Slaton Harvey House State Historic Site

06/25/2026

Don't have reservations, about making reservations! Tour our building, guest rooms and history at www.slatonharveyhouse.com

06/20/2026

Fred Harvey says “Time for pancakes has arrived!” Come join his birthday meal this morning, 8:30-10:30 and start the weekend right.

06/20/2026

Welcome to Artifact Friday, when museums around the world highlight a favorite object in their collection. Today, we’re curious about the many Harvey Girl porcelain statuettes found throughout our museum.

Online auction sites claim that the figurines were manufactured in Japan after Judy Garland’s famous portrayal of the Harvey Girls in 1946, then sold across the country in Fred Harvey’s retail shops. These little lovelies were the perfect souvenir to commemorate a train trip.

What do you know about these figurines and do you have any in your personal collection? The next time you visit our special Harvey House, challenge yourself to find our four mini Harvey Girls.

06/18/2026

Explore our restored railroad history. Inspect your lodging options! www.slatonharveyhouse.com

06/18/2026

🚂 🚂 Today’s spotlight goes to a true trailblazer, Edwina “Curly” Justus. 🚂 🚂

In 1976, Edwina Justus became the first black female engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad at age 34. Originally hired as a traction motor clerk, Edwina was working in a mechanical shop, where she joked that running a locomotive would be easy. The train crews challenged her, saying that if it was so easy, she should do it. After a little thought, Edwina did just that. She submitted her application and got the job! Many of her co-workers have noted that she could run that train better than most men could.

Edwina said, “Railroading isn’t easy, but I didn’t let anyone bully me, and I always stood up for myself.” Not only did Edwina stand up for herself, but she stood for all women, especially those working in a man’s world.

Thank you, Edwina, for being a trailblazer and a true inspiration for all.

Source: transportationhistory.org

In 1976, Edwina Justus became the first black woman to work as a locomotive engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad (UP). Her life’s journey began on July 11, 1943, when she was born in Omaha…

06/16/2026

Coming up! We can't wait to see your smiling faces, especially if you have some syrup dripping off your chin :-)

Please join us for our first ever Fred Harvey Birthday Party!

Fred Harvey, born June 27, 1835, was the mastermind behind the Santa Fe eateries also known as Harvey Houses, home of the world famous Harvey Girls. Harvey is credited with creating commercial cultural tourism, innovative marketing strategies, and the restaurant chain industry.

We hope to see you!

06/15/2026

🎈 🥳 Happy 115th Birthday to Slaton! 🥳 🎈

On June 15, 1911, Slaton was officially crowned and named after a local rancher and banker, O.L. Slaton. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway expanded through the country and was looking for a division point and service yard for its trains that traveled between Amarillo and Sweetwater. Mr. Slaton knew that the land just 17 miles outside of Lubbock would be the perfect location for the railroad to call home. And thankfully, he was correct!

Slaton became one of the most active division points on the entire Santa Fe system. The rail yard consisted of a roundhouse, which serviced the locomotive engines, a switching yard, a reading room, which housed the train crews, a depot, and a Harvey House. The booming railroad brought more people into town, where they would settle, raise families, and call Slaton home. As the town grew, more people meant more businesses, from banks to hotels and lumber companies, cotton gins, bakeries, and even a theater.

Although Slaton is considered a small town today, it holds a huge place in the hearts of all Slatonites.

So, Happy Birthday, Slaton, it’s our kind of town!

Source: Whitten, Cathy. Images of America: Slaton. Arcadia Publishing, 2015.

06/13/2026

Amazing atmosphere, surprising price!