The Phippen Family

The Phippen Family. Top Gerald, Pearl Randall Phippen & daughter Wanda Phippen Force. All Russell graduates. Bottom picture includes son Gary Phippen, he attended R.H.S. but they moved to New Sharon & he graduated from there.

Years and Years Ago by Ursula Bingham

The new bandstand in Russell was dedicated.  Among the men who worked on the construction were Chuck DeBok, Dean Thompson, Jim Andrews, Paul Force, Don Turbot and Homer Chapman.  Virginia Orwig had the privilege of formally dedicating the new bandstand.  Homer Chapman, who had been a band member since the age of 12, was the bandleader.

Years and Years Ago by Sanda Stump

May 31, 2012   Herald Tribune

30 years ago -
After 38 years Eileen Wright said good-bye to her elementary students.  Eileen, who was retiring, had taught kindergarten in the Chariton schools for 21 years.  She taught her first three years at Franklin School and then 17 years at Columbus School.

40 years ago -
Dewey Abrahamson, of Russell, received a citizenship award from the Iowa State Bar Association and the Iowa State Bar Foundation.

80 years ago -
Twenty-five diplomas were granted to the senior class of Russell High School.  Hazel Price, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Asa A. Price, delivered the valedictorian address.  Ruth Eloise Bowers, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Claude Bowers, delivered the salutatory address.  Carson H. Cobb was the superintendent.

Years and Years Ago by Sanda Stump

May 17, 2012 --  Herald Tribune

20 years ago -

Kathlene Penney, of Russell was chosen by Unit 308 of Russell to attend the 47th annual session of Iowa American Legion Auxiliary Girls' State.  Kathleen is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Penney of Russell.

30 years ago -

Nick DeBok, formerly of Russell and son of Mr. and Mrs. Jake DeBok of Russell, had his first play produced at the Atrium Theater in Chicago.  The original play, written by Nick, "Triple Word Score", was a comedy with a three member cast.  Nick received favorable reviews in two Chicago newspapers and was recommended for a Jeff Award.

60 years ago -

There were a lot of $2 bills circulating around town.  The Russell Produce was paying all its help in the $2 bills.   About $1,400 worth went into circulation, all brand new bills.

70 years ago -

Six high school commencements were held in Lucas County.  One hundred and nine graduated from Chariton High School, 13 from the junior college, 26 from Russell, eight from Williamson, 11 from Derby High School, Lucas graduated seven and 10 graduated from Norwood.

Coffee Drinkers of Russell

Here is one of the stories that appeared in the 2012 Russell History Book.

Russell Coffee Drinkers

Through the Years

   Russell Coffee Drinkers at Edwards Store  -  February 1978

From left:  Homer Chapman, Harold Hawkins (his back), Clare Collins, and Beverly Werts.

Russell Coffee Drinkers at Beverly Werts Store August 1985 (Table #1)

Picture taken by Gerald Blue.

From left: Lee Cottingham, Ted Smith, Hugh Moore, Lloyd Shore, Quincy Robb, Charlie Smith

   Russell Coffee Drinkers at Beverly Werts Store August 1985 (Table #2).

  Picture taken by Gerald Blue.

From left:  James Johnson, Bob Parker, Lloyd Shore, Paul Force, Don Turbot.

  This tradition began many years ago and it is still ongoing.  They met for years in the Russell Mall and after it closed, they moved to the convenience store in town.  Last Chance is now where the men meet from 8a.m. - 9a.m. and the women meet from 9a.m. - 10a.m. to drink coffee and visit.

Years and Years Ago

January 5, 2012

40 Years Ago

Russell firemen elected Jim Moore as fire chief, Bob Willits as assistant chief and Max Clayton secretary/treasurer.
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January 12, 2012

30 Years Ago

Mona Coop retired after 28 years of service to the City of Russell as city clerk.
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10 Years Ago

The first baby of the year was born to Steve and Karol Pollard of Russell.  The baby was named Jaxon Ryan.
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