Russell Sporting Goods Baseball Bat

The H.G. Clark Company, a general merchandise business was founded in 1876, by Hugh G. Clark in Omaha Nebraska. After Clark's death in 1892, his only son, Walter G. Clark took over the firm. In 1905 Walter organized the Walter G. Clark Co. and by 1912, became the largest retail and wholesale sporting goods in Nebraska. The company which was located at 413 South Sixteenth Street, carried a complete line of Victor Sporting Goods, who more than likely produced the Imperial brand baseball bats.

J.W. Elwood, president of the northwestern school of taxidermy, purchased the company from Fred Goodrich president, and other stockholders, the complete retail and wholesale business of the old Walter G. Clark Co., then reopened the new business under the old name, at 1406 Harney. Ralph Russell, who was with the company for many years remained the manager. In 1917, under the ownership of Ralph Russell, and J.W. Elwood, another store was opened at 1421 Farnam Street. The company made another move to 1816 Farnam Street in 1925, and the name was changed to Russell Sporting Goods.

In 1964, Russell Sporting Goods was purchased by Herman F. Rohrig. Cliff Squires and Leroy F. Wittler. Two of the new owners, Rohrig and Squires, were former Russell employees. The previous owners, Margaret M. and Laura E. Russell, had been operating the business since the deaths of their husbands about ten years earlier. The business handles sales of sporting goods and athletic equipment to schools, football and baseball teams and has retail stores in Omaha and Grand Island. Its trade area includes all of Nebraska and western Iowa.

The "Russell sporting goods Co." center brand reads "Equipment For Champions" across the top of the oval with "Omaha Neb." at the bottom. Models include No. 311, and No 55S Softball.

Russell Sporting Goods Co. Baseball Bat

Walter G. Clark Co. Omaha NEBR Baseball Bat

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