Arthur E. Russell

Contributed by Elaine (Wood) Greene/Jenson.

The Pioneer Gamble Store Dealer

Arthur E. Russell, who passed away June 16, 1945, wore himself out in the intensity of his devotion to his business. He was the second Gamble Store Dealer in the Gamble organization; now there are more than 1,800 Gamble Store Dealers.

Arthur Russell entered business in 1933, when banks were closed and the depression was deepest. He pledged collateral to buy a cash register, and borrowed on life insurance to get stock. He opened the Neillsville Gamble Store in the American Legion building on Fourth Street, as a dealer in hardware, auto supplies, appliances and paint. With the help of a cooperative and friendly public, he got on from the first. In the nine years he was in this location the business more than doubled.

In 1942 Mr. Russell accepted as an opportunity the chance to secure the old Schiller location and furniture business. The enlarged stock and good location, together with Mr. Russell's unremitting efforts, resulted in a substantial increase in volume. Even with war shortages, the business taxed Mr. Russell and his helpers to the limit.

To those associated with him and to all who knew him, Art ("Rusty") Russell was a man of great friendliness and of intensity of devotion to every public interest. He was a splendid citizen, as well as a good merchant. We who are associated with the business left by him pledge our best effort to carry on in the fine spirit and intensity of effort which characterized him.

Mrs. Edna Russell
Willmette Russell
Glenn Roberts
Mr. E. J. Roberts
Milton Schoenfeld
Danny Patey