Likely people here probably have fond memories of the old Wartrace gym, whether having bounced a basketball there or heard grandparents tell stories about the building’s early beginnings. On Saturday, July 31, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., more stories will be shared as a fundraiser kicks off to restore the local landmark.

Sadly, it’s a historic facility which has been locked up for about three years. The folks who hold the old school building dear have finally been given the green light from the state to begin renovation.

What is known as the Fred Russell Gymnasium was once a part of Wartrace High School, which was combined with Bell Buckle High School in the 1970s to form Cascade High School.

The State of Tennessee, according to organizer Claudia Curl, has provided a $75,000 grant to restore the Wartrace historic gym, but the total cost is estimated at $205,000, she said.

“An additional $130,000 must be raised for repairs and rehabilitation. The town has made a huge financial commitment, but more is needed. Because we deeply care about restoring the gym, we are actively fundraising to help.”

During Saturday’s open house, hot dogs, chips and drinks will be served. A history will be presented on the gym—one which Curl hopes will be meaningful to new generations.

**Fundraisers of the past

Curl said according to an article in a Shelbyville newspaper—one dated Nov. 26, 1925—Wartrace had one of the best high school “plants” in the county. But, the article also stated “they were not satisfied.”

A drive was started back then for a new facility. Students pitched in to help.

Some contributions to help with the sale included goats, chickens, butter, cakes and candies.

Curl said obviously, the town cannot raise $100,000 off butter these days.

So to help with the fundraising, organizers have set up a 501(c)(3). Donations can be made by mailing a check to Friends of Wartrace Gym Fund, c/o People’s Bank of Middle Tennessee, Attn: Rene Yoes at 1122 North Main St., Shelbyville, TN 37160 or to Friends of Wartrace Gym Fund, c/o Don and Claudia Curl, P.O. Box 8, Wartrace, TN 37183.

Payments are also accepted through Venmo and can be brought in person to Saturday’s event at the gym.

A Facebook page is also being created “Friends of the Wartrace Gym.”

**Who was Fred Russell?

Fred Russell was a Wartrace native who made the town proud with his professional accomplishments. He attended Vanderbilt University in 1927, where he played varsity baseball. He later attended Vanderbilt Law School and served as sports editor and later vice president of the Nashville Banner, an afternoon newspaper in Nashville which published until 1998.

Russell was also a recognized sports author, gaining national attention in the 1940s and 50s, when he wrote one of the most popular college football previews, “The Pigskin Review” for the Saturday Evening Post—a popular magazine of that era.

Russell also served as the chairman of the Honors Court of the College Football Hall of Fame for 29 years and was the primary decision-maker regarding those who were inducted into the Hall of Fame.

He was highly regarded by legends of baseball. He was friend to the late Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, just to name a few.

His awards would likely cover a lot of his hometown if stretched out. Russell passed away in 2003 at the age of 96.

“He was a legend,” said Curl.

**Restoration benefits community

Curl said those working to renovate the Fred Russell Gymnasium want to provide as much as they can toward the matching amount plus an additional $25,000 so that some “extras”—those not included in the restoration—can be covered. (Examples are tables and chairs.)

This will benefit the community, Curl said, as the facility will be able to be shared with the community for class reunions and other meetings. While the past is significant and memories are dear, Curl greatly encourages all Bedford Countians to be a vital part of this historic preservation effort.

Her favorite phrase these days is . . . “don’t wait, let’s renovate.”