by Jane Peart
“That’s just why I’m telling you all this. Before we get to Minersville and before you get off.”
“I don’t understand. Telling me what? That if I get off at Minersville, I’ll be missing a great meal?”
“Land sakes, no, child! More than that. A chance to become a Harvey Girl.”
“A Harvey Girl?”
“Yes. Fred Harvey was just as particular about the staff who served the meals as he was of the food itself, which was the finest, the freshest, and as gourmet as that of any exclusive eastern restaurant. He began hiring young women. And he was very particular about the applicants. He established a strict set of rules that his restaurants continue to follow. Harvey Girls have to be attractive in appearance, have to have graduated from high school, and have to exhibit refined speech and good manners. If they meet those standards, they are accepted. They have to sign a contract to remain for six to nine months or a year and agree to follow to the letter his instructions. They have to obey employee rules, go to work wherever a Harvey House is located, not marry within the time of their employment. If they agree, they go through an intense training program before being assigned to one of the Harvey House restaurants situated all along the railroad line. Everything is taken care of for them. They stay in dormitories, two girls to a room, their room and board is free, plus they receive salaries and tips, which are usually generous. They have one full day a week off and half days on Sundays to attend the church service of their choice.”
Bertie paused again, sat back, and assumed a waiting attitude.
Darcy frowned. “So what has all this to do with me?”
“I think you should consider applying to become a Harvey Girl. Believe me, dearie, it would be far, far better than what you’re heading into in Minersville.”
“Better? Being a waitress instead of a teacher?”
“Being a Harvey Girl.” Bertie let her emphasis sink in for a moment before continuing. “You see, dearie, my niece, the one I was telling you about? She has been a Harvey Girl for the past year and a half in Emporia—and loves it. If you stay on the train until we get there, we can go in and have dinner and she can tell you about it herself. What do you think of that?”
“But what about my train ticket?” Darcy said, almost to herself.
“Of course, it’s your decision, dearie. But I don’t think you’ll be sorry if you decide to pass up Minersville and go on with me to Emporia.” She paused. “When the conductor comes through again, shall I tell him that there will be two reservations for lunch in the dining room? The conductor always telegraphs ahead so the staff at Harvey House knows how many to expect.”
Darcy sat very still, nearly motionless, deep in thought as the train traveled ever nearer to Minersville. The alternative to getting out there was—becoming a waitress? A waitress in a busy restaurant catering to train passengers? She had never heard of these Harvey House restaurants Bertie described. Much less considered working in one as a waitress. She thought of her mother, of Auntie Sadie, and especially of Aunt Maude—admittedly a bit of a snob—and Uncle Henry and all her status-conscious relatives. What would they think? They didn’t even know any women who worked outside their home. That is, except for women who were forced by dire necessity to support a family. Being a teacher was different—it was an accepted role. A teacher was a respected member of the community. But a waitress was classed with housemaids or laundresses. However, the way Bertie had put it, being a Harvey Girl was a superior kind of job.
Well, she’d already gone out on a limb by leaving Willowdale; should she take another chance? Even on this short acquaintance she liked and trusted Bertie. Still, Darcy was unsure.
“We’ll be coming into Emporia in a couple of hours. Annie knows I’m coming today. She’ll be expecting me and will seat us at her table.” Bertie beamed, her blue eyes twinkling. “I know you’re going to take to her. Like all the Harvey Girls, she’s got a winning personality and makes you feel like royalty when you’re being served.”
A thread of excitement ran all through Darcy’s body. Her spirit, which had been so low, took an upward bounce. What an unexpected event meeting Bertie had been. What a startling idea she had presented to her. Darcy had prayed for the Lord to rescue her. As he often did, he was answering her prayer in a way she would never have imagined. The important thing was to recognize that answer when it came.
“All right, I’ll do it,” she said.
“Good girl!” exclaimed Bertie.“I don’t think you’ll be sorry.”
