El Garces Harvey House Hotel & Depot in Needles, California
The El Garces Harvey House Hotel & Depot in Needles, California, stands as a testament to a bygone era, a time when railroads reigned supreme and travel was an elegant affair. More than just a train station, El Garces was a grand portal, offering travelers a luxurious introduction to the California landscape and a respite from their journeys. Its story is interwoven with the history of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway, the Fred Harvey Company, and the iconic Route 66, painting a vivid picture of the American West in the early 20th century.
In the early 1900s, train depots served a vital role. They were more than just transit points; they were gateways to new destinations. These stations provided weary travelers with a sense of security and comfort. For both the local community and the railroad companies, the depot’s design and construction materials were crucial. When the original Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Depot in Needles burned down in 1906, the railroad recognized the need for a more substantial and impressive replacement. The result was El Garces, a grand structure opened in 1908 to widespread acclaim. The depot was christened "El Garces" in honor of Father Francisco Garces, a Spanish missionary who traversed the Mojave Desert in 1776, becoming the first known European to do so.
The architectural design of El Garces was a departure from the typical Western depot. Francis S. Wilson, the architect, drew inspiration from the Classical Revival style, more commonly seen in civic buildings and residences on the East Coast. This choice infused an air of sophistication into the small desert town. The depot featured a symmetrical façade, reminiscent of a Greek temple, with Tuscan columns arranged in pairs supporting open-air walkways. Native Mexican Fan Palms graced the grounds, adding a touch of Californian elegance. Inside, the ceilings were elaborately decorated, and intricate egg-and-dart detailing adorned the woodwork. The overall effect was one of understated luxury and refined taste.
Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the success of El Garces was largely due to its management by the Fred Harvey Company. Fred Harvey, known as "the civilizer of the West," established a chain of high-quality restaurants and hotels along the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway. These establishments became synonymous with exceptional service and fine dining. With the advent of the National Old Trails Highway in the 1910s, later to become part of Route 66, motorists also began to frequent Harvey establishments like El Garces. The highway, often running parallel to the railroad, provided a continuous route for automobiles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Los Angeles, California.
Whether traveling by train or automobile, patrons appreciated the consistent quality and service offered by Harvey establishments. In many towns, the Harvey House restaurant or hotel was the finest dining and lodging option available. El Garces, in particular, was considered one of the "Crown Jewels" of the entire Fred Harvey chain. It was renowned for its impeccable standards, including real linen and silver, distinctive china, and fresh flowers provided daily to guests. The lunchroom featured two horseshoe-shaped counters capable of serving 140 people simultaneously. For the Harvey Girls, the young women who traveled the country to work for the company, an assignment to El Garces was considered a prestigious opportunity, akin to "going to Europe." The facility was also a popular venue for local residents, who used it for private dinners, banquets, and other special occasions.
The golden era of El Garces extended through World War II. However, the rise of automobile travel and the decline of passenger rail service gradually eroded the popularity of Harvey Houses across the West. Automobile travel became accessible to a broader range of incomes, but many travelers could not afford the luxury of dining and staying at establishments like El Garces. As a result, El Garces closed its doors as a Harvey House in the fall of 1949. The building was subsequently partitioned and used as offices for the Santa Fe Railway.
In 1988, the Santa Fe Railroad relocated its offices, leaving the historic building vacant. The abandoned structure faced the threat of demolition until the formation of the Friends of El Garces in 1993. This dedicated group advocated for the preservation of the landmark, and in 1999, the City of Needles purchased the station. Initial plans envisioned reopening the building as a Harvey House Hotel, complete with a Route 66 museum and shops.
On May 17, 2002, the El Garces Hotel was officially added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance. Reconstruction efforts commenced in March 2007. Although the original plan for an upscale hotel and restaurant was abandoned in 2009, the restoration continued, driven by a commitment to preserving this vital piece of American history.
Today, the El Garces building serves as a vibrant community and event center. Its beautifully restored spaces are available for leasing to businesses and retail ventures, breathing new life into the historic landmark. The El Garces stands as a symbol of Needles’ past and a beacon for its future. Its elegant architecture, rich history, and enduring legacy continue to captivate visitors and residents alike.
The El Garces’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to transport visitors back to a time of elegance, impeccable service, and the romance of the rails. It is a reminder of the vital role that railroads and establishments like the Fred Harvey Company played in shaping the American West. The El Garces Harvey House Hotel & Depot, located at 950 Front Street in Needles, California, stands as a testament to the power of preservation and the importance of honoring our history. It is a place where the past comes alive, offering a glimpse into a bygone era and inspiring future generations.