| In
1999, the City of Salinas offered the Foundation a new location for the
House at the Intermodal Transportation Center where they provided a
long-term lease at a nominal rent, requiring only that the House serve
as a museum of early Salinas history. This location was appropriate as
it provided space for garden, outdoor class room and the cottage. In
addition, this location was close to the House's original location,
OIdtown, the National Steinbeck Center, and Steinbeck House, and it was
near other historic railroad resources; a location close to the
railroad station was fitting since Harvey played a pivotal role,
getting Southern Pacific to change direction and lay tracks to Salinas.
In 1852, the Harvey family came west to California by covered wagon
and, after 17 years in the gold country, settled in Salinas City.
Little is known of young families during this period. However, we
know a great deal about the Harvey family. Their documents,
photographs, clothes and furniture have been preserved. In addition,
their
home and garden have now been restored, giving us a rare glimpse of
family life in this unique period.
The purpose of our nonprofit foundation is to utilize this unique asset to provide
the community with a snapshot of family life in an agricultural town of
the 1870s and to tell the story of transportation and the development
of the Salinas Valley, specifically our purpose is to support the teaching
of history and social studies in Monterey County Schools. In the next
year, we intend to complete renovation of
the education center and begin our educational programs.
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