Russell High School - Pointer Yearbook (East Point, GA)

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Contents Yesterday A. History B. Principals of Yesterday C. Teachers of Yesterday D. Organizations and Clubs Today . Administration and Faculty . Military . Clubs . Student Life . Seniors and Underclassmen Sports . Dedication . Ads A B C D E F. G H Tomorrow A. School Plans B. Olympics C. Election of 1984

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POINTER 1984 RUSSELL HIGH SCHOOL VOL UME 60 ALMA MA TER Bravely, Bravely stands old Russell Waving Gold and White, Emblems of True Sons and Daughters, Loyalty and Right! Every memr'y we shall cherish, Hold them sacred too; Let us sing our praises gladly, O'er and der anew! Chorus Russell, Russell, Dear Old Russell We shall ever be e Proud to claim our Alma Mater, Russell, Hail to Thee!

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m Mr. William A. Russell ., smexmum , . , egg. Mr. John Egan Russell High School 1927 Immediately after the War Between the States, rapid growth occurred in the Atlanta area. Captain William Alexander Russell, a veteran of the Civil War, took advantage of this rapid industrial growth. He became a wealthy merchant. Captain Russell never married but took care of his widowed sister and her son, John J. Egan. Captain Russell died at the turn of the century, just as the City of East Point was becoming a large industrial area. East Point was the eastern terminal of the West Point and Central of Georgia Railroads. John Egan invested in industry in East Point and became even wealthier. East Point boasted a fertilizer factory, cotton mills, and other factories in an industrial area called Egan Park. At this time the City of East Point supported its own school system. The only high school was Central High, located near the present City Hall. College Park supported College Park High, a city school, and the Fulton County School System consisted only of Fulton High in Hapeville. Students from parts of College Park and Hapeville, as well as from East Point, Ben Hill, and Cascade Heights attended Central High. In 1923 the City of East Point decided to build a new high school. John Egan, who had no heirs, donated ten acres of his land near Egan Park for the construction of the school, with the stipulation that it be named for his uncle, William A. Russell. Egan died the next year and his wife added 6.5 acres to the donation. Construction of the school took place in 1923, and Central High was discontinued. The first regular session was held in 1924 with a student body of 300, a faculty of 10, and a graduation class of 7.