The Last Harvey House

As the 19th century drew to a close, luxurious train travel was the way to go in America. The Santa Fe Railroad was the first line to become interested in more than just providing a way to cross the country. When Fred Harvey joined forces with the railroad, Harvey Houses sprang up across the country offering good food and plush accommodations. But cars, planes, and motels changed the travel picture, and La Posada was the last Harvey House the railroad built. The hotel was the ultimate in elegance and offered the best that Mary Colter could bring to the table. Winslow's downtown, blessed by the success of Route 66 prospered. But when Interstate 40 crossed the country the was town was gutted and almost went under. The Winslowans, however, still had two advantages. One was La Posada, and the other was a small group of local people who were willing to go to work to save the town. Guided by serendipity, and with luck on their side, the people of Winslow proved that miracles can happen. It is a David and Goliath story, and David won this round.