Fred Harvey and his rules

I recently had the pleasure of traveling in Santa Fe. We saw some beautiful sights (Canyon Road), had a few great meals (Geronimo), and had the chance to take in a few interesting museums. In particular, the Palace of the Governors and the New Mexico History Museum. In the Palace of the Governors, I learned that the one-time governor of New Mexico, Lew Wallace, is also the celebrated author of Ben-Hur, the famous novel. But that’s a post for another day.

In the History museum, I learned about Fred Harvey and his empire. Fred Harvey was one of the first great travel entrepreneurs. Wikipedia: “As an innovative restaurateur and marketer, Fred Harvey is credited with creating the first restaurant chain in the United States. He was also a leader in promoting tourism in the American Southwest in the late 19th century.” Parts of the Fred Harvey empire continued to operate until 1968! In the museum, I stumbled across his “Maxims for Businessmen.” It’s an interesting glimpse into the past as well as useful for the future.

Maxims for Business Men

1. Never fail to take a receipt for money and keep copies of your letters.
2. Do your business promptly, and bore not a business man with long visits.
3. Law is a trade in which lawyers eat the oysters and leave the clients the shells.
4. Caution is the father of security.
5. He who pays before-hand is served behind-hand.
6. If you would know the value of a dollar try to borrow one.
7. No man can be successful who neglects his business.
8. Do not waste time in useless regrets over losses.
9. Systematize your business and keep an eye on little expenses — small leaks sink great ships.
10. An hour of triumph comes to those who watch and wait.
11. Word by word, Webster’s big dictionary was made.
12. Speak well of your friends – of your enemies say nothing.
13. If you post your servants on your affairs they will one day rend you.
14. Be silent when a fool talks.
15. Give a foolish talker rope enough and he will hang himself.
16. Never speak boastingly of your husband.
17. Rothschild, the founder of the world renown house of Rothschild & Co, ascribed his success to the following:
18. Never have anything to do with an unlucky man.
19. Be cautious and bold.
20. Make a bargain at once.