Scope and Contents: This collection contains photographs and news clippings about Russell, Kansas, primarily from 1938-1952. Located in north-central Kansas, Russell is the biggest city in and county seat of Russell County. Originally named Fossil Station and just a small railroad stop, Russell was officially founded and renamed in April 1871 by the Northwest Colony from Ripon, Wisconsin. It is also the hometown of Senator Bob Dole.
The majority of news clippings are from The Russell County News and The Russell Record, and are primarily about the first Prairiesta, which was held in 1941. A celebration of Russell County history, heritage, and culture, Prairiesta is held every ten years. The first theme was “Wagons West” and events included a longest beard competition, parade, and dressing up in period attire. Other clippings depict scenes and changes around Russell, like Christmas lights downtown, the Russell Mill Office, opening a new high school building, and paving Main Street.
The photographs are largely undated and all black and white. They show scenes of Russell, Kansas: 4-H fairs and parades, a momentous hail storm, buildings and stores around town, and the Dream Theater.
| Dole Archive Collections
Arrangement 