Donald Gray, who’s been trying to save the historic Harvey House in Seligman, Ariz., from the wrecking ball, reported Tuesday that negotiations to buy or move the property broke down and that the structure will be razed within three weeks.
Gray said he confirmed the bad news through Lena Kent, who is regional public affairs representative for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, which owns the long-vacant property.
The Harvey House, also known as the Havasu, received a reprieve last fall when a group of local residents persuaded the railroad to hold off on the demolition.
Gray also told the Route 66 yahoogroup:
I did get some good news with the bad … the good news is that they’re trying to get me permission to go inside and do a “historical” final photo shoot of the interior of the building.
The other positive was the word that they may also allow either the Chamber of Commerce or Seligman Historical Society to salvage some of the smaller historical items before the demolition is completed. Details are being worked out and I should get the word in the next few days. The BNSF rep said she’d do her best to get me on the inside for the photos since I’ve been working on this preservation project for such a long time and have put in such an effort to save it. […]
I will do my very best to preserve (through my photos) the last days of the 1905 structure where my grandparents first met. I’m glad my grandparents aren’t still alive to see this happen. Grandma was proud to have been a Harvey Girl and enjoyed the life and ability to see the “wild west” that some of the Harvey Girls were offered.
Donald, Thanks for your efforts to save this structure. We look forward to the pictures.
Ron,
Oh what a sad bit of information. I worked in Seligman for a short time in the 1980’s. Back then the trains changed crews at Seligman
and there were still several station employees there. There was even a Harvey girl employed by Santa Fe still working and her
name was Mary. The town of Seligman today must not have the
finances to save the Depot and it would sure be good news if maybe it may be saved by a private party just purchasing it. Well guess I am just dreaming and if the place is demolished a part of me will
be forever missing the place and memories.
Take Care
Larry
The only reason I went to Seligman in December 2007 was to see the Harvey House (and take that panoramic photo of it.) When they raze the building, what’s left of Seligman to attract tourists? Not as much as before…
A sad day.
Does anyone know if the harvey House-Seligman has been torn down?
Tom