Historic El Garces Harvey House and RR Depot

El Garces Harvey House and RR Depot
	In 2001 the 75th Anniversary of Route 66 event focused on the restoration efforts of the Historic Harvey House called EL GARCES. Over 900 people took tours of the historic house during the 3 day event. Proceeds collected from the tours went to the "Friends of El Garces" fund.

The El Garces Harvey House ad Train Depot has been an important part of the history of the area. The original Needles Depot was destroyed by fire and construction of the El Garces followed shortly after in 1906. The building was completed by 1908. El Garces was named after the Spanish Padre who visited the area in 1776. Because the primary purpose of the El Garces was to serve the passengers who came through on the Santa Fe Railroad, its most ornate side faced the railroad tracks. The El Garces was one of the famous Fred Harvey establishments that were located along the railroad tracks throughout the southwest. Fred Harvey provided a touch of class for the traveling public, and the El Garces was one of the finest in his chain of hotel restaurants. The El Garces was closed as a Harvey House in 1949, and was used as offices for the Santa Fe Railroad until 1988. It was finally closed at this time and fell victim to the ravages of time and vandals. The Friends of El Garces was formed in 1993 to help save this historic train depot. Extensive renovation efforts are underway at this time but your support is needed as the total cost of restoration is estimated at $7 to $8 million dollars. The proceeds from the El Garces tours during the First Annual Route 66 Celebration in Needles went to this worthwhile project. Because of you the El Garces may live again.

Own a Piece of the El Garces Harvey House!

Now you can be a part of this historic preservation project. The Friends of El Garces Fountain Restoration are offering a chance to buy a paving brick with your name inscribed on it! All proceeds from this worthwhile project will go to help restore the beautiful El Garces Fountain. The cost is only $75.00 per brick. For more information contact the Friends of the El Garces, Inc. You can order your brick by printing the handy order form and sending your check or money order to Friends of El Garces Fountain Restoration. Just click the link below to order.

BRICK ORDER FORM

2001 El Garces Tours

Restoration in Progress	Maggie McShan	Maggie	George Clous	El Garces Tour

Courtyard Tour	El Garces Courtyard	Courtyard	Lost Glory	Column Detail

On the Balcony	Balcony Tour	El Garces	Balcony & Park	El Garces Tile Work
Click on Thumbnails to see a larger view & use your back button to return to Thumbnail Gallery Photographs courtesy of Peter Harpin