Feb 26, 2026
All aboard for a journey through history with Preserving History and Democracy! In this episode, Cynthia Diaz and Bernardine Caporale chat with historian Dr. Richard Meltzer about the legendary Fred Harvey Houses and the adventurous Harvey Girls. Learn how Harvey transformed train travel with efficient dining, luxurious hotels, and cultural tourism that celebrated Native American crafts. Hear stories of famous guests, from Albert Einstein to Clark Gable, and explore the small but fascinating Harvey House in Rone, New Mexico, complete with tales of theft, ghostly encounters, and historic lunchbooks. From the expansion of Harvey Houses across nine states to the innovations that preserved Southwestern architecture and hospitality, this episode highlights an enduring legacy of adventure, culture, and entrepreneurial brilliance.
Watch here: https://youtu.be/4g62deZY2do
Hosted by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz
Special Guest: Dr. Richard Meltzer
Produced by: Bernardine Caporale, Cynthia Diaz, Jacob Slaughter
Edited by: Jacob Slaughter