Open house is Saturday at Harvey House
By ROWENA PLETT
Staff writer
What started as a "let's paint a few walls" idea became a full-fledged renovation project for active members of Florence Historical Society.
After five months of dedicated, often difficult work, the first Fred Harvey Restaurant-Museum, in all its grandeur, will be available for viewing by the public. The historical society invites everyone to attend an open house to be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Located one block west of the post office, the historic building has been restored to the late 1800s. The ground floor has been redecorated in Victorian style.
New, elegant carpet has been installed throughout, along with fresh paint and several new light fixtures.
The dining room has received fresh wallpaper, a new border trim with wood molding, velvet swags, and new chairs for the six tables. An inside chimney was removed to provide a more streamlined look.
The main part of the kitchen received new cupboards and open shelving to reflect old times. It also has a new vinyl wood-look floor and new curtains.
A former junk room has become a display room. It features chandaliers, a wall-size display case, several other display cases, and new drapery.
The parlor features a black leather set of antique furniture as well as an upright piano donated by the Florence Ambulance Department.
Each of the eight upstairs bedrooms is filled with heirlooms and features a different theme, such as a school room, Mexican room, and Harvey House girls' changing room.
"We invite everyone to come and see our new but 'old' look," said Judy Mills. "Our hope is that Mr. Harvey would be pleased and Florence proud of what has been done."
Memorial service is
June 6 at Hesston
The public is invited to attend an annual memorial service to remember those who have died.
The service will be 3 p.m. June 6 at Hesston United Methodist Church, 600 N. Ridge Road.
Sponsored by Central Homecare and Hospice, the service is for the communities in Marion, McPherson, and Harvey counties.
Call 316-283-8220 or 800-301-9499 for more information.
