Hoisington Public Library will host “The Harvey Girls: Women’s Roles in Railroads, Kansas, and US History,” a presentation and discussion by Dr. Michaeline Chance-Reay at 10 a.m. June 4 at the library. Members of the community are invited to attend the free program. Refreshments will be served. The program is made possible by Humanities Kansas.
The mythology of the Harvey Girl looms large in Kansas history and across the western U. S. The Fred Harvey Company, concessionaire along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, offered young women employment opportunities as waitresses and tour guides. These women played a role in the economic and cultural history of Kansas and the American Southwest. This talk includes stories of women employed by the company as well as its founder, Fred Harvey, who lived in Leavenworth and opened his first lunchroom depot along the line in Topeka.
Dr. Chance-Reay is Professor Emeritus of Women Studies and Education at Kansas State University.
“Women in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries who wanted jobs or careers outside of the home had few choices,” Chance-Reay said. “But the Harvey Company offered unique opportunities. It was demanding work but it provided a decent salary in a protected environment, in addition to travel and adventure.”
“The Harvey Girls: Women’s Roles in Railroads, Kansas, and US History” is part of Humanities Kansas's Speakers Bureau, featuring humanities-based presentations designed to share stories that inspire, spark conversations that inform, and generate insights that strengthen civic engagement.
“Hoisington is very lucky to have a speaker of this caliber coming here,” Karen La Pierre, director of Hoisington Public Library. “We received a grant to pay for this from Humanities Kansas and are very grateful that they offer this opportunity to rural residents.” Humanities Kansas
Humanities Kansas is an independent nonprofit leading a movement of ideas to empower the people of Kansas to strengthen their communities and our democracy. Since 1972, our pioneering programming, grants, and partnerships have documented and shared stories to spark conversations and generate insights. Together with our partners and supporters, we inspire all Kansans to draw on history, literature, ethics, and culture to enrich their lives and serve the communities and state we all proudly call home. Visit humanitieskansas.org.