Somerville in Burleson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Site of the Somerville Harvey House
Photographed By Jim Evans, June 8, 2014
1. Site of Harvey House Marker
Inscription.
Site of the Somerville Harvey House. . Fred Harvey, a native of England, began operation of his Santa Fe Railroad dining rooms in 1876. In 1900 a Harvey House opened in Somerville, Divisional Headquarters of the Santa Fe Line. The 2-story, galleried structure was 260 ft. long and contained a dining room, guest rooms, library and reading room. The Harvey House served travelers and railroad workers in an atmosphere of elegance. It became the social center of the town and boosted the local economy. The Harvey House closed in 1940 and was dismantled in 1943. The present depot is a part of the original building.
Fred Harvey, a native of England, began operation of his Santa Fe Railroad dining rooms in 1876. In 1900 a Harvey House opened in Somerville, Divisional Headquarters of the Santa Fe Line. The 2-story, galleried structure was 260 ft. long and contained a dining room, guest rooms, library and reading room. The Harvey House served travelers and railroad workers in an atmosphere of elegance. It became the social center of the town and boosted the local economy. The Harvey House closed in 1940 and was dismantled in 1943. The present depot is a part of the original building.
Erected 1978 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 8636.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 30° 20.783′ N, 96° 31.707′ W. Marker is in Somerville, Texas, in Burleson County. Marker is at the intersection of East 8th Street and Avenue A, on the right when traveling east on East 8th Street. Apparently this marker was moved from its original location on highway 36 on the north edge of town to downtown Somerville near the museum. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Somerville TX 77879, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 10, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. This page has been viewed 720 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2014, by Jim Evans of Houston, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
