Griffith Park is truly one of Los Angeles’ greatest treasures, and it is home to many amazing and unique places, including several museums. Recently Patrick and I went to Travel Town, a quaint indoor and outdoor museum displaying multiple trains, wagons, and more.

Travel Town was conceived as a place for children to learn about various modes of transportation, however it is mostly known for its large collection of trains. But one shouldn’t gloss over its collection of wagons and cars as well that are tucked away a large semi-open air warehouse, or the cute garden made up of flowers that inspired the variety of dining car dishes. Train travel is synomous with the legendary and borderline mythical man, Fred Harvey, and Travel Town offers a small exhibit featuring elements of Harvey’s revolutionary ideas regarding train travel.

Fred Harvey is a complex figure in the history of travel, especially through the American Southwest. Harvey rose through the ranks of the restaurant world, and eventually opened his first Harvey House in Topeka, Kansas. Insisting on quality, in every aspect, from the food, to the china, to the waitstaff, he created an atmosphere that made travelers happy and contented during their long journeys. Soon he would expand, having Harvey Houses across the country, inadvertently becoming the first chain restaurant. As dining cars became more regular, he continued his legacy of quality. Aboard trains such as the Super Chief one could dine on “Mimbereno” dishes, designed by famed architect Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter, or aboard the California Limited eat off of “California Poppy” which was first introduced in 1892 before becoming standard on Santa Fe trains through 1971.

Harvey’s waitstaff was always female with crisp, clean uniforms. The job paid well, and room and board was provided, giving young women an opportunity to travel the country, although it did come with strict rules on appearance and curfews. The Harvey Girls were so beloved that eventually souvenirs of their likeness were made, and sold at Fred Harvey Newsstands, and in 1946 a film titled The Harvey Girls was released starring Judy Garland and Angela Lansbury.

But perhaps Harvey’s most complex and controversial aspect is that of his relationship to the Indigenous population. Harvey offered “Indian Detours” showcasing life of the Indigenous people of the American Southwest. Local artisans were sought after to showcase their skills and sell their wares, including blankets, figures, and jewelry. However, when supply could not keep up with the demand with regards to jewelry, some of it became mass produced via machines using stamping techniques, and such factories were build as far east as New York. Harvey’s methods can be considered exploitation, certainly appropriation when it came to jewelry, but he also showcased culture and life that some white travelers may never have learned about (albeit in a shallow way), and financially aided some Indigenous people.

Travel Town is located right next door to Los Angeles Live Steamers, home to Walt Disney’s personal barn. If you plan it right, you can make quite the train themed day of it! Travel Town is free to enter, however the mini train that circles the museum is $4 each for adults. Venture to Travel Town at 5300 Zoo Drive in Los Angeles. You can learn more on Travel Town’s website.

What’s Near By?

Other Griffith Park Attractions

Various Hollywood Boulevard Attractions

Hollywood Heritage Museum

Sources
Plaques on site.
“Fred Harvey, the Man, the Era, the Jewelry.” Native American Jewelry Tips, 17 November 2015.