FIVE
When Darcy and her new friend got off the train in Emporia, the first thing they saw on the station platform was a newlywed couple surrounded by a group of well-wishers seeing them off on their honeymoon. As she heard the shouts of good wishes and watched the bride toss her bouquet, Darcy had a bad moment. That could have been her and Grady, if only…
A twinge of regret gripped her. Had she been too quick to give up her chance of being a bride? Her chance for happiness, security? Had she been entirely too reckless?
“Come along, dearie,” Bertie said, taking her arm. “We only have an hour and forty-five minutes before the train leaves.” Darcy remembered Grandma Bee saying, “What’s too late to mend is too late for tears.” Well, it was too late. She had taken her stand and Grady had had his chance. Now was the time to move on to whatever awaited her.
They walked the short distance to the restaurant and entered the dining room, a spacious area with shining mahogany counters, gleaming, chrome-plated coffee urns, sparkling crystal glassware. Tables placed at comfortable distances from each other were covered with white linen cloths. At each serving station a young woman, neatly dressed in black with white collar and cuffs and a crisp bib apron, stood waiting to serve.
Bertie told Darcy, “The conductor on the incoming train goes through the cars asking people where they wish to eat, in the dining room”—she lowered her voice to add, “which is more expensive”—“or in the lunchroom, where the menu is à la carte. Then the information is wired ahead so that everything can be prepared. Meals are ready to be served, the coffee is freshly made, all is perfectly timed.” She squeezed Darcy’s arm. “There’s Annie.” She inclined her head to a pretty young woman coming toward them with a big smile.
Annie greeted her aunt affectionately and showed them to a table. Their coffee cups were immediately filled while Bertie made the introductions quietly. Then Annie took their order, telling them what the specialty of the day was. Everything was served smoothly, with no sense of rush, even though Bertie confided that the girls were expert in timing so that no passenger ever was in danger of missing his or her train. Darcy had ordered chicken, and Bertie veal cutlets with applesauce. After Darcy’s first bite Bertie asked, “Now is that good or what?”
“Wonderful!” Darcy replied.
Bertie smiled with satisfaction. “Didn’t I tell you? As fine as anything you would get in any of the best restaurants in St. Louis or New Orleans, don’t you think?”
Darcy had not experienced either one, but she was sure Bertie was right. They had just finished when Annie came for their dessert choice. Soon apricot pie was set before them, and their cups refilled with steaming coffee.
When they were finished eating, Annie took away their plates, then came back, saying, “I have permission to visit with you, Aunt Bertie. We can go into the hotel lounge.”
When they were settled at one end of the lobby, Bertie told Annie that Darcy was interested in applying for a position as a Harvey Girl. Was there any possibility of getting an interview?
Annie gave Darcy a long look. “If you don’t mind hard work and long hours, you’ll love it.” She paused, then said, “You’re in luck—two girls left last week and we’re shorthanded here. Miss Viola Colby, who does the hiring, is in Topeka today interviewing. Wait here and let me check with my head waitress, Miss Casey, and see if she can set up an appointment for you.”
Darcy felt a thrill of anticipation, not unmixed with a little nervous
ness. Things were moving so fast, it seemed unreal. It was all so uncanny—meeting with Bertie, the fact that she had a niece who worked as a Harvey Girl, and the discovery that the restaurant was now hiring.
When Annie returned, she was accompanied by a dignified young woman dressed in black with a high white collar like those of the waitresses but without the apron.
After introductions were exchanged, Miss Casey sat down and began to interview Darcy.
“I’m afraid I’ve had no real experience waiting tables,” Darcy offered a little timidly.
Miss Casey made a dismissive gesture and said, “All the better, actually. Harvey Girls have to learn the system used in all our restaurants. That’s why there is such a long and rigorous training period. Thirty days. Time to drill every detail required into a girl’s mind before she is put to work.” Miss Casey took a small notebook out of her pocket and made a few notations in it, then repeated Annie’s comment.
