|
history
|
the following story was printed in the Wallowa County Chieftain as part of a series on Wallowa County business history.
Story written by
Edna Roundy
Daughter of Theresa Russell
~~~
When Russells at the Lake was built in 1954, it was referred to as a “hamburger stand” with two small tables inside and the walls lined with shelves full of inexpensive souvenirs.
Now many other selections are served in addition to the original Russell hamburger and milkshake. A spacious indoor air-conditioned dining room is now available, but you can still enjoy your Russells fare in the shade of towering pines still surrounding Russells. A covered porch area is also available, and customers may still order “take out” back to the RV, boat, or cabin.
Russells began as the dream of Theresa Russell who, at the age of 61, decided to pursue a simpler occupation than running her 80-acre farm at Joseph, Oregon (hand-milking over 50 cows twice a day!). Her youngest son and main farm helper, Dan, was graduating from college and would soon leave for southern California to begin his career.
Having been widowed at 35 with four young children to raise, she was used to different challenges. She bought property at Wallowa Lake from Tom and Helena Williamson, hired Vic Searles to build her restaurant, and opened July 4, 1954 with an order for six chocolate milkshakes!
She always enjoyed the visitors to the county, friends and customers of every age who came to Russells. Always interested in higher education, it was a source of pleasure for her to hire many students who used their earnings to go to college.
During the summer season she worked seven days a week for all shifts, but always attended the Sunday show of Chief Joseph Days.
Retirement came at 72 after which she enjoyed bus tours, driving her friends, exploring the county and visiting Dan living in California. One favorite story: When she walked down the street in La Grande, Oregon she heard “Look Mamma, there goes the
hamburger lady!”
She lived in her own farm home at the north edge of Joseph until her death at age 100 and one half, still enjoying the drive around the lake and coming to Russells.
Russells was leased to a grandson, Russell Roundy, for several years who earned his entire tuition for medical school working summers at Russells. During this time another grandson, Steve Roundy worked for him before graduating from OSU.
In 1989 Theresa sold Russells to Steve and his brother and wife, Keith and Joan Roundy, who kept the name Russells in honor of their grandmother.
As the business grew, the need for more indoor seating and other improvements became more apparent, but modern building codes made it not feasible to remodel the old structure. Therefore, a new building replaced the old in the fall of 1994.
Guests still enjoy the outdoor seating under the pines, but plenty of indoor seating is now always available.
Steve Roundy, Theresa’s grandson, is now the owner but has always been associated with the business.
It is the patronage of generations of customers – family, friends, and visitors – that is so much appreciated.
Our Business
is Your Enjoyment!
|
