Treasure Among the Ruins, (Winged Publications, December, 2016) Book One in the Voices in the Desert series, is set in 1926 New Mexico and features the Southwestern Indian Detour Couriers.

Book Two, Road to Tomorrow, set in 1928 New Mexico, is scheduled for release in 2020.

Southwestern Indian Detour Couriers

In the 1850’s the transcontinental railroad revolutionized travel to the American West.  The Atchinson, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad paved the way for entrepreneur Fred Harvey to open the mysteries of the Southwest by offering guided automobile tours to Indian pueblos, the Grand Canyon, and remote historical locations. The travelers, often called Dudes, could experience first hand the uniqueness of the region. It was a mecca for artists and writers to explore the culture, architecture and art of the indigenous peoples, and traverse the natural landscape. They could see the historic trails they had read about, such as the Old Santa Fe Trail, the Old Spanish Trail, and the Old Gila Trail.

Arriving by train, the tourists had options of a day trip, a two or three day excursion with a stop at a Harvey House such as the El Tovar at the Grand Canyon; the La Fonda in Santa Fe; the . Week long trips were also offered. The Harveycar Motor Cruises could be tailored to the distance, time, cost, objectives, and the desires of the tourists. No hidden fees were found in this or any Fred Harvey enterprise. The advance charge covered every expenses on route. The car and it’s operation, the expense of the personnel, meals, accommodations, and fees to certain National Parks and Monuments were itemized and set prior to the excursion.

In time, the Cruises covered the 150,000 frontier square miles in southwestern New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona.

Wish you could experience a step back in time and go on a Detour Cruise?

Kathy Hendrickson, dressed as a Courier and driving a HarveyCar, provides tours in historic Las Vegas, NewMexico, to the Montezuma Castle—Harvey-run resort, Castañeda Hotel—Harvey House, and the Plaza Hotel. Plus other sites of interest—such as Movie and Film sites.