End of story for Russell's

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by JOHN EDMONDS

Adieu Russell's Books. The popular second-hand English bookstore at 275 St-Antoine W. closed its doors for good on February 1.

 Owner Reginald Russell, the dean of Montreal booksellers, was born in Belfast in 1910 and moved to Montreal in 1927. After a few earlier locations, Russell's settled at its current address in the early 1980s and became a mainstay of the Montreal book scene.

 Argo Books owner John George called Russell's "a treasure trove," noting that other booksellers often referred customers there. Says Westcott Books owner Terry Westcott, a former employee of Russell's: "I don't think I would have developed the interest I have today in books if not for Russell's selection, and the amiability of Mr. Russell himself. It's a sad demise to a great store."

 Russell's location has been expropriated for the planned Palais des Congres expansion. An entire row of old buildings along St-Antoine, including Russell's, will be demolished--though the facades will remain.

 Other slices of history that have fallen to the Palais' expansion include Central Stamp and Seal and the American Tavern, inebriated birthplace of Trivial Pursuit. :