The May 3^rd, 1939 opening of Union Station at the edge of downtown Los Angeles was a very big deal as it brought the country’s three main railway lines under on roof. It was also a big day for the Fred Harvey Restaurant, which was attached to the main building. This shot was taken on opening day. As we can see, it was a very busy day for the staff and, by the look of the crowd outside the tall glass windows, a long wait for eager patrons.

And here is the only photo I’ve ever seen of Mr. Fred Harvey. I do hope that in person he was a tad more lighthearted than how he looks in this portrait:

He looks a bit more friendly in this image:

Menu of Fred Harvey restaurant, Union Station, Los Angeles:

Advertisement for the Fred Harvey run dining car on the California Limited railway route: