Buy-a-Chair Campaign

The “Buy-a-Chair” campaign was orchestrated by John Mack, an active community leader, and four others in 1945 to raise funds to restore and maintain the Historic Russell School, as well as to provide recreational and educational activities for the community. Many individuals and businesses contributed to the fundraiser by purchasing chairs (most still present in the Historic Russell School) for $3.50.

This campaign is patterned after one of the first efforts to restore Historic Russell School in 1946, 

whereas, metal and wooden folding chairs were sold with the purchaser’s name written on the back.

The chairs were kept in the school and used during various events held in the school. Some of the chairs are still in the school today, on display. 

Original “Buy-a-Chair” Contributors (1945)

Ray’s Funeral Home                  The Owen Justice’s                     Mr. Ball

The John Macks                         Pleasant Green Church              Prison Camp

D. N H Cordice                           M. S. Walker                               The J. Turners

The J. L. Moffitts                         Mt Calvary Church                      W. T. Jones Studio

E. Jones Funeral Home             The G. W. Walkers                      The J W Williams

In celebration of our 90th anniversary, we invite you to support the Historic Russell School by purchasing a “virtual” chair in the amount of $90.00 for individuals and $350.00 for corporations. Your name and/or corporation will be immortalized in the Historic Russell School on a plaque and on our virtual wall.