Corrales Historical Society Speaker Series: Harvey House Indian Detour Drivers

Historic Old Church in Corrales will host the Corrales Historical Society’s Speaker Series presentation about Harvey House Indian Detour Drivers on Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.

“Take a trip back in time as Charles Seery, Jr. tells the tale of his father, Charles Seery Sr., who was a driver for the Southwest Indian Detours. Indian Detours were the idea of the legendary Fred Harvey Company, renowned in part for their chain of ‘eating houses’ hosted by Harvey Girls along the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad between 1876 and 1968. In response to economic hardships of the early 1900s, the Harvey Company developed a unique collaboration with the Native American pueblos throughout the Southwest that permanently changed the traveler’s experience,” reads a release.

Charles Seery Jr., was born in Belen and obtained a Civil Engineering degree at New Mexico State University. Throughout his career working domestic and internationally, he met and befriended people, all the while learning about cultures, languages, and religions. In recent years, Charles Seery Jr. became interested in his grandparents’ arrival in Belen, which was an important part of his father’s life history as a driver for the Southwest Indian Detours.

“Come hear the fascinating story of these drivers and their experiences on the dusty, dirt roads of New Mexico,” it reads.

On display will be an original, fully restored Ford Sedan that was used to transport tourists to various points of interest.