All Around Arkansas: The Old Russell Jail

 

            I must admit, the little town of Russell in White County holds a special place in my heart. It’s the place where my mom, Wanda, and her 10 siblings were born, raised and attended school. It’s where my parents got married in the town’s Methodist church. And it's where we had numerous family reunions and barbecues when I was a child. One of my uncles, Marvin Harvey, was the mayor there for much of the '80s and now, one of his daughters, Renee, serves as the town’s current mayor. Another daughter, Brenda, serves on the town council.

             According to residents, Russell, which was named for a railroad employee Russell Kaufman, was once a bustling town in the 1930s and early 40s. Being close to Bald Knob, Russell is located near what was once Arkansas’ largest strawberry harvest. Trainloads of strawberries went through Russell and people from around Arkansas and surrounding states would travel to Russell to buy them. Russell was also busy during cotton harvesting time, as farmers from miles around would bring their crop to Russell’s cotton gin. There was also grist mill where corn was ground into cattle feed. Numerous other businesses sprung up, such as grocery stores, restaurants, a broom factory and filling stations.

             As the town grew, so did the crime rate, and Russell needed a jail. So in 1935, FDR’s Works Progress Administration built a one-story, reinforced concrete structure just off Elm Street. The jail couldn't hold many lawbreakers — it was only 10 feet square and 5 feet high. While its thick steel door has been removed, the jail still has its two small windows with the original bars that are popular for photo ops (and yes, I’ve taken one). The jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in July 1992. There are two other similar jails still standing in White County — one in Beebe and one in McRae.       

            Unfortunately for history buffs, besides the little jail, there’s not much to see in Russell these days. There is a house — bought from the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog — that was built for the Klotz family in 1922 on what is now Highway 367. The home is still standing and was also listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992. The beautifully restored Russell High School, built in the 1920s, remains and is actively used for community functions.

             I’d like to think that if the old jail was still in use and I were to get into trouble in Russell that, because my cousin is the mayor, I’d be let go and not thrown in the concrete dungeon.  But honestly, dropping her name might get me into more trouble and double the fine. Just kidding, cousin!

             A proud sixth-generation Arkansan, Darrell W. Brown is a lover of all things Arkansas. He served several years with the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, and worked in all three divisions. He lives in Saline County with his wife and two beloved Boston Terriers. Email him at AllAroundArkansas@Yahoo.com with your comments, questions, and story ideas.