Harvey Houses and the Architecture of Mary Colter

Beginning in 1876, Fred Harvey opened his first railroad eating house, which would become America's first chain restaurant. Part of what distinguished these establishments was the service of the well-mannered and respectable Harvey Girls and the architectural designs of Mary Colter. Located in the Southwest along the Santa Fe Railway, these restaurants and hotels aimed for both luxury and cohesion within the varying spectacular landscapes. In this lecture, we look at some of Mary Colter's designs such as the Bright Angel Lodge and Phantom Ranch complexes at the Grand Canyon, La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, and the Harvey Restaurant at Union Station in Los Angeles.

Katherine E. Zoraster is an art historian and a professor of art history at several local colleges specializing in Western art from the Renaissance to the 20th century. She graduated with a double major in English literature and art history from the University of California, Los Angeles. She received a master’s degree with distinction in art history from the California State University, Northridge.

Registration is required by 3 p.m. Jan. 7. All are welcome to this one-time lecture. Cost is $10.

The Fifty and Better program was designed to offer university-level courses (no tests, no homework) taught by experts in the field, and to host social engagement activities for individuals age 50 and older.

Register

Register by 3 p.m. Jan. 7