WOODSTOCK – Ruth Cox spoke on the life of her brother, James Russell, at a recent meeting of the Woodstock Historical Society. Under the name of J. Francis Phillips, Russell became a Hollywood director.

Cox said her brother received his high school education while living in a variety of foster home. Before becoming a director, he worked as a stage technician, window designer in a department store, was a drama critic for newspapers, operated elevators and made costumes. He also did a program called “Shakespeare for Students” in schools. He eventually became manager for a playhouse in Pennsylvania. He then went to Hollywood, but now lives in Pennsylvania again.

President Olive Risko gave a research report. She also planned a fund-raising project that members agreed to undertake so they can get a new chemical toilet in the museum building.

Ruth Cox and Elaine Roberts provided refreshments.

The April 10 meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in the museum building at which time Annella Burnham, vice president, will present a program called “Do You Remember?”

The museum will feature a bust of President Abraham Lincoln this year. The museum is open from 1 to 4 p.m. beginning in June.