MAXWELL’S CLOTHING STORE
August 8, 2008Maxwell’s Clothing Store was established in Millersburg in 1866. The store is historically significant in that it was a family-owned business spanning four generations; and after much research in 1998, it was believed to be the oldest family-owned clothing store in the United States. The generations of Maxwells in chronological order were:
- First generation - Robert Maxwell and his brother J.T.
- Second generation - H.B. (Hod) and J.W., sons of Robert
- Third generation - H.R. (Chiddy), son of Hod
- Fourth generation - H. Richard (Dick) and John R., sons of H.R.
 Maxwell’s Water Jug |
After the Civil War Robert and J.T. built a men’s clothing store next to the old Central Hotel (now Hotel Millersburg.). At that time Jackson Street was a dirt road, and water had to be obtained from a spigot on the courthouse lawn. So that customers could have a fresh drink, the water was then carried in an earthenware jug to the store. (This jug can currently be seen at the Victorian House Museum).
In early days The Millersburg Telephone Company provided only local phone service to the area but not long distance. So, Maxwell’s Clothing Store provided space for a public-use phone booth at the rear of their store, and this booth was connected to an Ohio Bell long distance line. An Ohio Bell sign hung outside the store to inform the community about the booth for long-distance calls. This phone service was managed and attended to by the managers of the Maxwell store. |
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Through the years, Maxwell’s Clothing Store was recognized as a leader in the lines of goods carried by them. Their store was completely filled with all that was desirable in gentlemen’s and boys’ clothing. The latest styles and an enormous stock provided truly fine furnishings. Everything a man or boy could want in the matter of dress (except shoes) was found here — and there was never a charge for fitting.
| In 1876 a front half of a future second story was added with an outside entrance for use as a law office. In 1907 a full second floor was completed and occupied by the store. A decorative tin ceiling, skylight, and hard-rock maple floor were also installed. New display windows with marble bases were added as were a center display case and a tiled entry floor.
In 1988 a very extensive restoration was begun. Removal of pegboards from the display windows revealed beautiful paneled cherry wood in one window and a mirrored wall in the other. The maple floor was also resorted to its former beauty at this time. In 1990 the exterior of the building was restored using rich colors of gray, burgundy, and gold. |
 Maxwell’s Clothing Store |
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Over the years, the Maxwells were obliging and accommodating, and all four generations were very civic minded. But, former generations did not have the problems that face the smaller retail merchants of today — and sadly the Maxwell Store closed its doors on December 31, 2001, after 135 years in business.
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