GRIFFITH PARK—On Sunday, October 25, the Travel Town Museum Foundation will be presenting their annual Depot Day, a free open house event at the Travel Town Museum in Griffith Park. This year’s theme is “Celebrating the Santa Fe Railway Company and the Fred Harvey Company.”

The Santa Fe Railway Company was part of one of the largest networks of railroads in the United States, in operation from the mid-1800’s until 1996. It became the second company offering transcontinental rail service to Los Angeles, starting in 1887. The Santa Fe Railway company was entwined in business with the Fred Harvey Company, who opened the first restaurant chain in the US, known for their well-mannered waitresses, known as “Harvey Girls.”

The event runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and features many activities, including live music, railroad equipment displays, and train tours. Visitors will be able to tour one of four vintage train cars: Dining Car No. 369, built in 1921, Motorcar M.177, built in 1929, club/lounge car The Little Nugget, built in 1937, and sleeper car Rose Bowl, also built in 1937. The tours will be guided by docents.

Sew Cranky will be teaching attendees how to use vintage, hand cranked sewing machines.
Sew Cranky will be teaching attendees how to use vintage, hand cranked sewing machines.

There will also be a Hobo and Harvey Girl costume contest at 1 p.m. Winners will be chosen for the categories of Best Costume Detail, Best Originality, and Best of Both. Prizes include tickets to the Griffith Park Railroad mini-train ride, tickets to the Los Angeles Live Steamers Ghost Train, and a Travel Town gift certificate.

Additional activities include crafts using antique sewing machines, brought to the event by Sew Cranky, and the opportunity to meet Griffith Park’s Rangers, as well as members of the Los Angeles Fire Department and Police Department. There will also be a blacksmith and a wood carver. For members of the Travel Town Museum Foundation, there will be “special treats” and an area for kids to pay with Chuggington and Thomas the Tank Engine Toys. Dressing up in 1930’s/1940’s attire is encouraged.

The Travel Town Museum is located at 5200 Zoo Drive in Griffith Park. RSVP to Depot Day on Facebook.