Ruston Namesake Honored

Town center at 51st and Winnifred is boasting a new piece of art. A bust of William R. Rust has been erected to commemorate the man who led the drive to form the community that now carries his name. Rust was the successful owner and manager of the former smelter when the town incorporated in 1906. He used smelter lawyers to draft incorporation papers and the measure easily won the approval of voters that fall.

The statue was sponsored by the local Ruston-Point Defiance Business District with donations from Rust family, Mary Bridge Foundation and Point Ruston. The project was spearheaded by the late Babe Leher, whose efforts produced several statues in the area. Local artist Paul Michaels worked with Babe to research Rust and then created the bronze bust.

The business district is selling bricks to create a plaza around the bust to fund the project. You can order your own piece of history via this link. Dedication ceremony planning is underway.