Historical Postcards Collection
Collection
Identifier: AC 427-p
Scope and Content
This collection consists of 19 historical postcards. These postcards were used to promote New Mexico tourism in the early 20th century. The majority feature the Fred Harvey stamp. The postcards portray New Mexican Harvey properties such as The Alvarado, El Ortiz, and La Fonda hotels, as well as local landmarks and cultural scenes.
Dates
- 1903-1908
Creator
- Ahlborn, Richard E., 1933-2015 (Person)
Language of Materials
English
Access Restrictions
The collection is open for research.
Copy Restrictions
Limited duplication of print materials allowed for research purposes. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.
Historical Note
These postcards, which date from the turn of the 20th century, are early evidence of New Mexico's tourist industry. Tourism in New Mexico was boostered by Frederick Henry Harvey. Born in London, England, Harvey was an entrepreneur in the American Southwest. He created a chain of Harvey House hotels, lunchrooms, dining cars and souvenir shops along the route of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway (AT&SF). In 1876, the first Harvey House café opened in Topeka, Kansas. It was overwhelmingly successful, as the House featured prompt service and an attention to quality and detail often lacking in western eateries. Soon, the Harvey Houses spread along the route of the Santa Fe Railway. In addition to the hotels and lunchrooms, Harvey promoted cultural tourism. His company ran “Indian Detours” that showed visitors regional sites. To supply the Harvey House gift shops, the Fred Harvey Company contracted with local artisans, as well as publishing its own line of postcards.
At its peak, 84 Harvey Houses were located across the Southwest. They were built and operated into the 1960s. In 1968, Harvey’s descendents sold the chain to Amfac, Inc.
At its peak, 84 Harvey Houses were located across the Southwest. They were built and operated into the 1960s. In 1968, Harvey’s descendents sold the chain to Amfac, Inc.
Extent
1 Folder
General
Contact Information
- Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
- P.O. Box 2087
- The Palace of the Governors
- Santa Fe, NM 87504-2087
- Phone: 505:476-5090
- Fax: 505-476-5104
- Email: historylibrary@state.nm.us
- URL: http://www.palaceofthegovernors.org
General
Creator
- Ahlborn, Richard E., 1933-2015 (Person)
- Title
- Inventory of the Historical Postcards Collection Collection, 1903-1908
- Status
- Approved
- Author
- Processed by Susanne Ristow
- Date
- © 2008
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- Finding aid is inEnglish
Revision Statements
- Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.
Repository Details
Part of the Fray Angélico Chávez History Library Repository
Contact:
Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave
Sante Fe NM 87501 USA
(505) 476-5090
historylibrary@state.nm.us
Fray Angélico Chávez History Library
New Mexico History Museum
113 Lincoln Ave
Sante Fe NM 87501 USA
(505) 476-5090
historylibrary@state.nm.us