The Russell Street School has its origins on the street once known as Frits Street (changed to Russell Street during World War One) and owned by the saw-milling firm Richter, Nannestad and Company. The school was built in 1928 and opened for pupils on 18 March 1929. There were a total of 117 pupils. P C Campbell was the first headmaster. Additional classrooms were added in 1932 and 1936. Here we see first day pupils Mrs May Searles (nee Coman) and Mr Archie Reid cutting the jubilee cake. The celebrations were officially opened by the Governor General, Sir Keith Holyoake, whose brother Claude is a former headmaster. In the background, from left - unknown, Sir Keith Holyoake, Mr Bill Alcock, a Wanganui Education Board member and Mayor Brian Elwood.

The back of this class photo says "believed to Campbell St School." Campbell Street School was built in 1890 to cope with rising rolls in surrounding schools. The buildings were used as a resource centre, Education Board offices and a teacher's in-service centre before being demolished in the mid 1990s.