“You’re in luck, Miss Welburne. Our manager is in Topeka today and tomorrow to interview applicants. I’ll give you a railroad pass, and you can take the afternoon train to see her. If all goes well and she approves, you may be hired and start your training right away.” Miss Casey stood up. She gave Darcy an encouraging smile that changed her rather severe expression, and held out her hand. “I hope you’ll soon be one of our Harvey Girls.”
“I think she likes you,” Annie said after Miss Casey left. “I’m sure she’ll put in a good word for you with Miss Colby!”
Bertie squeezed Darcy’s arm. “What did I tell you?”
Darcy left Bertie and Annie to continue their visit and catch up on family news, and hurried to the train station. There she arranged to have her trunk taken off the train and held for her in the baggage claim until she knew what the result of her interview might be. Her heart was pounding. What if this turned out to be a wild-goose chase? Compared with the teaching post in Minersville, however, this seemed a better choice.
Before boarding the train to Topeka, Darcy wrote out a message for the telegrapher at the station to send to her family.
Changed plans. Checking out new job opportunity in
Topeka. Further information to follow.
When she knew how things had turned out, she would write them a letter.
Bertie arrived at the station just before her own train was due to depart. She gave Darcy a hug. “Good-bye and God bless. I’m sure all will go well for you.”
Darcy thanked Bertie for everything, but Bertie just shook her head. “The Lord’s the one to thank. He engineers our circumstances.”
Was that true? Or was meeting Bertie just a coincidence? Darcy didn’t think so. However it had all come about, she was clutching a railroad pass to Topeka in her hand, on her way to a whole new unscheduled adventure.
PART TWO
SIX
At the Harvey headquarters in Topeka, Darcy was ushered into the office where Miss Colby, the personnel manager, interviewed applicants. Darcy felt rather as if she had been called into the principal’s office in high school.
Miss Colby, a handsome woman in her mid-forties, greeted Darcy pleasantly. “Please be seated, Miss Welburne.” She gestured to a chair opposite her desk.“So you want to be a Harvey Girl?” she asked, smiling.
Without waiting for an answer, she asked Darcy several questions, then explained what the qualifications were for becoming a Harvey Girl and what would be expected of her if she signed up. “We usually ask ourselves certain questions about a young woman who applies for the job. Does she have the brains and ability to follow directions? Is she dependable and responsible and sensible? Is she teachable? That’s the most important question. Harvey House has very set rules of service that have to be followed exactly, with no innovations.”
Miss Colby looked directly at Darcy, as if to see how she was taking all this so far. Then she continued. “I interview many young women who think they want to work for us, but I find that just as many have no idea what we expect of those we hire. So I always feel it necessary to outline our requirements before we go any further. A high school education is required, preferably church membership, a neat, attractive appearance, a courteous manner, good grammar, nice speaking voice. These are fairly obvious qualities any employer might look for in someone who will be dealing with the public. However, Harvey House has other requirements that are just as important.”
Miss Colby paused. “Vulgarity of any kind will not be tolerated. A willingness to work and learn the Harvey system, which is unique and very exacting, is imperative. Mr. Harvey counted on the Harvey Girls to represent the whole enterprise to the people who would visit his restaurants. Make the best impression. Therefore he laid out a very stringent set of rules that must be followed.”
Darcy listened with a sinking heart, tensing herself for whatever was next.
“You must agree to learn the Harvey system, follow all instructions to the letter, obey the employee rules, accept whatever location to which you’re assigned or at which you’re needed on short notice. We require you to sign a choice of contracts, from six months to a year in duration. There is no use in our spending so much time training a girl with a guaranteed time of employment that is any less. Also, you must agree not to change your marital status for the length of your contract. There is no fraternizing with male employees of the Harvey staff or socializing with customers. Do you have any problem with that?”
“No problem,” Darcy answered firmly.
After the disastrous ending of her romance with Grady, Darcy had no intention of getting involved with anyone. Not for a long time. Maybe not ever! Her disappointment in Grady still hurt.
