SHOP
A Living Legacy
Copyright 2019 Brian Adams, Photos courtesy
of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation
Russell’s
In 2020, take a step back in time on Lincoln Street
as the building that houses Russell’s, a clothing and
sporting goods store, celebrates its 100th anniversary.
100 years
old, but Russell’s is one of only a handful of
Alaska retail businesses in continuous op-
eration for a century or longer, with records
dating back to 1897.
NOT ONLY IS THE BUILDING
In 1919, Sitka merchant Ferdinand Roll purchased 208
Lincoln Street for $610. Construction was completed
Naa Kahidi Dancers
in 1920 on the two-story structure, with the retail store
downstairs and living quarters upstairs. Mr. Roll was an
active member of the community, holding offices as a
Sitka town trustee, as the first treasurer, and as the first
president of the Sitka Chamber of Commerce in 1903.
When Ferdinand Roll passed away in 1948, his store was
sold to John Dolenc and Russell Rowe, who remodeled and
renamed the store “Russell’s Store for Men.” Just under a
decade later, in 1956, the historic building was sold to Cecil
and Wilma McClain.
Now, three generations later, their granddaughter has
taken the helm as owner. Ashley Eisenbeisz and her
husband Steven are bringing the store into its second
century. Russell’s offers footwear, outdoor adventure
gear, and a wide variety of clothing for men, women,
and kids. The store is also integrating more eco-friendly
products, with plans to eventually only offer items that
Sitka in the 1920s and became known as the first “bank”
of Sitka. Local merchants would stop by after hours to put
are created sustainably and are environmentally friendly. their daily receipts into the combination safe.
Today, when you walk into Russell’s, be sure to look Sitka has had an incredibly curious and quirky array of
down. Your eyes will land on the warm, original,
100-year-old hardwood floor. Hidden for decades under
layers of linoleum and carpet, the beautiful wood floor
downtown buildings over the last 150 years. Thanks to the
tireless efforts of those with vision and drive to preserve
Sitka’s historic appearance, a stroll down Lincoln Street
was revealed following its most recent remodel. Hanging is like a leisurely passage back through time.
on the walls are several photos of old Sitka, and behind Be sure to stop by Russell’s and check out the anniversary
the counter sits the original Meilink safe. It was shipped to activities. Visit facebook.com/RussellsSitka.
V I S I T
S I T K A
M AG A Z I N E
3 8
V I S I T S I T K A .O R G
SPONSORED CONTENT
Heather Holt, New Archangel Dancers
V I S I T
S I T KA
M AG A Z I N E
3 9
V I S I T S I T KA .O R G