August 8, 2008
Maxwell’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. |
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 |
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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July 23, 2008
The Victorian House Museum in Millerburg, Ohio will host the First
Annual Holmes Co. Artisans Fair on August 23. The event will be from
1:00pm - 8:00pm. Area Holmes County artisans will be on site with
representative work and sign their artwork. This is a partnership with
local artisans sponsored by the Holmes County Historical Society in an
effort to promote cultural artist talent. The following artisans have
confirmed as of the date of this email:
Bonnie Doty - Acrylics and mixed media in florals and scenery
Dave Pratt - abstract organic shapes, mixed media, pastels
Don Weisgarber - Original watercolour paintings and prints
Cheryl Miller - architecture, landscapes, natural subjects
in graphite, color pencils, pastels
Vickie Boley - original oils and prints of local scenery
Beth Miller - local scenery in watercolor
Rob VanNatta - original impressionistic watercolor of local scenery
Louise Ritchy - Japanese fish art
Brooks Harris - Holmes County Historical Sketchbook
Jane Bilek (The Pretty Penny Shop) - Gourd Art, painted
furniture, and rocks
Ian Robinson (Tic Tock Gallery) Clock designs, repair and
horological photography
The artists will be located outside and inside of the Victorian House
Museum and a reduced admission price of $5.00 will get you into the
art show and tour the 28 room mansion. Refreshments will be served on
the front porch and Treavor McDowell will be performing on the keyboard.
Plan to come and enjoy the afternoon and evening as the area artisans
display their unique works of arts.
This is truly a Holmes County event, as all artisans must create their
own works. The Historical Society hopes to expand this event and make
it a signature event for Holmes County every year. This is a great event
to bring the family and enjoy some of the talented people that live
in the area. For additional information you can call 330-674-0022 or
visit our two websites,
www.victorianhouse.org. and www.holmeshistory.com.
Mark Boley
Executive Director
Holmes County Historical Society
www.victorianhouse.org
www.holmeshistory.com
email: info@holmeshistory.com
July 4, 2008
On the public square in Millersburg stands a massive granite monument dedicated to the soldiers of Holmes County. On the top of the monument stands a soldier in uniform at “parade rest”, facing north and carved from Concord, New Hampshire granite. The monument’s base is of native brown stone, and the shaft is made of dark Quincy granite from Massachusetts.
On the four sides of the shaft in raised letters are the names of the leaders of the first four wars of the United States. On the north side is Washington’s name engraved with this inscription: “Six soldiers of the Revolutionary War were residents of Holmes County, Ohio”. On the east side is the name Jackson, hero of the War of 1812, bearing this inscription: “In memory of the soldiers of the war A.D. 1812, who became citizens of Holmes County”. The south side is adorned by the name Scott, commander of the U.S. forces in the war with Mexico. This inscription reads: “More than 200 men from Holmes County served in the war with Mexico. They were engaged in the battles of Cerro Gordo, Contrera, Cerubusco, Motino Del Ray, Chapultepec, and San Cosme”. On the last and west side is the name Grant, and this inscription speaks for itself of the loyalty of our county: “In response to the different calls of the government two thousand and fourteen men went from Holmes County during the War of the Rebellion. They were engaged in many battles, from Philippi to Appomattox”. Regarding the Civil War, Holmes County, in proportion to population, furnished more troops than any other county in the state of Ohio.
This monument was erected by voluntary contributions from the citizens of Holmes County. A committee headed by Dr. John G. Bigham took on the task of raising money to pay for the soldiers’ monument. Letters soliciting contributions for the monument were sent out. Millersburg businessmen donated liberally and different sections of the county also sent in donations. Among other events, in January 1886 a fair and festival was held which lasted for ten whole days.
| Finally on July 4, 1887, the beautiful monument was unveiled and dedicated. It was a gala day in Millersburg for everyone. People from all parts of the county came to honor and pay tribute to the brave men who served our country in defending the rights of liberty.
 Moving in the Base of the Monument |
The Monument |
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