Jenny's View

Women's History Month

Dear Friends,

I’m thrilled to announce an innovative initiative spearheaded by the New Mexico International Women’s Forum. It is the New Mexico Historic Women Marker Guide. A perfect road trip companion, the program celebrates some of the courageous women who helped shape the unique, multicultural landscape of our Land of Enchantment through informative roadside markers. Of course, key La Fonda figures made the list! Next time you visit Santa Fe, be sure to visit the Historic Women Marker Program website to access the comprehensive marker guide.

The Harvey Girls: Pillars of Hospitality at La Fonda (Marker 45, located in Albuquerque at 1st Street SW & Gold Avenue)
 

At the heart of La Fonda's storied past are the Harvey Girls – a group of remarkable women who, with bravery and dedication, played a pivotal role in the success of the Fred Harvey Company. La Fonda was one of the iconic Harvey Houses, where these pioneering women became synonymous with hospitality excellence. Their commitment to service, poise, and impeccable standards elevated the guest experience to unparalleled heights.

Many of you are familiar with two of our favorite Harvey Girls, identical twins, Beverly Ireland and Bernette Jarvis. In fact, they are so deeply beloved here at the hotel, they were both recognized as La Fonda Legends during a special ceremony last year. With an itch to travel and a yearning to set forth and discover the world, the twins left the farm life in Minnesota in 1955 for the high desert of New Mexico and never looked back! Learn more about the twins in our documentary featured on NMPBS.

 

Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter: Architectural Visionary at La Fonda (Marker 47, located in Albuquerque at 1st Street SW at the Transit Station)

 

Another luminary we proudly recognize this month is Mary Elizabeth Jane Colter – an architectural icon whose brilliance graced La Fonda and various Fred Harvey Company projects. Colter's influence on the Southwestern architectural landscape is immeasurable, and her work at La Fonda has left an enduring mark. Colter was involved as an architect for buildings that include: the Grand Canyon’s Watchtower, Hopi House, and Phantom Ranch; El Navajo Hotel, in Gallup; La Posada, in Winslow, Arizona; and Union Station, in Los Angeles – and of course, her influence is ever-present throughout La Fonda.

Take a stroll through the hotel and you'll witness Colter's genius in the meticulously designed interiors and the seamless integration of the talented work of local artisans. Her collaboration with the Fred Harvey Company at La Fonda speaks volumes about her dedication to creating spaces that resonate with the cultural tapestry of the region. At La Fonda, Colter’s vision is on full display through handcrafted light fixtures, painted headboards, tiles, commissioned murals and handwoven textiles – all by local artisans. 

Another powerful and talented woman near and dear to the hotel is my close friend and La Fonda architect, Barbara Felix. Barbara was also honored as a La Fonda Legend for her commitment to safeguarding the history of the hotel through her thoughtful design process. Barbara was deeply inspired by Colter’s intuitive connection to the region’s color palette, people, geography, and biodiversity. She incorporated Colter’s attention to detail and respect for indigenous art into the award-winning renovation of our restaurant, La Plazuela, along with the 2013 guest room renovation, a project that truly honored Colter’s legacy.       

                                                                              

And join me in recognizing a relatively new woman of La Fonda, the thoughtful and compassionate, Leticia Bernal. Tasked with directing our newly formed La Fonda Foundation, Leticia operates with equal parts drive and passion – all in the service of La Fonda team members and the greater Santa Fe Community. La Fonda has a long-standing tradition of giving back to the community we love. Representing over 100 years of culture and community, the goal of the Foundation focuses on increasing social mobility for hourly wage workers in New Mexico and driving systemic change.  Under her guidance, the Foundation will thrive and create meaningful opportunities. Learn more about La Fonda Foundation here.

Here's to all women, working tirelessly to make a positive mark on our communities!

With love,
Jenny

Jennifer Lea Kimball
Ambassador & Board Chairman Emerita
La Fonda on the Plaza