not be handled on that the Santa Fe offered to 6 80 seat dining cars all at the regular train. This train was them, as it was so well main- tables, kitchen on lower level operated two or three days a tained. The Santa Fe operated 6 full bar lounge cars with week. The consist of the sec- the diners and lounge cars un- news stand on upper level, bar ond train was as the train that der contract for the first two years of this service. Amtrak The Hi-Level cars that Amtrak down memory lane. Some of began to operate the diners have are like the cars that the you know that I worked these and they soon were in trouble Santa Fe pioneered with in trains and was also a passenger because they let the diners get 1954 and went on to become on the “El Capitan” many dirty, so bad that they lost their the “El Capitan”. However times. Having worked out of food permits until they cleaned they are not as deluxe as the Kansas City on Santa Fe pas- up things. They never did learn cars the Santa Fe had. They senger trains I know we were that you need more than one have about twenty more seats head and shoulders above the commissary, they ran out of and the restrooms are very rest. If you would like for me to food on return trips much of small. In addition a passenger do other stories like this in the time. The combined train had has to get their baggage to the future, let me know. two diners one 36 seat and one train themselves. If you think I 80 seat for the chair cars. They am hard on Amtrak, these are were going to save money and the ones that ran adds that The combined operate with one 36 seat diner said “we are making trains “Super Chief-El Capitan” with over 400 people to feed , worth riding again.” Since the on how does that work. That did Santa Fe and all of its employ- March 1968 it and John S Reed CEO of the ees worked so hard to have With Santa Fe told them that they such a deluxe service on its Fourteen cars could no longer use the “Super trains, you can see who was Chief” or the “El Capitan” right. This has been a lot of And names as the Santa Fe still fun putting this together to Diesels less than a year old owned them. share with you all, and go