Miss Colby’s crisp voice broke into her momentary distraction. “I see here on your application that you’re pretty far from home, Miss Welburne. Any chance of your getting homesick and wanting to leave us before you fulfill your contract?”
“None at all,” Darcy answered unwaveringly. “I’m prepared to make a one-year commitment.” Her family and friends did not expect her back in Willowdale for at least a year. However this waitressing turned out, she could certainly manage that.
“You must satisfactorily complete the thirty-day training period before you are placed in any of the restaurants. During that time you will not be paid; however, your room and board is provided.”
Miss Colby waited to see some reaction. There was none immediately. So she continued. “Harvey Girls live in dormitories either above the restaurant or in an adjacent building. Room, board, uniforms are all provided. The salary is thirty-five dollars a month.”
Darcy’s ears perked up at that. A Harvey Girl’s salary would be more than what she would have made as a teacher. As a waitress, she would also receive tips from restaurant customers. With food, lodging, and clothing taken care of, being a Harvey Girl would be better than the life she would have had as a teacher. Darcy began to feel more cheerful.
“Railroad passes to anywhere on the routes are available for trips home or for the annual vacation,” Miss Colby concluded. “Do you understand and agree to all the Harvey requirements?”
Darcy nodded. “Yes, I understand and agree.”
Miss Colby smiled. “I think you’re exactly the type Harvey House looks for. Of course, we never know until a young woman is put to the test.”
“I’d certainly like to try,” Darcy said.
“Very well. After you sign, we’ll get you started. You can begin your training tomorrow. The thirty days is sometimes expanded. It depends on a young woman’s aptitude and how quickly she learns. Until we are satisfied that you know the Harvey system by heart, we don’t send you out.”
Miss Colby opened a folder on her desk and took out a contract and handed it to Darcy.“Sign in the appropriate line.”
After Darcy signed, Miss Colby took it, examined it briefly, then slid it back into the folder. She stood up, opened a file cabinet drawer, and placed the folder inside.
“Let’s go. First I’ll take you to the dormitory, get you s
ettled. Come along.”
Darcy followed Miss Colby down a long corridor, outside, and up a flight of stairs that led to the dormitory above the restaurant.
“Two girls share each room. We expect everyone to get along by being flexible, unselfish, generous. Everyone helps everyone else.”
Miss Colby opened the door to a room with two iron beds, two chests of drawers, and a wardrobe. Everything was neat, and very few personal items were on display.
“You’ll be rooming with Dorothy Mills, one of our old girls who’ll show you the ropes. She’s very nice. I’m sure you’ll like her.”
Darcy had never shared a bedroom with anyone. A picture of her spacious room at home, with its ruffled curtains, the maple four-poster bed, the little desk at the window, came to mind. But not with nostalgia. She was already feeling a stir of excitement. She was on the brink of an entirely new experience and eager to begin it.
Next she was taken to find her size in the regulation uniform. This was an ankle-length, plain black dress, of which the high neck and long sleeves had a stiff white collar and cuffs. Over this was worn a white bib apron. Then she was fitted with high-top black shoes to be worn with black stockings. Her hair was to be worn simply, drawn back from the face, no pompadour or crimping, and into a knot at the nape of the neck, then covered with a hair net.
The first part of her initiation as a Harvey Girl had happened so quickly that Darcy was unprepared for the jolting reality of the rigorous training period that started the very next morning.
Her roommate, Dorothy, awakened her at five-thirty, told her to get dressed in her uniform and report to the kitchen area at six. The thirty days had begun.
It was like the first day of school all over again, Darcy thought excitedly. Once in her uniform, Darcy looked in the mirror and adored the costume. The black dress and crisp apron showed off her slim figure and tiny waist. The simple hairdo was becoming to her oval face, enhanced her golden-maple brown hair and dark eyes. This was fun, like playing a role in a school play. If she was just able to learn her lines!
