Fred Harvey era Friendship Totem Crossed Arrows sterling silver bracelet Antique 1930-40s Native American silver art. Photos are part of the item description. Genuine Natural hubei Cuff measures 5"¼ plus 1"¼gap 24mm at it's widest point Weight 18.4grams The Jeweled Legacy of the Harvey House The history of the American West is filled with myths, legends and iconic figures. One of the most influential of those figures was Fred Harvey. Through the impact of hisHarvey House restaurants, Harvey helped open up the west to tourism.
The designs and motifs of his buildings would become associated with Native American art for many years to come. In addition, his establishments became markets for the crafts and jewelry created by the surrounding Native American tribes. His legacy wielded such influence that, in an ironic twist, his name would become attached to one of those types of jewelry even though the style didnt gain popularity until after his death. In fact most Native American handmade silver jewelry from the early 1900s is often called Fred Harvey Era Jewelry. Fred Harvey arrived in the US at the young age of fifteen.
Though he spent many of his adult years working for the railroad, he never forgot his first jobs in the restaurant business. Through persistence and incredible business acumen, Harvey built a string of restaurants along the rail line. His establishments offered fine dining at affordable prices and in a safe, elegant environment. The end result was a boom in tourism.
People traveling by rail could be assured of amenities along the way. As their comfort level increased, so did the curiosity of those exploring the American West. Tourists from the East became fascinated with the landscape and the art of the local Native American tribes. By the time of his death in 1901, Fred Harveys businesses had changed the face of the West.