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"HARVEY GIRLS" ONCE PROVIDED SERVICE WITH A SMILE AT ST. LOUIS UNION STATION'S FAMOUS EATERY
In the heyday of American railroading a well-known eatery provided passengers with fine food and friendly service. At the turn of the century, Fred Harvey opened one of his famous eateries in what was then the Terminal Hotel at St. Louis Union Station. Harvey was responsible for changing the concept of railroad dining in the late 1800s. To satisfy the traveler's needs, their orders were taken by the brakeman while still on board the train, then wired to the restaurant manager in advance. This procedure made relaxed railway dining feasible, allowing plenty of time for travelers to catch the next train.
"Harvey Girls" A Staple At The Eatery
Instrumental in the success of the Fred Harvey Restaurant were the renowned waitresses, the "Harvey Girls," who delighted patrons with their midwestern hospitality.
It has been said that Fred Harvey's most popular attraction was the "Harvey Girl." MGM's memorable 1946 movie, The Harvey Girls starring Judy Garland, made these famous waitresses a household name.
There were strict rules in the Fred Harvey establishment. "Harvey Girls" were to be of high moral character, between the ages of 18 and 20, attractive and intelligent, and had to vow not to marry for a year after employment. In addition, the ladies were chaperoned by a housemother who enforced their 10 p.m. curfew.
Restored Station Grille Serves Fine Cuisine
What was once a Fred Harvey dining establishment is now a highly-acclaimed restaurant, the Station Grille, situated in the luxurious Hyatt Regency Hotel in Union Station. Restored to its original grandeur, the 130-seat restaurant serves some of the finest cuisine in St. Louis.
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